MINI International magazine now available for the iPad

The Mini International Magazine will be released as an iPad app in German and English in the iTunes App Store on 13 September 2011 in time for the start of the IAA International Motor Show.

The MINI INTERNATIONAL app is different. It not only allows MINI fans to experience the contents of the printed edition in multimedia form but also provides a weekly update with all the latest news: a MINI “best-of” from the blogs and websites unlike.net, NOWNESS.com and davidreport.com. These three partners will help ensure that THE MINI INTERNATIONAL app stays exciting and up-to-the-minute.



A multimedia special that ties in with the international campaign “Another Day. Another Adventure.” will be released to mark the launch of the MINI Coupé, as well as a film documenting the MINI Clubman video art on display at the IAA.

The app will feature articles from THE MINI INTERNATIONAL with even more pictures, exciting videos and audio-visual streams – as well as weekly bulletins on the MINI brand, lifestyle, culture, art and other topics of interest to MINI fans. The app’s interface concept is based on the printed edition and, like the magazine itself, is also characterised by its aesthetic design. Interesting feeds and an integrated Facebook share function guarantee perfect networking.


THE MINI INTERNATIONAL print magazine is published twice a year, in March and September. THE MINI INTERNATIONAL application will be released at the same time as the print version and will also be updated on a weekly basis through feeds from partner websites and the official MINI online channels.



| Mini

Mini the Mini Coupe: go-kart feeling times two

With its sporting genes and allegiance to the cause of maximum driving fun, the MINI Coupe delivers a thrillingly focused driving experience. The first two-seater in MINI’s line-up indulges the driver with a level of agility unmatched in the small car segment, a unique body and interior concept and the brand’s customary commitment to premium levels of design, quality, equipment and customization.



The MINI Coupe highlights its pure-bred, compact sports car character with oval recesses in the roof liner. Plus, standard-fitted sports seats offer outstanding lateral support through briskly-taken corners. Further back, an extremely high-opening tailgate and large luggage area with through-loading facility give the MINI Coupe outstanding versatility on the urban race track. No other MINI before it has offered so much load space for those creative road trips with a lucky other.

Galería: Mini Coupé 2012

The spacious boot has a capacity of 9.8 cubic feet (280 liters) and offers enough room to swallow a large number of luggage items available from the MINI Lifestyle Collection. From the robust, hard-shell Rooftop series cases to easy-going Black Jack luggage and retro bags from the Shout range, MINI conjures up the right gear for any trip. These clever luggage solutions are available at www.MINIMOTORINGGEAR.com and select MINI dealers.



An athlete in peak form.

Its flat silhouette and innovative “helmet roof” lend the MINI Coupe a sporty and individual allure. In addition to the integral roof spoiler, an active rear spoiler optimizes airflow at higher speeds.



The MINI Coupe can be ordered in the US with the most powerful gasoline engines in the brand’s arsenal. Outputs range from 121 hp in the MINI Cooper Coupe to 181 hp in the MINI Cooper S Coupe, and all the way up to the MINI John Cooper Works Coupe, a thoroughbred athlete that produces 208 hp.



MINI in the US

MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC which has been present in the United States since 1975. Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 137 BMW motorcycle retailers, 107 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.



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Prime Minister Cameron: MINI is a great success story

Today, ten years after the start of MINI production in Oxford, British Prime Minister David Cameron drove the two-millionth MINI out of the plant. The car is a MINI Convertible with special paintwork and extras.



Frank-Peter Arndt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Production, said in Oxford: “Production of the two millionth MINI comes on the back of strong demand worldwide. Our recent announcement of an additional £500 million investment in our UK MINI production facilities demonstrates the important role that Oxford plays in our global production network. The most essential factors in the success of MINI are the skills, passion and dedication of our associates.”





On the occasion of the British Prime Minister’s visit to Plant Oxford, Arndt outlined the company’s plans for its UK operations. The majority of the investment will be used for new production facilities for the next-generation MINI, and will play an important part in securing the long-term future of Plant Oxford and safeguarding jobs at the pressings plant in Swindon and the company’s engine plant in Hams Hall near Birmingham. This takes the BMW Group’s investment across all its UK operations to more than 1.5 billion pounds since 2000.



