Mini (BMW)

Infobox Brand
logo=
name=Mini


type=Automotive brand
currentowner=flagicon|DE BMW AG
origin=flagicon|UK United Kingdom
discontinued=
related=
markets=Global
assembly = flagicon|UK Cowley, England
previousowners=British Leyland Rover Group
trademarkregistrations=
website=http://www.mini.com/

Mini (styled as MINI) is a British automotive brand owned by the German BMW Group that has produced a redesign of the traditional Mini in Oxford, England since April 2001. Currently three body variants are available: Hatchback, Convertible and Clubman (estate).

Overview

The car, whose first generation was designed by Frank Stephenson,cite book | title=Mini | author=Paterick C. Paternie | id= ISBN 0-7603-1157-9 ] is drawing inspiration from the original Mini, which was manufactured by the British Motor Corporation and its successors from 1959 to 2000. The name of the car´s brand, MINI, is all-capitalized to distinguish it from its predecessor.cite web | url = http://www.bmweducation.co.uk/coFacts/view.asp?docID=17&topicID=3 | title = BMW Operations and Production: Can you tell me more about the Mini? | publisher = BMW | accessdate = 2006-05-01] body plant. [cite book
title=Making Cars at Cowley
author=Gillian Bardsley, Stephen King
publisher=Tempus Publishing
year=2006
id=ISBN 0-7524-3902-2]

The 2001 to 2006 model years included four hatchback models: the basic "Mini One", the diesel-engined "Mini One/D", the sportier "Mini Cooper" and the supercharged "Mini Cooper S". In 2005 a convertible roof option was added. In November 2006 BMW released a re-engineered version of the Mini which is unofficially known as the "Mk II Mini".cite journal|title=Introducing the 2007 Mini Cooper S|journal=MC2 Magazine|issue=5|publisher=Barry Brazier|month=November | year=2006] The Mk II is currently available as a hatchback and an estate (Clubman). The convertible is still basing on the Mk I.

The Mini was designed and engineered to replace the long running Rover 100 and the larger Rover 200, both deemed unsuitable for the modern world automobile market. The Mini was supposed to replace low-end models of the 200 and high-end models of the 100 with a Rover 35 replacing high end 200s and low end 400s. After the divestment of MG Rover, the Mini was instead marketed as a small yet desirable city car rather than a mainstream replacement of the 100 and 200.

First generation

Mk I Mini Hatchback

Infobox Automobile generation |sp=uk
name = First generation


production = 2001-2006 (Mk I hardtop)
2005-2008 (Mk I convertible)
engine = 1.4L Tritec I4 (One)
1.4L Toyota "1ND-TV" diesel (D)
1.6L Tritec I4 (Cooper)
1.6L Tritec supercharged I4 (S)

body_style = 3-door Hatchback
2-door Convertible
transmission = CVT
5-speed manual
6-speed automatic and manual
wheelbase = auto in|97.1|0
length = 2002-03 Base: auto in|142.8|0
2004-06 Base & Convertible: auto in|143.1|0
S Hatchback & Convertible: auto in|143.9|0
width = auto in|66.5|0
height = 2002-03 Base: auto in|55.9|0
2002-03 S: auto in|56.2|0
2004-06 Base: auto in|55.4|0
2004-06 S: auto in|55.8|0
2004-06 Convertible: auto in|55.5|0
weight = auto lb|2496In Portugal and Greece, the Mini One was powered by a 1.4 litre I4 version of the Tritec engine but all other petrol powered Minis used the 1.6 litre I4 version.cite book|title=Mini Owners Workshop Manual July 2001 to 2005 (Y to 05 reg) Petrol|id=ISBN 1 84425 273 6] cite book | title=Mini Cooper Service Manual: Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper S, 2002, 2003, 2004 | id=ISBN 0-8376-1068-0 ] Since 2004, a soft-top convertible option has been available across the entire range. [http://www.mini.com/ Gateway to official Mini websites worldwide] ]

There are numerous styling and badging differences between the models, perhaps the most obvious being that the Cooper S has a distinctive scoop cut into the bonnet. The Cooper S also has twin exhausts which exit under the centre of the rear valance. The (non-S) Cooper has more chrome parts than the Mini One and has a single exhaust. The Mini One D has no visible exhaust pipes at all.

