MINI Press Conference at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show (Video)
Can’t make it to Geneva? As always we’ve got you covered. Here’s the full MINI press conference including world debut of the JCW Convertible (complete with yeti).
Speech by Ian Robertson Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show
Full text below after the jump.
With a fully electric-powered drive-train, the MINI E offers a whole new world of emission-free driving fun.
This MINI is a breakthrough of the MINI brand into a new age of mobility.
There will soon be over 500 MINI E vehicles tested in everyday urban driving in the United States and Germany. Our customers’ first-hand experiences will assist us in developing a series production vehicle within the BMW Group.
We chose MINI for this pilot project because MINI is the ideal city car.
Today I would like to address three main topics with you:
– 50 Years of MINI
– an overview of the current status of MINI worldwide
– and last but certainly not least, the introduction of our exciting new products.
Ladies and Gentlemen –
This year is a very special one – MINI turns 50 – and I hope you would agree that it is still the “most exciting small car brand in the worldâ€!
How has MINI succeeded at this age to remain so young?
The Mini was launched in 1959, as the British Motor Corporation’s answer to the successful foreign small “bubble†cars. In a time marked by fuel crisis and petrol rationing, BMC boss Leonard Lord, instructed his brilliant designer Alec Issigonis, to develop a British small car.
Issigonis created a piece of history when he created the Mini – short for “miniature†– which made its debut in August 1959. I am pleased to be able to share with you here today an original 1959 Morris Mini-Minor – one of the first three to come off the production lines.
Having also just turned 50 – I personally feel a special affinity for Mini – which was our family car after my birth and during many other phases of my life.
The world fell in love with the Mini, including the rich and famous – The Beatles, Brigitte Bardot, Peter Sellers, Twiggy began driving Minis and even members of the Royal Family were seen around town in the cheeky cars.
People began to realize that the Mini was more than just a car – it was a fashion statement – the symbol of a generation – and a whole new way of life.
When the Cooper version came along, racers also discovered that the Mini was a winner – all Minis became renowned for their great handling. After just a short time, the Mini began to win many racing titles – most famously the Monte Carlo rally – which it won three times.
In short – Mini became an “icon“: establishing itself as a unique brand associated with tradition and irresistible charm and winning over all age groups.
When Mini came under the BMW Group in 1994, it was decided to take up the tradition and to continue this unique history. “From the original to the original†– was the philosophy right from the start in designing the New MINI.
The launch of the New MINI in 2001 marked the beginning of a new success story.
Since then:
– we have sold around 1.4 million MINI cars
– MINI is now available in 80 markets
– and there are around 1,300 certified MINI dealers worldwide.
What are the reasons why the New MINI has been so successful?
Quite simply, because we have consistently focused upon making MINI a genuine premium brand.
We have achieved this through creating outstanding product substance – respecting tradition, and at the same time – meeting the demands of today’s customers.
Perhaps one of the best examples is MINI’s unique design – which still maintains the character of the charismatic “iconâ€.
We have also enhanced the “go-kart†feeling in the MINI – as well as offering a wide range of customization options which allow for the individuality of each car.
Also, we understood how important it was for the MINI family to grow – which now includes derivatives such as the Convertible, the Clubman and still to come – the MINI Crossover.
There is no doubt – the MINI brand is thriving and authentic to the core!
Let’s take a look at the business of MINI: MINI had an outstanding year in 2008.
Worldwide we sold a total of 232,000 MINIs – a record for the New MINI – and four percent more than the previous year. The United States overtook the U.K. to become the largest single market for MINI, with sales of more than 54,000 cars in 2008. We are confident that MINI will continue to be successful in the long term.
Customers can look forward to even more exciting new MINI models in 2009, as well as even more efficient technologies.
A wide range of features to optimize fuel economy and minimize emissions are standard on almost all new MINI cars in Europe.
We will start the 2009 model year with 7 MINI models which generate no more than 140 grams of CO2 per kilometre. This is what we call “MINIMALISM†– realized through BMW Group Efficient Dynamics measures.
Ladies and Gentlemen –
I am excited to be able to present the world premiere of three very special MINIs to you today.
These new models underscore the consistent growth and development of the MINI family and will be available at the end of this month.
Let me begin with the new entry-level version of the MINI One.
The MINI One with 75 horsepower (55kW) makes entry into the MINI world now even more accessible. This model combines the fascination of MINI driving fun with maximum economy:
Fuel consumption of 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emission levels of 128 grams per kilometre.