Cameron declared: “It’s a real privilege to drive this true British icon off the production line today. The 2 millionth MINI to be made here in Oxford is a fantastic symbol of the UK’s strength in the global automotive industry and a great British manufacturing success story. MINI is not just a symbol of our industrial past, but also the great industrial future we want to build.”



The special-anniversary MINI is the prize in a global Facebook campaign “2 Million MINI – 2 Million Faces” which will compile the faces of two million MINI fans on a special Facebook “wall”. The winner will be chosen at random when the contest ends on 30 September.



Jürgen Hedrig, head of Plant Oxford said: “This marks a tremendous milestone for Plant Oxford and its employees. Oxford has been the heart of MINI production for ten years. Our employees are proud to be part of this brand’s success.” The premium small car is delivered to customers in more than 90 countries across the globe.



Producing 216,302 vehicles in 2010 and exporting to more than 90 countries across the globe, MINI was the third-largest vehicle manufacturer in the UK, accounting for 17 per cent of national automotive production. Plant Oxford currently builds four MINI models: the MINI, MINI Convertible, MINI Clubman and the new MINI Coupé. A fifth model, the MINI Roadster, will be added at the end of the year.



The success of the MINI brand can be seen in the positive developments at the Plant Oxford since 2001. Back then, a single shift of around 2,400 employees produced about 300 cars a day. Today, a team of more than 3,700 works two shifts, five days a week, and builds up to 900 cars a day. Over the past ten years, the maximum capacity of the plant has increased from 100,000 units per year to more than 200,000 units. Over the medium term, the plant will reach an annual capacity of 260,000 units.



BMW Group’s contribution to the UK economy

The UK is the BMW Group’s fourth-largest single market worldwide for sales, behind only Germany, the US and China, with sales in 2010 across the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands totalling 154,750 vehicles.



Rolls-Royce models have been built in the UK for 107 years. The company has continually invested in the Goodwood facility in West Sussex since the company was re-launched in 2003, and will continue to do so in response to the growth of the brand.



The BMW Hams Hall engine plant set a new annual production record in 2010 of 385,051 engines, representing 16 per cent of total UK engine production.



A report published by Oxford Economics underscores the significance of the BMW Group to the UK economy. The company and its dealer network employ around 18,000 people directly, while its supplier and service network supports over 46,000 jobs in total in the UK.



80 per cent of MINIs and 90 per cent of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars produced in the UK are exported. In total, 2.4 billion pounds worth of cars and engines are exported each year, making the BMW Group a major UK exporter, responsible for around one per cent of all goods exported by UK companies.



| BMW

Mini Coupé for Frankfurt 2011

The MINI Coupé is the first two-seater in the MINI ranks. The new model further increases the variety within the brand’s vehicle line-up and, at the same time, offers customers a depth of driving fun unmatched by any rival in the small car segment. The fifth model of the new MINI generation to wear the British brand’s famous badge represents a reinterpretation of the super-compact sports car category. The MINI Coupé is the first premium car of its genre, faithfully transplanting the MINI brand’s sporting genes into a cutting-edge vehicle concept.



The MINI Coupé is set to thrill customers with levels of agility and performance beyond the reach of even its MINI stablemates. The engines, chassis set-up, weight distribution and aerodynamic properties of the new model all serve the cause of optimum performance. Added to which, the rigorously applied two-seater concept – emphasised clearly by both the exterior and the interior design – underlines the stand-alone status of the new model. Its extremely high-opening tailgate and large luggage area (capacity: 280 litres) with through-loading to the passenger compartment allow the MINI Coupé to display outstanding versatility in day-to-day driving, when transporting leisure items or sports gear, and on touring trips for two.

Galería: Mini Coupé 2012

Design: a unique character cut from the brand’s unmistakable mould.

The MINI Coupé is the brand’s first model to adopt a three-box body structure with a strikingly stepped rear end. Its distinctive, exceptionally sporty characteristics are also reflected in a low-slung silhouette and expressively styled “helmet” roof. Resting atop the MINI Coupé’s glasshouse, the roof is painted in a contrasting colour as standard; a new take on Sport Stripes is among the additions available as an option. The distinctive lines of the Coupé body take their lead from the established MINI design language, while stand-out design features in time-honoured MINI style also offer clear hints as to the brand identity of the new model.



