MINI Looking for Ambassadors
Perhaps a few of you, and from what I understand a very select few, received this in your inbox.
>As part of a new pilot program that will put folks interested in buying a MINI in touch with folks who already own one, we’re looking to build a team of volunteer MINI Owner Ambassadors.
>Ultimately, the idea here is to help give people access to a completely honest, unfiltered view into what owning a MINI is like. And hopefully, the chance for you to share your unique insights and knowledge of motoring is something you think would be fun.
>The duties of a MINI Owner Ambassador should be pretty straightforward: just respond honestly to any questions you’re asked about your MINI ownership experiences. We’ve even set-up a private, online messaging environment so that, if you want, you can remain completely anonymous throughout your “conversations”.
>Plus, these dialogues aren’t intended to be “live”. Rather, you’ll be able to log-in and answer questions as your schedule allows. And if you ever feel like you have too many questions coming your way, just let us know and we’ll scale them back right away.
>We’re excited about the potential of this unique program and we’d love to have you be a part of it.
Oddly enough, neither Gabe or myself received this email, but our good friend Todd did. And, if you did too, do your best to help out!
If people want an unfiltered view of life with the MINI, just look at the public MINI message boards. This ambassador effort reminds me of the recent Apple ads, where “Windows” is spending a huge amount of money on marketing and a tiny bit on improving Vista. Come on MINI. If you had spent a little less money on marketing you probably could have built a 2nd generation MINI that, like the first, had no torque steer.
But so often lately, the message boards get nasty. There are people on them that just need to be right at any cost, and they’re not spreading the warm-and-fuzzy aspect of MINI ownership; they’re just jerks…
might we speculate how the list was genereated? since surely it wasn’t random.
My first thought was those who have bought more than 1 from a dealer, but gabe would be on that list.
Is it multi-mini families. Todd has bought 3 i think, with two currently in the stable. would they have access to DMV records? I wouldn’t think so…but who knows
Or is it dealer recomendation? This seems most plausible to me. Each dealer asked to put some of thier best customers on the list.
I have owned 4 MINIs and did not get the vaunted email. I have spent nearly the equivalent of $100K worth of MINI products since 2002, not to mention the wave of customer referrals I have sent to them over the years.
I guess that MINI knows who I am and since I tend to wear the “Thinking cap” more often that not, and, I am not a cheerleader of the R60, probably I already got crossed off the list.
Too bad that they are missing out on one of the most enthusiastic and passionate MINI supporters that is not afraid of saying it like it is.
Nope, can’t be the number of MINIs purchased is a criteria ! We’ve purchased seven (7) new generation MINIs since 2003 and currently own five.
MINI is using some other demographic for their selection process
Heh somehow I don’t think I am in much worry about that email 😉
Think Mini really should have given C$, DB, and Gabe this email. You guys among many others here could really do great in this sort of role I think.
Make that C4 lol
They are probably cross referencing owners with warranty claims – wouldn’t want prospective new owners finding out that a Mini likes to visit the service department quite frequently!!
Interesting that this call for Ambassadors went out the same week that BMW sent cease and desist letters to mutiple MINI Clubs in the US for simply having the word mini or MINI in their name….
I think Gabe has been automatically disqualified as he is MINIless now.
😉
This would have been perfect for good old MaxaMini – Ed Smith…
One thing I almost guarantee… only 2nd Gen MINI owners would be considered. Why would MINI want 1st Gen owners giving their feedback… when they want to sell new, 2nd Gen MINIs to prospective buyers?
That of course excludes me… even though I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of money on OEM stuff for my R53. 🙂
They must be choosing by a wise and well thought out method. 😉 I got an e-mail… No idea why. We didn’t do much warranty work on our 02, but I’ve been less than happy with Mini of Mt View…. We did just buy a second (base clubman) and Mini of the Hamptons…
I just answered the e-mail. We’ll see where it goes.
Matt
Glad to hear you got in Matt
Matt, how long was your response? 😉
Well I have done this everyday since I took ownership, I did not get an email maybe because I already have the title.
