September27
BMW's minivan-like R-Class competitor has been scrapped, according to CEO Norbert Reithofer. After twelve months of intense discussion, the company "decided it does not fit BMW’s image," Reithofer said. Instead, it will pursue a "Progressive Activity Sedan."
Reithofer made the announcement during his speech on the automaker's strategy for the next five to ten years. As reported earlier, he also revealed plans for a production version of the CS concept, plus new MINI and Rolls-Royce models.
Announced in 2005, the "Space-Function Concept" was intended to rival the Mercedes R-Class as a minivan-SUV crossover. The plans were first disclosed at the Geneva auto show that year.
Incidentally, Leftlane uncovered a BMW trademark for the term "Progressive Activity Sedan" (PAS) just a few days before Reithofer's speech.
He said a concept bearing that name will focus on efficient packaging and high levels of functionality. "Expect this concept to introduce its own interpretation of the sedan and to surprise you with intelligent features," Reithofer said.
With this in mind, it's clear recent spy photos show a prototype Progressive Activity Sedan rather than the so-called "V-Series" Space-Function Concept.
BMW is driving me nuts with it's SAC, SAV, PAS "re-inventions" of a thing we all know for ages: a damn car delivering sheer driving pleasures. Bring more of these, please, and call it whatever you want!
That is the smartest thing that BMW has done for a while! And stop trying to make "Activity" vehicles household names (Progressive Activity Sedan, Sports Activity Coupe, Sports Activity Vehicle)
Hurray! No BMW minivan!
So their "sedan" is a hatchback, and their "coupe" is an SUV… would they come out with a Conservative Activity Truck that actually is a mousetrap?
Amen jamaicandude…amen.
BMW is going to cut back on R&D and focus more on better emissions of BMW vehicles since the EU is going to instate tighter restrictions for petrol and diesel engines in 2010/2011. Shareholders and even the Quandt family are wanting BMW to start making a return for investors.
Saw a blacked out R63 AMG at a tuner show. Looked sweet.
^ Agreed Wicked, it's a sick car when done up right
GOOD ! if you want to carry kids around just buy an S-MAX
Another fine BMW middle finger to MB. Benz is barely selling any R-classes in the US, meanwhile BMW introduces the twin-turbo 6 and a brand-new m3. BMW is fortunate that it was Benz who failed with one of these glorified minivans first, now they don't need to repeat the mistake. However, saying it "does not fit BMW's image" was a bit out of line and a low-blow to Benz who at the very least took a mediocre risk; we all know that hindsight is 20/20.
drivingisfun, don't forget MB's failure w/ Chrysler and Bmw's success w/ Mini
? Really? I see these R-classes all over the place. I also thought it would be a dud (who wants so much power/price for a minivan?) but it doesn't seem to be the case.
THE UP-COMING R CLASS WILL BE VERY SUCCESSFUL IN ALL SEGMENTS…..JUST A MATTER OF TIME.
GOOD LUCK TO THEIR PROGRESSIVE MOVE.
CAPS RULE