The two-seater measures 3,734 millimetres (MINI Cooper Coupé: 3,728 millimetres) in length, 1,683 millimetres in width and 1,384 millimetres (MINI Cooper Coupé: 1,378 millimetres) in height. Its exterior length, width and wheelbase (2,467 millimetres) therefore match the measurements of the MINI virtually to the millimetre, but the MINI Coupé has a significantly lower body height.



Once inside, the two-seater’s distinctive character is underlined by oval recesses in the roof liner; these also serve to optimise headroom for the driver and front passenger. A conspicuously three-dimensional, two-piece luggage compartment cover is another feature of the MINI Coupé interior.



Engines: maximum power, typical MINI efficiency.

The most powerful petrol and diesel variants in the brand’s engine portfolio are primed for action in the MINI Coupé. This drive system technology is underpinned by the development expertise of the BMW Group and offers the hallmark MINI combination of instantaneous power delivery and exceptional efficiency.



Outputs range from the 90 kW/122 hp of the MINI Cooper Coupé, through the MINI Cooper SD Coupé (105 kW/143 hp) and MINI Cooper S Coupé (135 kW/184 hp) all the way to the range-topping sports performance of the 155 kW/211 hp MINI John Cooper Works Coupé. The MINI Cooper Coupé, MINI Cooper S Coupé and MINI Cooper SD Coupé can also be specified with an optional six-speed automatic gearbox as an alternative to the six-speed manual item fitted as standard across the Coupé range.



Chassis: the go-kart driving experience at its most intense.

The bespoke suspension set-up of the MINI Coupé gives the brand’s traditional go-kart driving experience an unmatched intensity. The customary MINI front-wheel drive, MacPherson struts at the front axle, a multi-link rear axle, powerful brakes and Electric Power Steering ensure seductively agile handling properties. Sports suspension, which brings stiffer damper characteristics and sturdier anti-roll bars, is available as an option. And customers in search of an even sharper racing edge can order John Cooper Works suspension from the accessories range.



The MINI Coupé is fitted as standard with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), while Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) – standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé, optional on all other models – adds even greater assurance on slippery surfaces and additional sports performance under dynamic cornering.





La carrocería y la seguridad: ideal reparto del peso, aerodinámica optimizada, sistemas de seguridad completos.

Body and safety: ideal weight balance, optimised aerodynamics, complete protection.

Like its chassis technology, the body structure and weight balance of the MINI Coupé are also geared to providing maximum driving fun. Innovative pedestrian protection measures and technology developed to improve body rigidity shift slightly more of the car’s weight to the front, which has a positive effect on the traction of the front-drive Coupé. In addition, increasing torsional rigidity with carefully targeted, model-specific strengthening measures further enhances the car’s agility and safety rating.



An active rear spoiler teams up with the sharply raked windscreen, low-slung silhouette and integrated roof spoiler to optimise airflow at higher speeds. Making its MINI debut, the active rear spoiler is integrated into the boot lid and pops up automatically when the MINI Coupé reaches a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). In so doing it provides an optimised aerodynamic balance between the front and rear axle. When travelling at maximum speed, the active rear spoiler provides 40 kilograms (88 lb) of extra downforce. The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé also comes as standard with a John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit.



The range of standard safety equipment on board the MINI Coupé includes front airbags and head-thorax airbags, which are integrated into the sides of the seat backrests, three-point inertia-reel seat belts including belt force limiters and belt tensioners, and a Tyre Defect Indicator.



Equipment with premium character: high-quality, innovative, individual.

The customary MINI variety in the range of available exterior paint finishes, interior colours, upholstery variants and equipment features, together with a selection of other options specific to the Coupé, give owners unprecedented scope when it comes to customising their MINI Coupé. The car’s premium character is underlined by an expansive range of standard equipment, which includes speed-sensitive power assistance for the steering, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, height-adjustable seats, air conditioning (MINI Cooper S Coupé, MINI Cooper SD Coupé, MINI John Cooper Works Coupé) and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection. Optional equipment includes black headlight housing, xenon Adaptive Headlights, Comfort Access, automatic climate control, automatically dimming rear-view mirror and exterior mirrors, the storage package, preparation for a rear luggage carrier rack, the John Cooper Works Pack and exclusive options from the MINI Yours range.



Also unrivalled in the small car segment is the MINI Coupé’s range of entertainment and communications systems. Customers can choose from equipment such as a Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation and a USB audio interface. And, if the MINI Visual Boost radio or MINI navigation system is specified, MINI Connected functions such as web radio, Google local search and Google Send to Car services, reception of RSS news feeds, and in-car use of Facebook and Twitter, are also available.



