A Manual Mini Just Became a Collector’s Item

MINI pauses manual transmission manufacturing.  Like many auto manufacturers, MINI is also facing supply chain issues and this has created a slowdown in the production of their next generation of core models, including the Countryman Crossover and the three-door Hatchback. Because of the supply chain issues, MINI has had to simplify the production of cars on the assembly lines, and the bottom line is that the company has decided to temporarily cease the production of MINI vehicles with a manual gearbox. How long this production halt will last is not known but most experts indicate that it should last for most of 2022 and probably longer. What this means is that owners who already have a MINI with a manual gearbox might have a collector’s item in hand.

The key item that has halted the production of manual MINIs is the short supply of microchips. There is a solid demand for microchips, and this has also affected the global market. For now, MINI has not stated if the move to cease manual MINIs will be a temporary or a permanent move.

When looking at why MINI pauses manual transmission manufacturing, other factors that are affecting the supply chain in the car industry include the war in Ukraine and shortages in semiconductors. One of the issues for MINI is the wiring harness that comes from Ukraine is also not available. It is the wiring harness that holds together the system of wires inside the car. Without stability in the supply chain, MINI states it is pointless to make partial manual cars that will just sit on the assembly line. Instead, the company has decided to focus on the production of automatic MINIs to meet customer demands.

If the microchip shortages continue, the next generation of MINI models will only be automatic models. This will primarily affect the Countryman and the new Hatchback, which are expected to go on sale in early spring next year.

While the manual gearbox MINIs are on hold, MINI is also set to release a fully electric version in two trims. The base-level model will have a 40kWh battery that will provide a range of 185 miles on a single charge. The more powerful variant will have a 50kWh battery pack that will have a range of 250 miles.

Like other car manufacturers in the last fifty years, MINI has traditionally sold more automatics than manual cars. However, there are many MINI customers who prefer cars with a manual gearbox. At present, MINI offers a manual gearbox with its MINI Cooper hardtop, hardtop 4-door, and the MINI Cooper Clubman. Since MINI pauses manual transmission manufacturing, so far, there is no set timetable on how long the production hold on a manual MINI will last. MINI has said that it will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that its customers remain satisfied with its new automatic models. The supply chain shortage is also being heavily felt by GM, BMW, Ford, and many others. If you have a manual MINI, do not be in a hurry to get rid of it because it may not only increase in value, but perhaps it will become a classic.

To learn more about MINIs, visit Braman Motorcars online, in person, or call them at 1-561-666-4791.