MSN Autos has named the MINI the best new model in terms of value retention. It’s an incredible feat considering the times but according to MSN the MINI retains 67% of it’s value after three years of ownership. Obviously there are some pretty obvious reasons for high resale vs low:
If a car is in low supply and high demand, it will probably retain value, and vice versa. “For example, the high fleet penetration of the Ford Taurus has created a huge supply relative to its demand, driving its price down,” says Fernando Ubeda, manager of custom modeling and analytics for ALG. Generally, cars that depreciate fastest are sold in large numbers at big discounts to rental-car or corporate fleets, like the aforementioned Taurus. Those flood the used-car market when the fleets replace their vehicles.
Another factor that determines value is design. “Cars with a current, bold look, such as the MINI Cooper, are in demand and thus worth more,” Ubeda says.
A few years ago we had this little idea at MF. Why not take MINI’s OEM badge holder and make round magnetic badges that fit it. They could be cheap and easily swapped out plus they play well to the classic Mini heritage of showing off different affiliation.
We then worked on the design and production of the badges until we created something that was fade-proof, Nurburgring proof and just about everything else proof. And then we worked on finding an audience. With the help of MotoringFile and Whiteroofradio we’ve now sold over 10,000 badges to date in every one of the 50 states in the US (plus Puerto Rico) and throughout the world. Specifically we’ve sold badges in the following countries 36:
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This latest Ask MF comes from Larry Watson who writes:
This question/comment has probably been asked many times in the past. I recently purchased a 2004 Mini S and have attempted to find rear mud flaps only to discover they are not available. However they are made for the R50. Why doesn’t Mini or some enterprising person design and manufacture for the R53?
We have to admit to having zero knowledge on this one. So we’ll have to turn this over to our MF readers. Any ideas?
The online press introduction of the MINI Convertible is now online for all to enjoy. There are nine video parts to the event including a Q&A with MINI USA VP Jim McDowell and a segment on future plans for the brand. For fans of the R57 convertible or just fans of the MINI brand, this is a must see online experience.
For all you R55 owners and fans out there MINI has a notable new accessory available this spring. MINI has added a new spoiler to the accessory line-up that was designed from the start to work with the Clubman. Unlike the previous accessory spoiler, this new design is much closer in spirit to the R53 and R56 look.
The new spoiler should be available at MINI dealers this spring.
Awhile back we had a chance to sit in on a presentation by Clubman designer (and head of MINI exterior design) Marcus Syring. Mr. Syring shared with us a brief history of the R55 and crucially some photos and renderings of the design process that brought about the modern Clubman.
The original concept of a reborn Traveller (eventually to be known as the Clubman) started way back in the late 1990′s. In fact the first time the sketches surfaced was at the Paris Motor Show along with a speedster and small truck concept. But it was the extended MINI “EXT” (as it was known internally) that seemed to hold the most promise for eventual production.
1st Gen MINI R50: One & MC Hatch R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt. R53: MCS Hatch 2nd Gen MINI R55: Clubman R56: Hatch R57: Convertible R58: Coupe R59: Roadster R60: MINI Crossover R61: MINI Crossover Coupe 3rd Gen MINI F55: Clubman F56: Hatch F57: Convertible F60: MINI Crossover F62: Traveller
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Sections: In the Press, Sales Feb 28th, 2009 17 Comments 