Here is another new member of the team – the MINI One Clubman.
The MINI One Clubman is powered by a 95 horsepower (70kW) four-cylinder petrol engine, which already demonstrated its efficiency in the MINI One.
With fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels of 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres and 130 grams per kilometre – this new model highlights the brand’s aspiration to combine product substance with driving fun and driving economy.
The efficiency measures auto start-stop, brake energy regeneration and gear shift indicator come as standard on both of these new entry models, the MINI One and the MINI One Clubman.
Both are equipped with the latest generation of 4-cylinder gasoline engines. Front-wheel drive guarantees the brand’s signature go-cart feeling. But above all they are unbeatably efficient. This is MINIMALISM at its best!
Of course, high-performance engines also play an important part in driving fun.
Just a few weeks after the world debut of the new MINI open four-seater – I would now like to present to you the world premiere of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible!
This is the fastest MINI Convertible in history. 211 horsepower (155 KW), an acceleration of zero-to-one hundred in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h speak for themselves. Racing is in our blood and believe me, your blood will be racing with this new hot MINI.
Here is our world premiere – the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible!
The new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible creates a storm – it is the ultimate thrill of open-driving in all weather conditions.
With more speed, more sportiness – this car simply begs you to drive with the roof down. Stormy enthusiasm is evoked by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder power unit – complete with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection.
In short – this car combines the drive technology of a racing car with the beautiful aesthetic looks of the MINI Convertible – providing unique driving fun!
When it comes to speed – Silverstone is the heart of British racing. And I would like to invite all of you to come and join us from 22nd to 24th May in Silverstone to celebrate MINI’s 50th birthday at the third MINI United Festival.
I hope you have a great time here today. Thank-you for your attention!
<p>Still have to think that the Mini One is an off the shelf product that could sell here in the states. There is a large market for entry level Mini’s and with the increasing prices of the brand products I think this car would help the brand in the USA. I however think that the main reason we have never seen it here is that Mini is afraid of tarnishing their brand image in the states with a cheaper and less powerful car. I also kinda laugh at the notion that they have created improved “go-cart” handling over the original, any doubts on this spend some time with a classic on a autocross track.</p>
<p>Ian needs to go back and learn a bit about Mini history. Sir Alec actually worked long and hard championing the concepts of the Mini brand to Lord. While Lord deserves respect for giving the green light to the development the genius of the car came from the beliefs of Sir Alec.</p>
<p>Still a fun little video</p>
<p>The music while the cars were driving out was really distracting and abrupt but still an interesting video.</p>
<p>Each year I spend a lot of time on the Mini stand. This year it’s obvious that the crisis is here. No more 1st floor with dedicated Mini shop. Now the bar and lounge are at the same level and the boutique has been replaced by… a vending machine !!</p>
<p>You can have a look at my <a href="http://picasaweb.google.ch/BridgetAroundTheWorld/SalonAuto2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCNvwqZHNhoHs8AE#" rel="nofollow">pictures here</a>.</p>
<p>I agree wholeheartedly that there is a large market for the entry level mini here in the US. I’m just not sure the One is needed to fill that slot. There is a lot of difference in European driving style in the larger congested areas of Europe vs the more expansive suburban life style of the US. But, I’d like to see Mini pay more attention to the lower end of their market.</p>
<p>In that regard I would congratulate them on the fact that the MC R56 was introduced at 18,050 and currently resides at 18,550 with DSC being made standard, in effect no cost increase. I just don’t think the One which might be 1,000 to 2,000 cheaper with a 95 HP engine would be all that desireable. I’m frugal in spending and I want the 120 HP (and have one) not the 95. 95 hp would be anemic trying to merge onto most American freeways.</p>
<p>Mini could accomplish the same thing by taking the current US spec MC and applying some of the same cost saving measures they apply to the one (except engine) to that car and produce an entry level variant at lower cost that the current MC. Things like OBC deletion, matching body and roof, delete seat height adjustment are all things done with the One. There are others I could propose that could accomplish more and still retain a peppy great handling car.</p>
<p>Wow, why am I in moderation??</p>
<p>It seems, if memory serves, we heard a lot about ONE’s being bought by younger owners in the UK because of insurance points. If this were so, that’d also contribute to a better market for the ONE over there.</p>
