With rumblings about BMW AG adding a fourth brand, what better brand than Triumph?

In fact, how about a 21st century Triumph Spitfire or TR4?

BMW said today (Sept. 27) that it is considering another brand. BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed this during a press conference to discuss the company's 10-year strategy.

The carmaker's current brands are Rolls-Royce, BMW and Mini.

I can think of four reasons why BMW should resurrect the Triumph brand and sell those cars in Mini showrooms:

-- While the Triumph brand disappeared in 1984, it is still a well-respected name with loads of cachet. The brand produced a wide range of British classics: the 1950s TR3, 1960s TR4 and 1970s TR6. Ditto for the '60s Spitfires.

Those beautifully styled two-passenger roadsters and coupes still turn heads, and one of those models could be the inspiration for a 21st century Triumph model.

-- There's no need to re-invent the wheel. The rear-drive vehicle architecture already exists -- it is hidden under the popular, well-received BMW 1 series. Of course, a slight shortening of the wheelbase would be needed. As for engines, just look under the hood of the 1 series.

-- Mini dealers need more models. Today, the Mini line is limited to a front-drive, three-door hatchback and a convertible. The wagon-like Clubman goes on sale in Europe next month; U.S. sales begin early next year. Mini will add a crossover, Reithofer said today. Plus, there is talk about a four-door sedan, maybe a pickup, both are years off at best.

The bottom line: Mini's model line will be limited to several flavors of the same model. Mini dealers need a second brand to insure their profitability in the coming decades.

-- The original Triumph Spitfire was not as premium as say the Austin Healy 3000 in the '60s, but it was several steps above the little MG Midget. Throughout its life it remained an affordable, fun-to-drive sports car. When it comes to price, a new Spitfire could be positioned somewhere above the Mini and below the BMW Z4. So could a TR.

While such iconic British names as MG and Austin Healy are now the property of the Chinese, guess who owns "Triumph"? BMW.

The German automaker has done an excellent job with Mini. That car has received a long list of accolades worldwide.

Herr Reithofer: Do the same magic for Triumph!

You may e-mail Rick Kranz at rkranz@crain.com