In some markets, such as Australia and the US, only the Mini Cooper and Cooper S are sold because the Mini One's engine was considered to deliver insufficient power to run an air conditioner — a necessary feature in those markets. Almost fifty percent of all Minis sold in Australia and about seventy percent of those sold in the US are the top-of-the-range Cooper S model. Other models of note, sold in varying markets around the world, are the MINI Seven, MINI Parklane, MINI Check Mate, and MINI Monte Carlo.

The names "Cooper" and "Cooper S" echo the names used for the sportier version of the classic Mini which in turn come from the involvement of John Cooper and the Cooper Car Company. The Cooper heritage is further emphasised with the "John Cooper Works" (JCW) range of tuning options that are available with the Mini. John Cooper also created a one-off racing model of the Mini Cooper S named the Mini Cooper S Works. This car features many extras which help to improve performance, such as a racing exhaust and air filter as well as uprated suspension. The car also has one-of-a-kind 17-inch racing wheels.cite book | title=Motoring: Getting the Maximum from Your New Mini | author=Gary Anderson; Don Racine | id=ISBN 0-9765780-0-X ]

The "Mk I" Mini One, Cooper and Cooper S used a Brazilian-built Chrysler-designed Tritec engine, while the Mini One D used a Toyota-built diesel engine. In August 2006, BMW announced that engines would in future be built in the UK, making the car essentially British-built again, with final assembly at Cowley and the body pressings being made in nearby Swindon at BMW's Swindon Pressings Ltd subsidiary.

While the modern Mini uses none of the engineering of the original Mini, it does capture much of the spirit of the classic car. Like the original, it uses a transversely-mounted four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels. All four wheels are pushed to the corners of the body which is a 'two-box' or 'hot hatch' design. The styling of the car, like that of the Volkswagen New Beetle, is a retro design that is deliberately reminiscent of the original Mini with contrasting roof colours, optional bonnet stripes, optional rally lights and with black trim around the wheel arches and rocker panels that mimic the wide wheel flares found on many classic Minis.

The Mini One and Mini Cooper were available with a continuously variable transmission or with a conventional Midlands five-speed manual transmission (model year 2001-2004), later replaced with a Getrag five-speed unit for 2005 onwards. The Cooper S comes with a six-speed Getrag manual or (from the 2005 model year onwards) a fully automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

As standard, the Mini had a 'drive by wire' electronic throttle, electronic brakeforce distribution, cornering brake control and electronic stability control (standard or optional, depending on model and region) to improve control and handling in adverse conditions.cite book | title=You & Your New Mini: Buying, Enjoying, Maintaining, Modifying | author=Tim Mundy | id=ISBN 1-84425-028-8 ]

Adding a supercharger to the 1st generation Cooper S model required that the battery be relocated into the rear of the car - leaving no room for a spare tyre. Hence this model comes with run flat tyres as standard.

Mk I Mini Convertible

At the 'Salon International de l'Auto' (Geneva Motor Show) in 2004, Mini introduced a cabriolet (convertible) model which was released in the 2005 model year and available in One, Cooper and Cooper S versions.The convertible roof is fully automatic - an unusual feature in such a small car - and can be opened partially to act as a sunroof whilst the car is driving at speed. The convertible model forsakes the rear hatch of the hardtop Mini - replacing it with a drop down 'tailgate' design reminiscent of the classic Mini and incorporating similarly prominent external hinges. The convertible also adds two small power windows for the rear seat passengers which are retracted automatically as the roof opens. The roof is made from a heavy cloth with many layers of insulation; the rear window is of glass and has a heater/defroster but no washer or wiper.

At the 2007 North American International Auto Show, Mini introduced the limited edition of Mini Cooper S Sidewalk Convertible. It has a top speed of Auto km/h|215|0. 0-100 km/h only takes 7.9 seconds. It has convert|168|hp|abbr=on and Auto Nm|220|0 of torque.