Made in England: MINI Plant Oxford adds the MINI Coupé to its product line-up.

The MINI Coupé also underlines its links to the brand’s successful motor sport history through its British roots; it will be produced alongside the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible at MINI Plant Oxford. The arrival of the new model sees the assembly plant on the outskirts of Oxford, the press shop in Swindon and the Hams Hall engine factory near Birmingham playing an even more important role for the BMW Group. The start of MINI Coupé production is part of another increase in capacity, a process which will be boosted further through the ongoing development of the MINI model range. The BMW Group is investing around £500 million in the homeland of the MINI over the next three years as part of the expansion and modernisation of its manufacturing facilities in Britain. MINI already ranks as the country’s third-largest carmaker.



| Mini | Images gallery

MINI sets the fashion pace under the slogan “Beat the Street”

For ten years, MINI has been wowing the public not just with its legendary cars, but with its authentic fashion, accessories and luggage collections as well. The brand delivers its own interpretation of the latest trends while simultaneously celebrating its passion for British fashion. Now, for the first time, the new range has taken the bold leap onto the catwalk with a special show at the Pavillon 21 MINI Opera Space in Munich.



MINI creates fashion for all those whose heart beats to the rhythm of the street. This anything but run-of-the-mill collection bristles with hallmark British details like the Union Jack, badges etc., and offers unconventional outfits that lend themselves to casual, business or clubbing wear.







Fashion classics from Great Britain.

There are only a few types of clothing that remain timeless and ever trendy, and the trench coat is right up there among the front-runners. The casual Trench Coat by MINI, available for men and women, is intriguing with its fine detailing. The lining of the coat and its outer pockets feature an abstract Union Jack pattern, while a key pocket and a zipped pocket on the inside left of the trench coat offer practical storage possibilities. The cuffs, meanwhile, sport a discreetly embroidered MINI logo.





Multitalents in denim look.

The Men’s Denim Business Shirt and Ladies’ Denim Business Blouse are stylish companions that love to be combined. Dark blue and with discreet MINI lettering on the chest, they lend themselves to both a sporty-elegant and a more casual look. After work, simply roll up the sleeves up and let the Union Jack lining draw approving glances down at the club.



For the ladies, MINI also has a feminine Denim Dress with ruffles lined up in the wardrobe. Other fine details include an authentic Union Jack badge on the left chest and a “Beat the Street” print on the inside collar. This item can be worn as a dress or as a tunic in combination with leggings.







College outfits with retro flair.

The new his and hers Hoodie Sweat Jackets are right in with the trendy campus look. These comfortable hooded jackets are guaranteed to up the feel-good factor and come with an eye-catching print on the back and a zip at the front. Made of top-grade cotton and with cuffs on the sleeves and the bottom hem, they are certain to keep its wearers fleecy-warm. Colours are in the traditional mould – red for the ladies, blue for the men.



To match the Hoodie Sweat Jackets, MINI has two casual Street Longsleeves on offer. The white men’s item is striking with its blue “Beat the Street” print, making for a cool vintage look. The grey ladies’ long-sleeved shirt has a feminine V-neck and a shiny silver motif on the front.





Fashionable combination accessories.

Scarves are indispensable trend accessories and bestow any outfit with an individual touch. The light Union Jack Scarf from MINI appeals with its fashionable rendition of the British Union Jack, and is open to a wide range of combinations. This artistic design in red, blue and white makes this unisex scarf a colourful eye-catcher.



When it came to the Beat the Street Belt, MINI took inspiration from its automotive competence. This belt has a surprise element in the shape of a silver fastening designed like seatbelt buckle. Other details include the lettering “Beat the Street” embossed on the buckle and the MINI logo on the belt itself.



























| Mini

turbo Busa powered 1966 mini Cooper

240 hp at 1500 pounds. Must be really fun! In comparison, the porsche Spyder from the factory weighed about 1250pounds and had 110 hp. A kit car with a tricked out engine will get about 230 hp, so this Cooper has nearly the power to weight of a racing Porsche Spyder. Pretty damn amazing

New Mini Soho Special Edition

This summer MINI Hatch and MINI Convertible models are available in a special, limited edition called MINI Soho. Earlier this year the company announced that all MINI Special Editions will be named after London boroughs, districts, streets and landmarks.

