Jun 25th, 2004
Newmini-technik.de has a video of the new “gatling gun” Xenon lights in action. For those that like already like them – you'll probably like them more. For those you don't… you won;t. You can check it out: here (4.5 megs).
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p>For those that haven't been following the changes to the 2005 the new xenon lights offer several advantages. First off they have what MINI refers to as automatic range control (a new self leveling system perhaps?). Secondly they have an additional ring of spots that “give the car another sign of distinction.” And finally they have the natural advantages of HID.
You can see more of the lights in our 2005 lighting gallery.
Jun 24th, 2004
Autoweek has a preview of everyone's favorite new little BMW that isn't coming to the US – the 1 series. The article is an interesting read – especially with the 1 series sharing so many components and technologies with the next generation MINI. For instance here are some of the more noteworthy mentions that may relate to the next MINI in some way:
As on some other BMW family cars, including the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, a computer-chipped key fob for the 1 Series inserts into a slot in the dash. The car's software allows for four different user settings and each set of parameters is stored on its individual fob. Starting and switching off the car happens via a start/stop button on the center dash, which is slick for this segment. Also mimicking other family members, the fob doesn't even need to be inserted at all because the comfort access sensor within the fob can activate everything to your liking as you approach the car. Just press the button.
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Jun 24th, 2004
Here's a look at a few of the more interesting ads seen in Germany: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
MINI should be debuting a commercial (at least outside the US) that follows along the themes of the first ad above. The US advertising blitz should start in the next few months. BTW for those that aren't handy with German (or their Google language tools) “Immer Offen” means “Always Open”
Jun 23rd, 2004
Since we ran this story (originally titled “Production Shortage at Oxford?”) I've recently been informed that there is no parts shortage at the MINI plant in Oxford. Good thing to becuase that title was really nice to delete! The plant in Oxford typically seems to run like a well oiled machine so any type of shortage would be a bit out of the ordinary. That being said there seems to be some shortages in the allotments of the 2005 Cooper at some US dealerships. Here's some insight from someone at one of these dealers:
” We were one of the top 10 dealers in the country last year, so our allocations have been pretty big (we got almost 40 Coopers for June production), but we were only allocated 5 Coopers for July (first run of \'05\'s) and 0! for August.
Of course we only got 12 MCS's for August production and 5 each of the convertibles, so things are tight all over.
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p>Update: We've got word from a source on the other side of the pond on the real issues at play here:
The normal allocations are lower for 'stock' vehicles due to the change from 04 to 05 spec and the introduction of Cabrio, which effectively soaks up 30% of what would have been pure hatchback cars. Demand for Cabrio has gone ballistic, so something has to give, that coupled with 05 change over means
that waiting times will inevitably increase for a while until things settle
down again. That said 'and off the record' we're looking at ways to increase
production still further.
So there you have it! Now go out and order your 2005 MINIs!
Jun 23rd, 2004
Yet more on that iPod integration everyone seems crazy about these days (via Maccentral):
“We are beginning a really big push into a world we all spend a lot of time in — our cars,” Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, told MacCentral. “So many people invest in great cars that have great stereos, but one thing they don't have is access to their music library. Now you can put your iPod in your BMW or MINI and have all of your music everywhere you go.”
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Jun 22nd, 2004
Update: Just got this from someone at MINI:
Looks like the chrome restrictions have been lifted. The supplier has come through with sufficant quantity. Option 405 & 346 are now available.
Previous article:
Here's an excerpt that appears to be from an internal MINIUSA document just released regarding some newly placed ordering restrictions for the 2005 MINI:
Mini Product Planning & Strategy Dealer Bullitin: 2005 Option Restrictions
The 2005 Model year is off to a great start. Lets keep it going.
In particular, demand for the 346-Chrome Line Exterior and 405-Chrome Mirror Caps (and Hinges) has been very high.
To ensure the volumes and quality can be maintained during the MY05, both of these items will be restricted. Please do not order these items until further notice. This applies to all vehicles.
This will help balance supply issues and help you set the proper customer expectation.
It's not clear what the time frame of this restriction is or if it's US only or worldwide.
Jun 22nd, 2004
While the convertible hasn't been released yet there are a handful on US roads as we speak. Here's an email from a reader who encountered one:
Heads' Up on the new new Mini Cabrio!!! I live in Schaumburg and was driving home from work on Roselle Rd yesterday. I saw a new BRG Mini Cabrio w/the roof down and Cordoba Beige interior!!! I didn't think these were going to get to the dealer until later in the summer.
We were driving in opposite directions (in traffic of course) so I didn't get a close-up of it. However I did honk and got an
acknowledging “wave” from the driver. It was definitely a dealer
demo car (had the dealer plates on it and the driver looked like a car salesman i.e. – decked out in white shirt and tie)
Happy Motoring…..
Chris
I believe I know who that was actually as there's a BMW Corporate facility in Schaumburg. In fact that will probably be the car that will be making the rounds making the rounds at the local Chicago dealers later this month and in July.
