Mini Paceman; A Lesson In Economies Of Scale

by Derek Kreindler

Published: September 7th, 2012

mini paceman a lesson in economies of scale

Nowadays, the only way to make cars profitably is to take advantage of economies of scale; and nobody is better at maximizing the “one sausage, many lengths” method of automobile production than Mini. Forget talk of “brand values” and “heritage” – we’re in a different era now.

The Paceman, a two-door version of the Countryman crossover/four-door Mini, is intended to maximize volume for the brand, and capitalize on the two-door crossover niche currently monopolized by the Range Rover Evoque. Hopefully it drives better than the Countryman.

#EconomiesOfScale #Manufacturing #MINI #MINICountryman #MiniPaceman

Derek Kreindler

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INeon on Sep 07, 2012

I kind of like it. Right now, the PT Cruiser has too much people space and two too many portals for me. The PT's cargo space is ideal for a potter, and it is a little more car than something like a 500 or Fit. Maybe it needs to have panel coupe sides welded on instead. It is, apparently, wasteful to want a 2-door anything that isn't a supermegaultracoupe deluxe.

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- El scotto on Sep 07, 2012
  
  Who knows, there maybe some PT Cruisers left on dealer lots.
  
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- INeon on Sep 07, 2012
  
  @el scotto No no. I drive a PT. It's half-way too much car. Something in the same format, but with 2 less doors would be ideal-- and that's about what this car provides. Think of it as a shooting brake for dorks that are tired of damaging their bumpers on possum skulls, refuse and badly-maintained roads. There's no reason to be all "My car x is fantastic. Nothing could be better!" all the time. You've not got to take ownership of a car to discuss it. Some of our commentariat should learn this.
  
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- GiddyHitch on Sep 09, 2012
  
  @el scotto "Think of it as a shooting brake for dorks that are tired of damaging their bumpers on possum skulls, refuse and badly-maintained roads." Where the hell are you driving that those are concerns?
  
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FJ60LandCruiser on Sep 10, 2012

Clearly the target demographic picks up male prostitutes, according to the stock photos...

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Recent Comments

El scotto They should be supping with a very, very long spoon.
El scotto [list=1][*]Please make an EV that's not butt-ugly. Not Jaguar gorgeous but Buick handsome will do.[/*][*] For all the golf cart dudes: A Tesla S in Plaid mode will be the fastest ride you'll ever take.[/*][*]We have actual EV owners posting on here. Just calmly stated facts and real world experience. This always seems to bring out those who would argue math.[/*][/list=1]For some people an EV will never do, too far out in the country, taking trips where an EV will need recharged, etc. If you own a home and can charge overnight an EV makes perfect sense. You're refueling while you're sleeping.My condo association is allowing owners to install chargers. You have to pay all of the owners of the parking spaces the new electric service will cross. Suggested fee is 100$ and the one getting a charger pays all the legal and filing fees. I held out for a bottle of 30 year old single malt.Perhaps high end apartments will feature reserved parking spaces with chargers in the future. Until then non home owners are relying on public charge and one of my neighbors is in IT and he charges at work. It's call a perk.I don't see company owned delivery vehicles that are EV's. The USPS and the smiley boxes should be the 1st to do this. Nor are any of our mega car dealerships doing this and but of course advertising this fact.I think a great many of the EV haters haven't came to the self-actualization that no one really cares what you drive. I can respect and appreciate what you drive but if I was pushed to answer, no I really don't care what you drive. Before everyone goes into umbrage over my last sentence, I still like cars. Especially yours.I have heated tiles in my bathroom and my kitchen. The two places you're most likely to be barefoot. An EV may fall into to the one less thing to mess with for many people.Macallan for those who were wondering.
EBFlex The way things look in the next 5-10 years no. There are no breakthroughs in battery technology coming, the charging infrastructure is essentially nonexistent, and the price of entry is still way too high.As soon as an EV can meet the bar set by ICE in range, refueling times, and price it will take off.
Jalop1991 Way to bury the lead. "Toyota to offer two EVs in the states"!
Jalop1991 I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that.