I think they prefilter the ambassadors, because todd got picked, and who would not like to talk to todd.lol
Maybe I got an email since I have somewhat 4 email accounts?!! Anyway, maybe I did look at one and did not bother to read or answer, but anyway being a proud owner of an MCS 02 (I ordered it, did not buy it)and spent over I guess 3k in modifications (sorry MINI I did not purchase from your house, all aftermarket i.e Mini-Madness/RennTech and M7tuning)cant complain 102K and over 190 whp , my next thought is in the 09-10 DIESEL CLUBMAN!!!! Yeah baby about 60 mpg and close to 180 lbs torque here I come.
Maybe you have to live in LA, New York or NJ.
Don’t think so, cause I don’t live in any of those areas! If they were smart, they’d do it in places that have inventory on the lots, or have lots of dealers (SF Bay Area qualifies there).
Matt
And Greg, I couldn’t wax poetic cause you fill out a web form. It limits what you can write….
They ask for your favorite book (Catch-22), band(Greatfull Dead) and movie(Casablanca) as well as the name of your car. They also give you a paragraph to explain why you’d make a good ambassador…
Did they include a pack of Mini brand flavored lemonade 😉
Actually have to say I think this program is a great one, I would lay money down right now than Mini owners are responsible for more Mini sales than then all the Mini advertising already. I don’t know many Mini owners that don’t tell people just how good these little cars are.
I’m on Mini number four and have probably helped sell a dozen. Plus, I host a huge rally every year. I hope Classic in Cleveland sends in my name (if that’s how this works).
Odd Gabe doesn’t get an email.
Matt, I now see you’re an ex hippie. That explains the “trippy” posts.
I do love Casablanca. Good call there.
Not only do I like the Dead, but I was on the high school calculus team! We took third in the state….. And it’s a big state! hung out with the red-necks in autoshop too. Go figure!
Matt
1st gen had no torque steer – I didn’t know it had any torque?
Lavardera, a little too much caffeine today?
I didn’t say anything about the Dead being cool…..
hey C4 and lavardera (aka,other greg), let’s see you guys start something. It’s getting boring around here….
Greg, I’ll pass the tourch over to you. Just post something to the effect of the R56 and torque steer…
Think the only downside to this program is the large number of Mini fanatics that probably are asking themselves why they didn’t rate a invite.
the headline “Looking for Ambassadors” is not really congruent with what’s happening which is more like “Picking Ambassadors”.
I’m laying low C4. I need to clean up my act to help my chances of being picked by MiniUSA. Matt why don’t you say something to tick me off so we can liven things up around here?
Heh, Nice Comment by Jon (Not JonPD) Is he talking about himself?
OCapn, think I fit the role of being a jerk at times too 😉
AMBASSADORS! Many, many MINI Clubs, NAM Web Site to pick from? Ask us, we will tell you, but perhaps they don’t want the truth. Shutting down production for 2 extra weeks in December, to make an electric vehicle to lease to a “lucky” few for $1000 per month in NY and CA; while they recently don’t seem to be paying attention to construction detail on what they can sell; to evaluate a vehicle no one in America will be able to afford the fuel if the new President gets his way, with eliminating the use of coal– something America has 30% of world coal reserves. OK, enough politics, let’s wait and see what he does.
As for the R60, I want and need a 4 wheel drive where I live, and would love it to be a MINI. I just hope the production model does not come out as the concept; so Cartoonish – it reminds me of the movie CARS. It would be nice if they could take the Clubman, add all time 4 wheel drive, and air bags to raise and lower it and an extra half door on driver side — done, next! Make it a little bit crossover, and a little bit quattro performance. In a JCW, it would be great on — the track — but, Noooooooooo! Let’s make a car for “Tater” to tow.
Politicize away Greg M (can you say “we’ll bankrupt the coal industry”?)! I’ll sit back and enjoy person # two with some smarts on MF.
And no Matt, I’m not refering to you as #1.
HEY! Where’s my email?
Just got the announcement. I’m in! We’ll see where it leads….
Matt