New 2002 Rumors Timeline
1. (5/22/98 SMH) Kacher report quotes Pischetstreider on the possible "new 2002" (set to arrive in 2003)
The New 2002? c.1998
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2. (9/98 Roundel) Heard on the Strasse reports that BMW is "seriously considering" producing a "new 2002 for 2002."
3. (2/99 issue of "Car") Reports that BMW is mulling strategies for a Rover and BMW compact hatchback (BMW would be a "2-series") - could be FWD, RWD, or borrow Golf platform from VW.
4. (2/2/99)BMW Board meeting in which Pischetsreider is ousted and Reitzle resigns. Milberg is new CEO within hours of the meeting.
5. 4/99 issue of "Car") Reports that Milberg plans to create a FWD 2-series based on a previously abandoned BMW design.
Concept drawing
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6. (5/18/99) New chairman Joachim Milberg announces strategy that specifically excludes a "2-series" vehicle or any BMW-branded vehicle below the 3-series (leaving these markets are for the Rover, MG, and Mini),
7. (5/2000) BMW "sells" Rover to the Phoenix Group, retains Mini brand and the new MINI.
8. (Summer/Fall 2000) Reports indicate that BMW is again considering a 2, or perhaps 1-series car. Sale of Rover
9. (10/2000 issue of "Car") Interview with Joachim Milberg who claims to have been driving a 2002 over the weekend. Milberg openly discusses a forthcoming "baby BMW" available as sedan and coupe - and will definitely be RWD.
10. (2/2001) Official 1-series announcement
(3/2002) BMW shows cs1 at Geneva autoshow.
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