Get Ready For A Compact BMW
Over the years, the entire definition of what is considered a
small, medium, or large car has been turned on its side. Some
people measure a car's entire length to determine size, others
take into account its wheelbase, while still others give
consideration to the vehicle's interior room. No matter, BMW is
planning to import a car to the U.S. that is truly smaller than
any BMW that has ever graced American highways: the 1 Series is
coming to America...can you say, "Tiny BMW?"
Like Mercedes, the whole thought of a less than luxurious BMW
running around is almost blasphemy. Please don't think that this
hasn't been lost on Bavarian Motor Works as they study and
restudy the issue and decide whether to go ahead with the
planned introduction of the 1 Series. Long a producer of
vehicles from compacts on up, BMW knows that the U.S. market is
fickle and may reject the budget bimmer. Still, as the
marketplace continues to adjust and consumer tastes change, the
1 Series is ripe for importing to the U.S. Here is why:
- A compact BMW would be the "gateway" vehicle for BMW to
introduce the make to new consumers. Get them in a small bimmer
and they will be hooked for life. At least they can hope so!
- Sell what we sell in Europe, in the U.S. Yes, for years BMW
has been producing and selling small cars across the continent.
The 1 Series is not new, but the proposed model slated for U.S.
introduction will be a revamped model. Currently available as a
hatchback, BMW knows about our distaste for hatchbacks and is
looking at the first imported 1 Series being developed as a
sedan. Look for the car to get an Inline 6 and, perhaps, an
optional turbo diesel. Also look for the car to retail for about
$25,000, much higher than cars in its class. Hey, we're talking
BMW here, not Nissan.
- Expand the market. Yes, BMW is successful when it comes to
luxury vehicles, but even the more mass produced "commoner" cars
can help the automaker's bottom line. The U.S. market is very
profitable so why miss out on sales by holding back on the 1
Series?
So, when will the 1 Series makes it debut? Probably not before
summer 2007. If the model does arrive at that time, look for
Mercedes to quickly respond and import its compact model, the B
Series. Yes, German luxury is being redefined, but perhaps what
American motorists are witnessing is German engineering beyond
the typical luxury vehicles we are accustomed to driving. Sounds
a bit like Volkswagen, doesn't it?