In this week's collection of motoring murmurs, we hear why BMW isn't building another B-Class rival, how Hyundai is ready for any market eventuality, and more.
Munich’s MPVs make way for high-riders
Don’t expect to see a replacement for BMW’s 2 Series Active Tourer and seven-seat Gran Tourer, at least for some time. BMW’s product management vice-president, Peter Henrich, claims the current MPVs have “done an excellent job in bringing new customers to our brand” but are now “not at the centre of what our brand today stands for”. “We will see about moving Gran Tourer customers to our SUVs,” he added.
Volkswagen tightens its grip on power
Volkswagen sales boss Jürgen Stackmann says the firm has no concerns over battery supply limiting its ability to produce 100,000 ID 3 electric cars per year from 2020 onwards. Some car firms are struggling to secure enough batteries to meet demand, but Stackmann said VW’s supply was secure “as far as you have security in life and business. We will have stable and good supply for the volumes we want to build.”
Volvo grabs the green pump
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Mr BMW, you are wrong.
Our first BMW was the 220i Gran Tourer we currently have. So in respect that the model brought new customers to the brand, BMW are right. Where they are wrong is the idea that we will swap our Gran Tourer for an SUV. We won't. As FiveAlive says, MPVs have superior packaging to SUVs and we have no need for a (limited) ability to drive off-road. And we are not fashion victims :-)
Sure, the Gran Tourer is a bit awkward externally, but it's nice inside, which is what is the part we see when we're driving it, and it drives nicely. Not as roomy as some MPVs but roomy enough for us. We had a Mk1 S-Max before, and considered replacing it with a Mk2 but were put off by the extra size of the Mk2.
The 2 series GT and AT were
The 2 series GT and AT were embarrassing for the brand. Such "dull" vehicles surely aren't what a company which sells itself on sportiness and desirability should be producing.
Was the BMW man specifically
Was the BMW man specifically talking about 2series GT/AT? The quote says 'We'll see about moving Grand Tourer customers to SUVs'. The 3GT was culled in the last couple of weeks so would seem likely he meant all the GT models.
Bob Cat Brian wrote:
The 3 and 5 series GTs were a bit strangely proportioned, top heavy look, and have been replaced by the better looking 4 series and 6 series GTs.
WallMeerkat wrote:
There isnt a 4series GT. There is the 4 sereis GC, which has sold alongside the 3GT since their inception. Admittedly selling both does seem odd. To my eyes the 6GT looks as bad as the 5GT.