Jim McDowell, Vice President of MINI USA on a recent episode of Fox News talking about MINI sales, what’s getting traded in and who is driving the cars.
The bit about MINIs being the most recommended by owners in the business was the most interesting part of this interview for me. And yet, it does not surprise me. I try to get anyone I know to at least think about the MINI.
That was my only sticking point, he should have corrected the interviewer that the Clubman isn’t a four door car. Think his statment about it being a five door should have been followed up on but they hit him with another question to quick.
Weird the video even starts, but then stops… if you select the “pop-up” it states the video isn’t found… nor if you do a video search on their website. So why does it even start for a second?
I had no video issues… however, I DO still have issues with the J.D. Power thing. I feel like I’m driving a small BMW when I step into an R56, it’s just such an enjoyable and comfortable place to be. And the cars are all quite reliable; I don’t see the quality problems. Then again, maybe I’m biased.
ahh great! now <em>everyone</em> is going to want one!
seriously though, a pretty good interview which ironically, balances out the recent <a HREF="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,371583,00.html" rel="nofollow">FOX review of the Clubman</a> (now if only FOX could get the “balance” thing right on every other issue).
What a horrible set of interviewers. At least Jim handled it very well. Any explanation about how the Clubman’s doors are actually configured would be lost on the interviewer. It was almost spoof like. Best In Show anyone?
And my MINI is my only car. Not my third. And I do recommend it to everyone. So much fun, such good mileage.
New MINI drivers- welcome and keep up the waving!!
I had the pleasure to meet and speak to Jim McDowell at MTTS here in Miami. He is an absolute gentleman and a real pleasure to talk. The most approachable car executive, ever!
I think he handled the interview like a champ. My favorite response of his: “The MINI is a performance car in a small package”.
Yeah, there’s some [not] fantastic journalism going on there. “Well the people I know who have MINI’s, it’s their third car…” and therefore that’s everybody who buys them. His ongoing spew of ignorant assumption was just maddening. Jim did a great job though.
ya, I was finally able to see the video. It occurred to me during the interview, when it got on the doors, it was in reference to the Clubman and it -is- a 5 door… it atcually has -2- rear doors, that passenger side rear door and two front doors…. 5. 😉
If it wasn’t for this link I’d have never seen it… would never watch Fox News or a visit Fox website on my own even if paid. ….and that’s even regardless of Fox having been created by someone from the motherland/fatherland.
Yes good job Jim, met him in 2006 on MTTS. Very nice guy and its funny he came form the BMW side of things and use to overlook the BMW PC in Spartanburg, SC so he has aways been into the performance side of cars even though they are small. What he should have said was that gas milage is a perk, its not the number one thing for buying a MINI , its the whole package, MINI is not a eco box car. Its a lifestyle. In some sence like RR.
Nice job Jim. Smooth. Especially for not laughing at her accent.
A good interview Jim!
Think he got the high points across well, and a excellent reply to the JDpowers article.
Excellent video – thanks for posting 🙂
The bit about MINIs being the most recommended by owners in the business was the most interesting part of this interview for me. And yet, it does not surprise me. I try to get anyone I know to at least think about the MINI.
Hmmmm…the Clubman’s a 5 door hatchback huh?
That was my only sticking point, he should have corrected the interviewer that the Clubman isn’t a four door car. Think his statment about it being a five door should have been followed up on but they hit him with another question to quick.
Hmmmmm… I really did’nt notice that she had an accent
Weird the video even starts, but then stops… if you select the “pop-up” it states the video isn’t found… nor if you do a video search on their website. So why does it even start for a second?
I had no video issues… however, I DO still have issues with the J.D. Power thing. I feel like I’m driving a small BMW when I step into an R56, it’s just such an enjoyable and comfortable place to be. And the cars are all quite reliable; I don’t see the quality problems. Then again, maybe I’m biased.
ahh great! now <em>everyone</em> is going to want one!
seriously though, a pretty good interview which ironically, balances out the recent <a HREF="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,371583,00.html" rel="nofollow">FOX review of the Clubman</a> (now if only FOX could get the “balance” thing right on every other issue).
Jim was even wearing a MTTS 08 wristband. I wonder how old this interview is?
So who is the President then?
Someone should tell him his ideas on the SUV and 5 door are dead wrong.
Well presented very interesting from an assuie down under, I own a Mk1 1968 Cooper S & would like a new Cooper S but do not have the $’s.
Mr Cooper S
Ken
What a horrible set of interviewers. At least Jim handled it very well. Any explanation about how the Clubman’s doors are actually configured would be lost on the interviewer. It was almost spoof like. Best In Show anyone?
And my MINI is my only car. Not my third. And I do recommend it to everyone. So much fun, such good mileage.
New MINI drivers- welcome and keep up the waving!!
I had the pleasure to meet and speak to Jim McDowell at MTTS here in Miami. He is an absolute gentleman and a real pleasure to talk. The most approachable car executive, ever!
I think he handled the interview like a champ. My favorite response of his: “The MINI is a performance car in a small package”.
Thank you Jim for a job well done!
Yeah, there’s some [not] fantastic journalism going on there. “Well the people I know who have MINI’s, it’s their third car…” and therefore that’s everybody who buys them. His ongoing spew of ignorant assumption was just maddening. Jim did a great job though.
Well… It is Fox News after all. What else can you expect from the “Fair & Balance” news source mouthpiece? 🙂
C4, Fox news is way better that the liberal crap you watch.
I don’t watch much US based news outlets anyway 🙂
So you watch BBC?
BBC= LIBERAL
Whatever, I don’t care. I’m done.
I gotta give Jim McDowell some credit– He runs the greatest car brand in history!
I agree, Jim McDowell is doing a fantastic job.
Cheers!
To Jim McDowell!
Sorry I forgot the “Three” in front of “Cheers”
Lets try that again.
Three Cheers! to Jim McDowell.
ya, I was finally able to see the video. It occurred to me during the interview, when it got on the doors, it was in reference to the Clubman and it -is- a 5 door… it atcually has -2- rear doors, that passenger side rear door and two front doors…. 5. 😉
If it wasn’t for this link I’d have never seen it… would never watch Fox News or a visit Fox website on my own even if paid. ….and that’s even regardless of Fox having been created by someone from the motherland/fatherland.
Yes good job Jim, met him in 2006 on MTTS. Very nice guy and its funny he came form the BMW side of things and use to overlook the BMW PC in Spartanburg, SC so he has aways been into the performance side of cars even though they are small. What he should have said was that gas milage is a perk, its not the number one thing for buying a MINI , its the whole package, MINI is not a eco box car. Its a lifestyle. In some sence like RR.