The Soho name has been introduced to MINI Hatch and Convertible models for a limited time following the success of the popular MINI Soho Clubman edition last year. The MINI Soho edition will be available in both Cooper and Cooper D models from July until March 2012. Thanks to the MINI Cooper D Hatch’s frugal credentials it is exempt from London Congestion charging with CO2 of just 99g/km and a whopping 74.3mpg* fuel consumption .



MINI Soho editions have exclusive ‘White Silver’ metallic paint which is not available on any other current MINI Hatch or Convertible model, and to compliment the striking paintwork the Soho is finished with 17" Black Star Bullet alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with black interior reflectors and white indicators.

Inside the cabin the Soho has a sporty feel with Anthracite headlining, a 3-Spoke sport leather steering wheel and ‘Piano Black’ interior surfaces.



| Mini

Resultados comerciales de BMW durante los primeros meses del año en Latinoamérica

The BMW Group starts 2011 with the strongest performance in sales ever in the Latin American and the Caribbean Region. With 6,220 BMW and MINI cars sold in the first quarter of 2011 (prev. yr. 4,173 units / +49%), nearly all markets contributed to these positive results. Brazil alone achieved an all time record sales of 2,924 BMW and MINI which represented a growth of +76% versus the same period of 2010. Quarter sales also increased strongly in Chile (703 units / +78 %), Panama (213 units / +28%) and Colombia (565 units / +19%).

“The BMW Group remains the most successful premium automobile company in Latin American and the Caribbean. Our customers like the state-of-the-art design, the high quality and the safety of our products and services. We are especially satisfied with the success of the BMW X1. That model exceeded our expectation in Q1 2011 by far and has become the new best seller in the Latin American Region.”, said Gernot Volkmer, CEO of the BMW Group Latin America & the Caribbean.


BMW.
The BMW brand shows a strong start in 2011 and consolidates its leadership position in the Premium segment. In the first Quarter of 2011, 5,250 vehicles were delivered to customers (prev. yr. 3,680 units / + 43%) in the Latin American and the Caribbean Region. The most successful market for BMW is Brazil with 2,368 units showing a steady growth versus previous year of +72 % (prev. yr 1,380). BMW in Chile achieved a new record in 2011 with 627 retailed units in the first 3 months (prev. yr. 359 / +74.7%) and underlines its leadership position in the Premium segment.

The BMW X1 establishes a new segment
The BMW X1 has developed into the most successful BMW model in Latin America and the Caribbean. 1,242 units (+236% vs. prev. yr.) were delivered to customers which demonstrate the clear leadership position of the BMW X1 in the new compact SAV segment.

A brand new Sport Package is now available for the BMW X1 that will underline the presence and dynamic of this model even stronger. All the other models of the BMW X family like the BMW X6, the BMW X5 and the brand new BMW X3 convinced as well with strong growth rates. The BMW X3 already achieved 267 units (+64%) in the first quarter of 2011 and the BMW X5 continues to be an icon in its segment with 413 units sold (+34% vs. prev. yr.). The BMW xDrive technology is the most sold all-wheel-drive system in the Premium segment in the world.

MINI.
The MINI brand almost doubled its sales with 970 retails (prev. yr. 493 / +97%) in the first Quarter of 2011. This success has been clearly supported by the new MINI Countryman, the 4th model of the MINI brand that has been recently launched in the region (+285 units). MINI in Brazil continues to be benchmark in the compact premium segment with a result of 556 units (prev. yr. 278 / +100%).

BMW Motorrad.
With 1,525 motorcycles sold in the Latin American and the Caribbean Region, BMW Motorrad achieved also record sales and growth of +35.1% (prev. yr. 1,129). In Brazil, the largest market for BMW Motorrad, 767 units were delivered to customers showing the strongest achievement in 3 months of +53.7% (prev. yr. 499). This performance goes in line with the recent “Golden Motorcycle” recognition in Brazil that included the following awards: Maxitrail with the BMW F 800 GS, Naked with the BMW K 1300 R, Sports with the BMW S 1000 RR, the “Best Image in terms of quality” and “Most Pleased Customer”. Within the importer markets, Chile (126 units / +70%) and Colombia (100 units / +32%) as the volume strongest importer markets for BMW Motorrad worldwide contributed clearly to the successful performance.

| BMW