The Works GP Mini

The last version to be made with the Tritec engine is the Mini Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit, a lightweight, race-prepped John Cooper Works model. Hand-finished by Bertone in Italy, it was produced as a limited-production run of 2000 cars in 2006, originally with 444 of those ear-marked for the UK market (although ultimately 459 were sold). The GP features more bolstered front seats but has no rear seats, which along with reduced sound-deadening, deleting the rear wash-wipe, offering optional air-conditioning and making other steps to reduce the overall weight, resulted in a weight saving of around Auto kg|40|0 over a Cooper S. Additionally, the car has enhanced braking, suspension, a smooth underbody and convert|218|hp from the John Cooper Works engine modification package. In place of the rear seats there is additional body stiffening and below-floor storage areas. There are many unique styling points such as the red door mirrors, a carbon fibre rear spoiler, unique body kit, bespoke (2 kg lighter) 4-spoke alloy wheels and specialised badging. Available in just one colour scheme, Thunder Blue with a Pure Silver roof, each car is individually numbered and features a decal on the roof along with a plaque on the dashboard. The last of the supercharged Minis and a genuine Limited Edition model, it is expected that the Mini Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit will become a collectors' item.

econd generation

MkII Mini Hatchback

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Second generation hatchback


production = 2007-present (hardtop)
2009-present (convertible)
engine = 1.4L Prince I4 (One)
1.6L Prince I4 (Cooper)
1.6L Peugeot DV6 diesel I4 (Cooper D)
1.6L Prince turbocharged I4 (Cooper S)
body_style = 3-door Hatchback
2-door Convertible
transmission = 6-speed automatic and manual
wheelbase = auto in|97.1|0
length = Hardtop: auto in|145.6|0 Hardtop S: auto in|146.2|0 Convertible: auto in|143.1|0 Convertible S: auto in|143.9|0
width = Hardtop: auto in|66.3|0
Convertible: auto in|66.5|0
height = Hardtop: auto in|55.4|0
Convertible: auto in|55.5|0

Mini introduced a new, second generation of the car for the 2007 model year, Mk II Mini (or R56), on a re-engineered platform with many stylistic and engineering changes. The engine architecture is shared with PSA Peugeot Citroën and is intended to be more cost effective. The engineering was done in the United Kingdom by BMW Group UK Engineering, in Munich, Germany at BMW Group HQ and with external third parties.

The so-called "Mk II Mini" (echoing the 'mark number' naming convention of the classic Mini) was introduced in November 2006 in the Cooper and Cooper S trim and the range was completed in 2007 with the Mk II Mini One. For the first time, there was a diesel-powered Cooper available from April 2007, badged as the Cooper D. The Mini convertible will continue to use the Mk I platform for at least a year.

Though the Mk II has a familiar look, every panel on the new car has been changed from the old model. New safety requirements mean that the overall length has increased by Auto mm|60|1, the front end raised and the indicators have been repositioned inside the headlights. The headlights themselves are now fixed to the front quarter panels rather than being housed within the bonnet so that they are not raised up with it when the bonnet opens. The car features a restyled grille and larger rear light clusters. The Cooper S retains the bonnet scoop in order to keep an association with the outgoing model — although the relocation of the intercooler to the front of the engine means that the scoop is now purely decorative. In addition, the Cooper S no longer has the battery located under the boot floor, instead being found in the more conventional place. The C pillars are no longer encased in glass and have been shaped to improve aerodynamics and to reduce the tendency for dirt to accumulate on the back of the car. Much criticized for the lack of rear legroom, Mini added more space for rear passengers by creating sculpted cut-outs in the rear of the front seats. An engine starter button replaces the conventional ignition key and, with the optional 'convenience package', the car unlocks itself automatically when the key is brought close to the car.

The Cooper and Cooper S models offer a new rear axle and aluminium components to reduce the car's weight and a Sports kit option comprising harder springs, damper and anti-roll bars is offered with both variants. Another key difference is the introduction of an upgraded electric power steering system, the sharpness of which can be increased by pressing a Sport button in front of the shifter (both auto and manual) - which also adjusts the response of the accelerator. In conjunction with automatic transmission, the Sport Button also allows the engine to rev almost to the red line before changing gear.

