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Mini Clubman Concept

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Washington DC July 6, 2007; The AIADA newsletter reported that Mini has confirmed that a longer version of its current Cooper will go on sale in Europe by the end of this year and in the U.S. by the first quarter of 2008.

Forbes reports that it will be called the Clubman and is based on the concept vehicle shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit two years ago.

Specifications and pricing for the Clubman have not been released, but Mini spokesperson Andrew Cutler did say that the vehicle has an "incremental increase" in interior space and will offer more rear legroom and cargo room. However, he stressed that "it's not a station wagon."

The Clubman was inspired by market research and Mini's heritage — the original company produced a wagon-like vehicle called the Traveller from 1962 to 1980.

Cutler said that Mini is planning to launch a new vehicle every year for the next few years. It seems likely that a new Cooper Convertible based on the updated coupe that debuted for 2007 is coming for 2009, but Cutler would not confirm this.