Next-gen MINI may feature "clip-on" roof; will most likely not match your hideous "clip-on" tie

MINI production has been a bit behind lately due to the number of customers requesting custom roof paint schemes that differ from their vehicle's body color, a procedure that considerably slows the paintshop's output and thus the entire manufacturing process. The solution, which may be implemented in 2007 for the next-generation MINI, could be a plastic roof panel that clips on to the rain gutter and overlays the actual roof, thus quickening assembly and allowing for even greater customization. A few companies currently offer giant vinyl roof stickers for MINIs, but many owners prefer painted designs as after time stickers can bubble and peel and in general look kind of cheesy. The next-gen MINI will see a stretched chassis to accommodate a "sports estate", and possibly a compact MPV/MINIvan.