<p>One last thought….all in all it is a very exciting year for MINI. Too bad global economic woes are dousing the plans of many automakers. Still, glad to see MINI is generating some excitement. MINI is at least poised to attract buyers that may be out there.</p>
<p>The MINI ONE makes sense in Europe because of road tax structure and how its low admission price makes it easier for some, on a limited budget, to join the MINI fold.</p>
<p>As far as power delivery is concerned, the 1st gen MINI ONE R50 may have been “animic” with its detuned TRITEC making less than 90HP, but remember that many ONE owners have been able to successfully “chip it” and bring power levels to Cooper territory (And maybe even surpass it).</p>
<p>MINIUSA’s “official” argument against bringing the ONE states side is simply this…. They believe a 90HP $14K-$15K car will not compete well with cheaper econobox entries in the market that offer substantially more standard power right out of the box. Think of the Honda Fit @110HP and even some Hyundais and Kias in the 130-140HP range from standard. However, you could say that the Cooper suffers from the same HP/Price ratio disadvantage, but I digress..</p>
<p>The “unofficial” position against the ONE in America is that BMW wants to maintain the “Premium” image of the product/brand. That was a nice and dandy argument in 2002-2006 but not any longer. People’s attitudes towards big ticket purchases are changing dramatically by the day and the idea of an “affordable” entry level, “plain Jane” MINI is very appealing to a greater segment of the market.</p>
<p>I think MINIUSA needs to re-consider their position towards the ONE model. Witness how BMW (In order to survive) will start offering more entry level Bimmers equipped with four bangers and all.</p>
<p>Times have changed and so attitudes and business models need to adjust accordingly.</p>
<p>Glanford, in Canada MINI sold for a while an entry level model called “Cooper Classic”. Basically, it was a bare bones standard Cooper without the Canadian market standard Xenon Headlights, heated seats and heated windshield (Read that: Minus Cold weather pack).</p>
<p>The car was offered on the R50 model. I am not sure if the Cooper Classic returned under the R56.</p>
<p>Also remember that the Current “Prince” engined MINI ONE has much more torque than the old Tritec powered R50 MINI ONE, hence the “HP deficit” is probably now much less noticeable in the gasoline models than ever before.</p>
<p>I’m still chuggin’ along in my ’04 R50 Cooper Classic. Yep, it’s bare bones allright, but it does zip quite nicely. And yes, there is an R56 version that saves about $4K compared to the Cooper. Xenons are not on the option list, in fact there are only 3 options available : USB audio/bluetooth, heated seats/fog lights package, and auto transmission. The Classic is not a big seller here in Canada however…</p>
<p>C4, I agree attitudes and business models need to change. You may be right about the Prince engine able to pull at 95 hp due to the flatter torque curve of the engine. I know my R56 MC at 120 pulls really nice. I’d prefer a bare bones type Cooper Classic at higher HP over a One type, just me. I don’t agree with MINI’s official position that a barebones mini can’t compete with other econoboxes out there. I’d buy a stripped down Mini over all econoboxes out there, save the Fit, and I’d be leaning toward the mini. I think about the best you could do for a stripped type Cooper classic would be around 16K. Hey I’d have one if it was hand crank windows and just a am/fm radio with two speakers (good ones!) and an aux port. All I need, I’m done!! A bare bones type classic for the cooper is also consistent with Sir Alec’s orignial intent of the Mini, good dependable and economical transportation in the face of the Suez Canal crisis affecting Britain. In this environment more people will be thinking about those kind of purchases instead of a fully loaded luxury Mini.</p>
<p>Sir Alec Issigonis was a huge critic of American Cars of the 1950’s. He was very anti-bling and firmly believed that cars need not to have any comforts beyond of what is absolutely necessary. if you ever driven/ridden in a Classic Mini, you’ll understand where this man was coming from.</p>
<p>Issigonis said that he could build an entire Mini out of a single door of any 1950’s American made car. He absolutely despised the bling, size and garishness of Detroit Iron of that time period.</p>
<p>But today you can not see a new car without A/C, power windows/locks, power steering, sunroof, NAV, leather seats, MP3 stereo and so on and so forth. We are all very used to these creature comforts and expect them by default on our new cars.</p>
<p>Having said that, however, I think that this financial crisis will make many people re-think what sort of standard equipment they expect on their next new car and still for it be affordable.</p>
<p>We will see crank windows, no A/C and manual transmission making a comeback and becoming more popular in years to come? That is an interesting trend that I will personally enjoy to follow.</p>
<p>I’m french and i can tell you what really was the R50 One : a city car more than a road car</p>
<p>Where the pleasure begins in the R50 Cooper (4000 rpm) it ends in the R50 One, although the R50 One is faster from 1000 to 3000 rpm than the R50 Cooper</p>
<p>Yes it is about the same motor but !