As for engines, the Tritec engine has been replaced in the Cooper model with a 120 bhp 1.6-litre Prince engine with BMW's Valvetronic infinitely variable valve timing, developed on and with Peugeot's core engine. It is reported in early road tests that this takes the car from 0-62 mph in a claimed 9.1 seconds (0-60 mph: 8.5 seconds)cite web | url = http://www.jbcarpages.com/mini/cooper/2007/specs/ | title = Mini Cooper Specs | work=JB car pages | accessdate = 2008-03-21] and has top speed of convert|125|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on. Fuel economy of mpg (Imperial)|48.7|lk=on on the combined cycle is nearly 8 mpg better. The more powerful convert|175|bhp|abbr=on Cooper S replaces the supercharger with a new twin scroll turbocharger in the interests of efficiency, and will feature gasoline direct injection. Subsequently, this engine does not feature Valvetronic. This engine also has an "overboost" function which temporarily raises the torque by 15 ft·lbf (20 N·m) under hard acceleration. As a result, 0-62 mph is covered in a claimed 7.1 seconds (0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds), and top speed is convert|140|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on. It achieves similar improvements in fuel economy to the Cooper, returning mpg (Imperial)|40.9 combined. Both cars come with six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. The turbocharged engine is the same (although with some French engineering modifications) as the one in the Peugeot 207 GTi/RC.

From 2008, all Mini models are equipped with BMW EfficientDynamics fuel-saving technology. This includes a start-stop feature shutting off the engine when the car is stationary (this is not available in 2008 Mini Cooper in the US market). When the gas pedal is depressed the engine is restarted with electricity generated from Brake Energy Regeneration. The Cooper D model attains mpg (Imperial)|74.0 and emits 104 g of carbon dioxide per 100 kilometres. A Mini One D is a possibility in the future, possible attaining even better fuel efficiency and lower emissions of greenhouse gases than the Cooper D, which is itself quite comparable to the Toyota Prius for fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions (potentially better than the Prius at higher rpm). Efficient Dynamics is standard in all Mini models, making Mini the first automotive brand to have all models in its range as mild hybrids as standard (Mini's parent, BMW, is still in the process of implementing Efficient Dynamics across its older models).

All models of the Mk II with optional DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) also include "Hill Assist", a feature which prevents the car from rolling backwards on an incline by holding the brakes on for 2 seconds after the driver lifts their foot from the brake pedal, allowing them time to engage the accelerator.

The interior of the Mk II echoes the style of the earlier model but is in fact a complete redesign. The boot of the new car has an additional 10 litres of load space. Other changes in design - both visible and otherwise - have contributed to the Mini's recently awarded 5 stars in the Euro NCAP tests. One example is the higher front bonnet, which now complies with the European pedestrian collision regulations.

The Mk II Mini is built by Mini's Production Triangle: Plant Swindon (body panels), Plant Hams Hall (engine) and finally Plant Oxford, where final assembly work is completed. [ [http://paultan.org/archives/2006/10/16/mini-production-triangle-and-oxford-plant-tour/ "Mini Production Triangle and Oxford Plant Tour"] , Paultan.org, October 16, 2006]

Mini Clubman

Infobox Automobile generation
name=Mini Clubman


production=2007-present
engine = 1.4L Prince I4
1.6L Peugeot DV6 diesel I4 (D)
1.6L Prince turbocharged I4 (S)
transmission=6-speed (automatic and manual)
wheelbase=Auto in|100.3
length=Auto in|155|0 S:Auto in|155.83|0
width=Auto in|66.3|0
height=Auto in|56.1|0 S:Auto in|56.4|0
body_style=5-door estate

The Mini Clubman is a separate model available in Cooper, Cooper S, and Cooper D variations. The Clubman models are identical up to the B-Pillar to the hatchback models including the engines used and, although the car is longer, the suspension set-up at the back shares many of the same designs features. For example, the rear trailing arms are the same, as are the anti-roll bars. It is auto in|9.5|0 longer to accommodate more leg room and a larger boot. It has double doors as a boot instead of a pull-up hatch. It also features a Club Door on the right-hand side for passengers in the back.

The use of the name 'Clubman' for the Mini estate van is a break with classic Mini tradition. It was originally the name given to the 1970s facelift of the Mini which mostly resulted in a squarer front end. The classic Mini estates were named either 'Traveller' or 'Countryman'. However, BMW did not purchase the rights to use those names.clear

Mini John Cooper Works (R56)

Based on the John Cooper Works Challenge car, it is a version with higher output engine, and BMW's Dynamic Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control.

