MINI Traveller redubbed Clubman
MotoringFile is reporting that MINI will be dropping the Traveller name for its upcoming long-wheelbase version of its iconic small car in favor of 'Clubman'. Several sources have told the site that a mess of copyright issues with the Traveller name provoked the switch, and while the MINI crew still needs to gain approval in order to use the Clubman badge (Honda owns the Clubman name in Japan), the effort will be small potatoes compared to what would've been required to legally use their first choice. We're not up on our MINI history, so we'll defer to MotoringFile to fill you in on the history of the Clubman name in the MINI brand. MotoringFile readers also collected a long list of name suggestions for the vehicle that was reportedly read by some people at MINI. Whether or not it was the janitor or the CEO is unknown. You can check out the full list here. Our favorites include the MINI XL, MINI+, MINI Canyonero and MINI Longfellow.
[Source: MotoringFile via Jalopnik]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Cole 5:22PM (8/23/2006)
I think Mini should for sure keep using non-alphanumeric names for the models, and things like + or XL wouldn't work. And XL is awful anyway. Extra large? That's not a mini. Touring and Travelman I both like. At first I totally hated Clubman, but I like it more now. It sounds cool going with Cooper, and a Clubman RS (perhaps that's too Audi) would be cool (turbo v6!).
However I also think that no matter what BMW calls or does with it, it will be done well and likely be a hit.
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villainy 6:08PM (8/23/2006)
I really hope Canyonero is meant as a Simpsons reference, otherwise im geekier than I had originally thought.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_vehicles_in_The_Simpsons#Canyonero
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Gary Hedrick 3:16PM (9/14/2006)
They should call the new wagon "HandiVan". The multi-door access and the size makes it ideal for handicapped persons as well as the handiman to carry tools and materials easily. My wife has only her right leg so the 2-door arrangement, opening opposed to one another, would allow her to get out of her wheelchair, stand on one leg, fold the chair and lift it into the back seat (chair would be standing between front and rear seats) and close the door before sliding herself into the drivers seat. The easy access of this wagon makes it the perfect vehicle for moderately handicapped indiiduals.
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Debbie Grace 6:05PM (9/14/2006)
I love this new model! I've been planning to get a MINI in the near future. Now I think I'll wait till the Clubman comes out. Sure hope it doesn't take three years to hit the dealership!
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David England 5:17PM (1/19/2007)
The Clubman was a mid-1970s facelift/alternative of the original Mini. It did away with the rounded front end and lights and gave a square grill appearance (fashionable design at the time) it was available as the two door or touring/estate/traveller/shooting break call it what you will, and had the twin rear doors.
The Clubman shape wasn't that popular and production reverted to the original shape, but Clubman remains a well known name in the UK.
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