All is smoother !
Clutch, direction, shift knob, suspension… Everything…
The exhaust note is inaudible in the One whereas in the Cooper it is… alive</p>
<p>So now you know, are you sure to want “one” ?
In Europe too, the Mini spirit doesn’t honestly need the One (available in 75hp now too)</p>
<p>Yes the R56 One is a little bit more like the R56 Cooper, but they don’t sell very well either</p>
<p>I think the beauty of the MINI is that you don’t lose some of the basic “Creature comforts” from bigger vehicles and still enjoy a solidly built car with cool design, solid engineering/safety features, performance and fuel economy to boot.</p>
<p>I think this is why the MINI has been such a resounding success for BMW. It is a car built “for the times”. You can have fun, look good (And green/fiscally responsible at the same time) and avoid calling too much attention to yourself (Read: Flashing your wealth, power or status).</p>
<p>Luxury cars and exotics are becoming tasteless commodities in the face of the crisis the world is facing today.</p>
<p>@<a href="#comment-254524" rel="nofollow">r.burns</a>:</p>
<p>I think the R56 MINI ONE is facing tough competition in Europe from the Fiat 500. It is my understanding that the 500 is a couple of thousand cheaper than the cheapest R56 MINI ONE.</p>
<p>Also, it is my understanding that the MINI ONE and the MINI ONE D biggest market is/was France.</p>
<p>Most of the discussion seems to be about power output and performance. Also, the emphasis by BMW is on Premium product.
Not all MINI buyers are young professionals between 20 and 30 yrs old. Note the adverts and clothing brochures.
There are some MINI buyers that are in their 40s/50s and upwards. These people may not want a “Cooper” labelled racing car with ommmph and hard suspension. This is why MINI One suits this market which MINI tend to dismiss.
C4 and JonPD you are right on the money about Issigonis and history.</p>
<p>Still think what would be incredible would be a true Mini city car based on the classic shell. Since the body presses still exist and still being pressed think this would rock as a city car with a new developed suspension and motor. I would actually likely sell my GP for one or at base minimum buy one. Think this would also have a huge nod to the principles Sir Alec designed with.</p>
<p>Instead the brand seems fascinated with a SUV, go figure, maybe Mini needs a history lesson in itself.</p>
<p>Ouch GregW! Now I feel really old, old, old….
I’m 45 and made the suspension on my 02 MCS stiffer!</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>I also fall into that 40 group Greg and can confirm for you that outside of the very uniqueness of the GP and modest performance gains Mini has not come close to producing a proper sports car with a true performance related handling. I feel that the One market in Europe tends to be young people that are not in a place yet to buy a 30k car and has a lot to do with the insurance rates for young drivers there.</p>
<p>Going a bit further off topic. HP is over-rated. My buddy vintage races an MGA. When he went to a 2009 AMG something63, he dropped three seconds a lap at Thunderhill, not a lot for over 3x the HP. That said, it sure is fun, and it’s one of the metrics of competition.</p>
<p>Matt (the old guy) ;)</p>
<p>Man, more moderation! Whom have I offended lately? ;)</p>
<p>So we have captured the abominable snowman and women and who knew they drove a MINI :)</p>
<p>Discovery Channel 0, MINI 2</p>
<p>So here was my thought process.</p>
<p>1) Me: Why is he wearing a coat?
2) New JCW Convertable rolls out covered in white styrofoam
3)”Now you see why I am wearing a coat…”
4)cricket….cricket**
5) Me: OHHHHH!!……Wait, is that a yeti?</p>
<p>Yeti is quite popular this year ! There is another one on <a href="http://www.leblogauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/geneve-2009_skoda-yeti_191.jpg" rel="nofollow">Skoda stand</a></p>
<p>My version of a US cooper classic: Current MC:</p>
<p>Stripped Mini:</p>
<p>Delete OBC
Delete 6 speakers (Add two good ones front door)
Delete lighted vanity mirrors
Delete CD player (retain aux port)
Delete Mood lights.