Engine is rated convert|208|bhp|abbr=on and 192 lb-ft, achieved by reducing compression ratio to 10.0:1, and increasing boost from the Cooper S' 0.9 bar to 1.3 bar. [ [http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/112_0810_2009_mini_john_cooper_works_first_look/index.html First Drive: 2009 Mini John Cooper Works] ]

The Mini Cooper body model is called John Cooper Works Hardtop, while the Mini Clubman body model is called John Cooper Works Clubman.

The models were unveiled in 2008 Geneva Auto Show, as 2009 vehicles. [ [http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightline/2008/03/2009-mini-john-cooper-works-2008-geneva-auto-show.html 2009 Mini John Cooper Works: 2008 Geneva Auto Show] ]

Prototype and concept cars

Rover first showed the Mini as the ACV30 concept car in 1997. This looked very different from the production Mini. It had circular headlamps, huge wheel flares and a much more rounded appearance overall compared to the production design.

Before the first sales of the new Mini, prototype versions were shown at the 2000 Paris Auto Show. These were essentially identical to the version that was finally sold except that the colours used ('Candy Blue' and 'Flamenco Orange') have never been used in production cars.

BMW demonstrated a hydrogen-powered internal combustion technology in some of their concept cars in 2000 and 2001, and Mini showcased a hydrogen powered concept car in 2001 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The car differs from electric-motor hydrogen concepts, such as the Honda FCX in that it uses a cylinder-based internal combustion engine.

An all-electric Mini is in use at the British Embassy in Mexico that uses around Auto kg|200|0 of Lithium Ion batteries. Three electric Minis were also made for use in some subway scenes in the 2003 movie "The Italian Job" to satisfy the subway authorities concerns over possible carbon monoxide poisoning. PML Flightlink developed a prototype series-hybrid conversion, called "Mini QED", replacing the drivetrain with an convert|160|bhp|abbr=on electric motor in each wheel and an efficient onboard gasoline generator. [ [http://www.pmlflightlink.com/archive/news_mini.html Hybrid electric cars, electric cars UK, electric vehicle conversions, hybrid motor vehicles ] ]

With higher powered engines, the standard front wheel drive Mini tends to produce a high level of wheel spin - a four wheel drive would be a natural solution to that problem. Getrag demonstrated a four wheel drive version of the Mini in 2004.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005, Mini revealed a retro version of the classic 'Mini Traveller' station wagon. Based on a stretched wheelbase with two side-hinged rear doors and separate rear seats replacing the split bench seat of the standard Mini. At the Tokyo Auto Show, the same basic concept reappeared with some fanciful additions - a circular roof section could be removed to form a picnic table with four folding chairs. The rear side windows were replaced with fold-down storage containers containing cutlery, cups and plates. In Detroit, a further version was presented without the table and chairs - but with a radically restyled interior.

Additional Mini models, including a four-door version, a two-seat roadster and a dune buggy have been shown as computer-graphic mock-ups at various times.

MINI Crossover Concept was set to appear in Paris Motor Show. [ [http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/09/paris-preview-2010-mini-crossover-concept/ Paris Preview: 2010 MINI Crossover Concept] ]

Beer can exhaust

The team of designers working on the 2001 Mini had finished the full-sized clay mock-up of the Mini in plenty of time for a presentation for the board of directors. Chief designer Frank Stephenson realized that the model did not have an exhaust pipe. His short-term solution was to pick up an empty beer can, punch a hole in it, strip off the paint and push it into the clay at the back of the car, which took just a few minutes. The overall design for the mock-up was so good that the board members told him not to change a thing, resulting in the distinctive exhaust tip seen in production cars.

Electric version

BMW announced they were going to create a Mini powered by an electric motor [http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080925.010/all-electric-mini-cooper-spotted-for-first-time] .

