May 25th, 2006
This week MotoringFile is introcuding a set of badges with a bit of a new twist. First off we’re featuring metallic silver on several of the new designs (noted in the description on the order page). This also gives the badges a more reflective quality at night.
The folks with Pullies will be happy to know that they now have badges! Beyond that we’ve also created a new “brushed metal” looking black and silver Union Jack those that like something subtle. And finally we’ve added a new set of Official MotoringFile badges in both black and white. Of course as we noted a few weeks back each of these designs also available for only $4.50 as a high quality sticker.
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May 23rd, 2006
Hey Stracco: The Interview
MF: Before we begin I’d like to say thanks to Stracco for agreeing to do this with us. It certainly shows a dedication to the core MINI enthusiast community that is refreshing and reaffirming. We hope that this is just the beginning! Let’s set some background. What does a MINI Product Manager do exactly?
Stracco: The MINI product manager is responsible for most business aspects of the product… as in the car. I give input on colors and options… build business cases on future engines and platform variants for our market. I make projections on sales and future growth. Additionally I review all copy and marketing to make sure the product is accurately represented. There are lots differences between European versions of the MINI and American versions of the MINI and of course differences between current model year and past versions. So we don’t want them to get mixed up. I say “I†but of course I am not working in a vacuum and I get direction from lots of people.
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May 23rd, 2006
With GP deliveries just months away, quite a few folks are starting to ask various questions about production and real world power output. As always MotoringFile is here to help. We’re happy to report that we have some real answers to these questions from a few highly reliable sources.
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May 22nd, 2006
MINI USA released full MTTS route details recently including dates and locations for the full cross country trek. This is exactly the information that quite a few MINI owners have been clamoring to get before planning their local club events around this nationwide event..
But how do individual US based clubs get in touch with MINI USA about working their events into the official MTTS schedule? MotoringFile and MINI USA are teaming up to help answer that question.
MINI Clubs: MINI USA Wants You!
MINI USA wants all those who help run MINI clubs, and are interested in participating in MTTS, to post their final plans in the comment section of this article. Be sure to include your email address and club name so that the folks at MINI USA can reach you to discuss how your plans can match up with official MINI Takes the States itinerary.
For full details on each leg, check out each of the following PDFs from MINI USA:
Please refrain from posting anything other than firm plans regarding MTTS and your MINI club in the space below. Let’s try to keep everything as on message as possible!
May 22nd, 2006
You know the drill. Time again to give thanks to the companies and individuals that keep the lights on. If you ever feel the need to support the site, look no further than these fine companies:
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May 22nd, 2006
In one of the most brilliant pieces of automotive print advertising I’ve seen in years, BMW has begun a campaign based around the word “No”. Here’s how the two page ad is laid out:
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May 22nd, 2006
MotoringFile reader Peter Hames asked the question:
How married to Delphi is Mini? I know that Delphi supplies the current generation of front and rear struts for the cars. If Delphi closes plants, tosses out their UAW contracts or declares bankruptcy, what happens to Mini’s parts supplier? Any rumors?
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