Delete power mirrors (mechanical joy stick will do)
Delete secret compartment
Delete boot storage nets/storage cover
Delete map lights by upper toggles
Delete upper toggles.
Delete climate control on glove box.
Delete boot power outlet</p>
<p>That’s about all I could come up with. I’m sure there is more relative to trim work that could be deleted as well. For example the large oval door trim piece in the R56 isn’t standard in some European versions if I remember.</p>
<p>I was tempted to also delete power window and locks and the lower toggles as well. That would render front and rear fogs also not an option and also require a traditional key instead of the fob. One problem with those type deletions is that it could cost the manufacturer more to retain two parts sets than to just offer the one more premium version to both, one of the reasons you rarely see crank windows even in the cheapest of cars. I’d also want the new JCW engine temp gauge standard!!</p>
<p>Interesting that all seemed to have missed the Clubman ONE tucked in the right hand side corner of the video.</p>
<p>JonPD, from a “romantic” point of view it would be cool to have a “City” classic Mini model being built and sold. Unfortunately, the old Issigonis Mini is a 1950’s design that has no chance of passing legislation in the vast majority of developed countries in the world.</p>
<p>For instance, today in South Africa you can still purchase a brand new VW Golf/Rabbit MK1 called the “City Gol”. Yes it is the same 1984 model still being manufactured by VW for the SA market. In third world countries where operating conditions tend to be harsher and there is a greater emphasis on lower operating/repair costs, I can see a market for the Issigonis Mini and MK1 VW Rabbits.</p>
<p>Unfortunately our DOT legislation will keep these oldies but goodies away from ever been offered as new vehicles.</p>
<p>But if you still want a classic for a weekend fun car (I would not recommend it for a daily driver) I can hook you up with our local Classic Mini importer/restorer:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.minicoopersofmiami.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.minicoopersofmiami.com/</a></p>
<p>JonPD, DOT legislation in the vast majority of developed countries around the world will prevent the Issigonis Mini from ever being manufactured and sold as an alternative brand new city car.</p>
<p>Today in South Africa, you can walk into any VW dealer and purchase a brand new MK1 VW Rabbit right off the showroom floor. In third world countries, legislation is not as strict, operating conditions tend to be harsher and there is a greater emphasis on ease of repairs and low cost maintenance.</p>
<p>If you still want to add a Classic Mini to your stable at some point in the future, I’ll be more than happy to refer you to our local Classic Mini importer/restorer:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.minicoopersofmiami.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.minicoopersofmiami.com/</a></p>
<p>My posts seem to be getting lost in the twilight zone!!!</p>
<p>@<a href="#comment-254545" rel="nofollow">Dr Obnxs</a>: Our spam software has been a bit ambitious lately. Let us know if your comment still hasn’t shown up.</p>
<p>Gabe feel free to delete either of my 2 last posts as they are duplicates.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>A classic mini size car would be great. At times I really miss my old Honda 600 sedan I used to drive. That was tiny, but could be parked anywhere. A couple of times I had people pick my car up and turn it sideways in its parking spot!!</p>
<p>But in reality that is too small for me today to be an effective city car. With my R56 rear seats folded down I can go do all our errands around town, grocery store, cleaning, pet food store and comfortably get all the shopping in and I don’t need a huge SUV to do it.</p>
<p>You would be surprised what you could fit into a classic Mini glangford. Also C4 what I had in mind is a classic body with a completely new undercarriage and engine. More than a few classics are running around currently on a variety of vtecs with Honda’s K,B,and D series motors. And the B and D series are able to stay inside the original sheet-metal. Safety is not limited to hulking dimensions, look at F1 and you will see this laid out plainly. I honestly believe that developing a classic size Mini that is decently safe is more than possible.</p>
<p>OK see my previous comments and replies from a few “younger” MF readers. I am closer to 60 than 50. In my post about age of buyers, I was refering to those older than myself who do not want a GP or a Cooper S. As I get older I find that trying to break the land speed record getting from place to place is fruitless.
My suggestion is that those older citizens than myself who are retired and want a great little car to drive down to the mall, to drive the grandkids around, is miserly on gas, but still retains all the features and appeal that MINI offers, would prefer a slower more comfortable MINI One.</p>
<p>The “mini” Mini is to be released in 4-5 years, but what is to have in mind is that BMW didn’t want to commercialize an Issigonnis’replica… The aim was a much sporty car, for sure that is a reason of its success today</p>