Mini Clubman discontinued after 17 years of glory

Kenneth John Published: February 07, 2024, 02:28 PM IST

Mini has discontinued the production of the Clubman after a spectacular 17-year career, opening the way for the electric Aceman to grab the spotlight as its successor. The Mini Clubman, distinguished for its unusual estate body and revolutionary vertically split tailgate, debuted to the Indian market in its second generation in 2016, following its global debut in 2007. Manufactured in Mini's Oxford factory in Cowley, the Clubman played a crucial part in Mini's overall range resurgence.

The Clubman has been phased out to make way for the Aceman crossover and petrol variants of the new Cooper (in three-door, five-door, and convertible body styles), which will be manufactured until 2030.

The Mini Clubman initially debuted in 1969. It was then terminated in 1982, after being renamed the 1000HL. Following a 25-year hiatus and Mini's transition to BMW ownership, the Clubman debuted once again in 2007. Over 1.1 million Clubman cars have been produced, with more than half of them manufactured in Mini's Oxfordshire facility.

The last Clubman model is the Final Edition, which was released in 2023. It was limited to 1,969 pieces to commemorate the year it was released. It also has an edition-specific Shimmer Copper radiator grille and side scuttles, 18-inch Final Edition Spoke two-tone alloy wheels, and unique 'Final Edition' branding on the back.

Markus Gruneisl, CEO of Mini's plants in Oxford and Swindon, said; "With its departure, we look ahead to welcoming members of the new MINI family to our Oxford and Swindon lines, including a new convertible model which we will start to produce at the end of this year".

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