Internal designations

All Mini models have R-series model numbers assigned to them. These are a legacy of the Mini's original development within Rover Group. The following designations are known: [cite web | url = http://motoringfile.com/2006/10/03/mini-product-numbering-system-explained/ | title = Mini Product Numbering System Explained | work=MotoringFile | accessdate = 2007-01-29]
*R50: "Mk I" Mini One and Cooper (2001-2006)
*R52: "Mk I" Mini Convertible (2005-2008)
*R53: "Mk I" Mini Cooper S (2001-2006)
*R55: "Mk II" Mini Clubman, S and D (2008-present)
*R56: "Mk II" Mini One, Cooper, S and D (2007-present)
*R57: "Mk II" Mini Convertible (2009-present)
*R60: Possible future four-wheel drive Mini

Criticism

Dr. Alex Moulton (designer of the suspension system for the classic Mini), spoke about the new Mini in an interview with "MiniWorld" magazine: "It's enormous - the original Mini was the best packaged car of all time - this is an example of how not to do it. It's huge on the outside and weighs the same as an Austin Maxi. The crash protection has been taken too far. I mean, what do you want, an armoured car? It is an irrelevance insofar as it has no part in the Mini story."cite web | url = http://www.mgfcar.de/hydragas/moulton.htm | title = Alex Moulton | publisher = MiniWorld | accessdate = April 24 | accessyear = 2006]

Critics of the new Mini also cite the fact that it is 60 cm (two feet) longer, 30 cm (one foot) wider and almost twice the weight of the classic car - yet it has less rear leg room and less luggage space. Much of this is to do with modern crash protection requirements and the desire to incorporate features such as air conditioning, a supercharged engine, modern emissions controls and a higher level of front-seat comfort than the classic Mini was capable of.

Mini convertible owners frequently criticise the poor rear visibility in the convertible. With the roof up the wide areas of cloth down the sides of the car block visibility to the rear quarters and the lack of washer/wiper on the small rear window - combined with the tendency of all flat-backed cars to accumulate dirt on the rear - effectively eliminates all rear visibility. Even with the roof down, the large roll-protection bars above the back seats and the bunched up cloth of the folded roof tends to block a significant fraction of rearward visibility. In an attempt to counter this problem when reversing the car, the Mini convertible comes with rear-mounted proximity sensors as standard equipment (these are an optional extra on the hardtop Mini).

Marketing

During the production of first generation MINI, as a joke and undoubtedly as a part of Mini's viral marketing approach, purchasers of the Mini convertible were asked to sign a "contract" promising that they would drive the car with the roof open at least 90% of the time. Mini also set up a telephone hotline (in the USA: 1-888-DO NOT CLOSE) which one may call to report convertible owners who are driving with the roof up inappropriately. The automated system offers such helpful advice as how to administer a wedgie to the offender.

Crispin Porter + Bogusky, MINI's advertising agency, produced a movie called "Counterfeit Mini Coopers" as part of the ad campaign. [ [http://theory.isthereason.com/?p=463 Video: Counter Counterfeit Mini Coopers] ]

To celebrate MINI Clubman's introduction to Chinese market, Beijing MINI offered a MINI Rickshaw, which uses the rear half of MINI Clubman. [ [http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/mini-clubman-rickshaws-running-around-beijing/ MINI Clubman Rickshaws running around Beijing] ]

Awards and popularity

Featured notably in the 2003 remake of "The Italian Job", the Mini Cooper/Cooper S won the North American Car of the Year award for 2003.cite book | title=New Mini | author=Graham Robson | id=ISBN 1-85960-874-4 ]

The second largest market is now the USA. In 2008, three different Minis (a Clubman, the hatchback, and an Mk I convertible) were offered in the pricing game 1 Wrong Price on The Price Is Right after the show removed the Barker-era "Big Three Only" rule.

In 2008 the green version of the Mini, the Mini Cooper D, was nominated for [http://www.whatgreencar.com WhatGreenCar.com] Car of the Year Awards. The judges highly commended the Cooper D for its EfficientDynamics stop-start and regenerative braking technology and were hugely impressed by the driving experience offered by the car. It reached the shortlist for the Green Car Awards, but eventually lost out to the Ford Focus ECOnetic.

Racing

A new racing version of the Mini based on the R56 Cooper S, called the "Mini John Cooper Works CHALLENGE", has been built, and will be raced in the 2008 Mini Challenge. [ [http://www.minichallenge.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=106&Itemid=9 More Information] ]

MINI Financial Services

In 2002 MINI Financial Services was started as the captive finance company for MINI with the purpose of offering financial solutions to MINI buyers. Their products include traditional financing, leasing and the MINI Platinum Visa Card. Unlike traditional banks, MINI Financial Services offers customers the complete MINI brand experience including the only credit card that lets you configure a custom MINI.

ee also

* The Classic Mini

References

External links

* [http://www.mini.com Official international Mini website]