Mini Suv Confirmed: Production Outsourced to Magna, Austria

There is a new Mini coming in 2010 with more space, and the SAV label. Yes thats right folks the rumored Mini SAV has been confirmed and it will be built by Magna Steyr  Fahrzeugtechnik in Graz, Austria.  "The cooperation with Magna Steyr is an efficient way for BMW Group to ensure the planned profitable growth through new model launches set out in the company’s strategic alignment." 

With the high demand all of the different Mini models, and the huge interest of the Mini Sav, Mini had to think of a way to get the Mini SAVS produced without cutting into the production numbers of their current lineup ,hence why the choose Magna to produce the  new Mini SAV's.  Frank-Peter Arndt, Head of Production and Member of of the Board of Management of BMW AG , states in the press release the "Magna solution" will also allow us to bring the MINI SAV to the market as quickly as possible.”
Just who is Magna and why are they trusted with the Mini SAV production?   For those that don't know, Magna is an experienced partner of the BMW Group and helped produce the BMW X3.  The co-CEO of Magna International sees the new production work as a "huge recognition of the work that Magna Steyr has achieved so far through its partnership with BMW Group. " 

One things for sure, this new Mini SAV has got us buzzing.

Press Release:

Official BMW Group Press Release: The new MINI Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) will be built by Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik in Graz, Austria. The vehicle concept, devised by MINI Design and BMW Group engineers, has been entrusted to Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik for series development and for later production.

The cooperation with Magna Steyr is an efficient way for BMW Group to ensure the planned profitable growth through new model launches set out in the company’s strategic alignment.

By outsourcing production of the MINI SAV, BMW Group is able to increase flexibility within its own production network. This allows the lead plant for MINI production in Oxford to fully direct its midterm capacity of 260,000 units towards meeting demand for the three core models MINI, MINI Convertible and MINI Clubman. It is this outsourcing of MINI SAV production that makes the extension of the MINI family possible. Frank-Peter Arndt, Head of Production and Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, explains the advantages: “By using Magna Steyr for production, we are able to give our own Production Network some breathing space to respond fully to market needs. This solution will also allow us to bring the MINI SAV to the market as quickly as possible.”

Magna Steyr is an experienced partner of BMW Group, having already produced the highly successful BMW X3. Speaking about the new contract, Siegfried Wolf, co-CEO of Magna International, sees this as a “huge recognition of the work that Magna Steyr has achieved so far through its partnership with BMW Group. Above all, I’m delighted for our employees, as this will allow us to set another milestone in our long-running and successful cooperation with BMW Group. As we have done before, we will work on this vehicle programme with our fullest commitment to ensure that we meet BMW Group’s high expectations.”

As with all partnerships, BMW Group itself will be steering all aspects concerning the brand and the concept of the MINI SAV project. Thus, the majority of the drive train development will be realised by BMW. In addition, BMW Group will design the supply contracts with the suppliers whilst Magna will be responsible for call-offs during series production. The MINI designers will ensure that the vehicle will be a true MINI.

Further details about the product and production will be communicated prior to the vehicle’s market launch.

  [Source: BMW]