Fears that the new Mini Clubman estate would feature plastic trim, instead of the wood that adorned the original Mini Countryman have been allayed by manufacturer BMW.
Last week the Daily Express ran a picture of the new model and reported that, while similar to its predecessor, the ‘wood trims will be made of plastic’.
But BMW spokesperson Mark Harrison told TTJ that, the picture used by the Express was a computer mock-up.
‘Actually, plans for this model are at a very early stage,’ he said. ‘It certainly has not been decided to use plastic if we go ahead with the model and, if the UK timber industry comes up with an offer BMW can’t refuse, who knows ?’
TRADA Technology managing director Andrew Abbott said he had contacted BMW and was hoping to meet the Mini development team.
‘We’d like to tell them what we and the timber industry can do,’ he said.
He added that using timber on the Clubman would tie in with growing consumer perceptions of wood and wood products as a ‘fashion and lifestyle statement’.
