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MINI Prepping Panel Van Show Car For Geneva: Report

Rumour has it that MINI will unveil a two-door panel van concept car at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show this March, paving the way for a revival of the much-loved Mini Van of the early 1960s.

Reports from the German motoring media have an un-named sourc


Rumour has it that MINI will unveil a two-door panel van concept car at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show this March, paving the way for a revival of the much-loved Mini Van of the early 1960s.

Reports from the German motoring media have an un-named source within BMW confirming that the MINI panel van will be primarily aimed at commercial users, rather than the brand's traditional customer base of fashion-conscious young professionals.

Provisionally dubbed 'MINI Cargo', the panel van will reportedly be based on the Clubman's stretched platform, with the rear seats removed to create a flat cargo area.

Sheet metal will replace the rear side glass, however it's not clear whether the roof will be raised to accomodate more cargo.

It's also unclear what modifications - if any - will be made to the Clubman's rear suspension.

Leaf-sprung live axles are de-rigeur for the light commercial van segment, but all MINIs currently utilise a sophisticated independent multi-link rear suspension.

If the rumours are true, then it's an unusual move for MINI.

However, with small car-based vans like the Volkswagen Caddy and Renault Kangoo continuing to be popular in Europe, the MINI Cargo could potentially be another winner for the BMW-owned lifestyle brand.

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