BMW Announces Mini Plans - 02/23/2000
BMW Announces Plans for Mini
By: Charlie Romero, Roadfly.com, Editor-in-Chief
With the trend being towards retro lately, BMW has decided to launch the new Mini. The car famous for being "Mini" is coming back after 30 years. Loyal followers of this tiny British-made car will have to wait about 18 months according to BMW.
 Tom Purves, chairman of BMW U.S. Holding Corp., told members of Detroit's Automotive Press Association on Tuesday that a completely redesigned Mini will be sold in Major U.S. cities by BMW and Land Rover dealers. Purves did not disclose detailed dealership plans but indicated there willl be about one dealer per major market area. BMW acquired the Mini along with Britain's Rover Group in 1994.
BMW is targeting young and trendy drivers with its new offering. The car known for its sporty yet economical performance will be priced economically as well. The price of the Mini will be set later in the year.
Scheduled for production in Birmingham, England, the new Mini tentatively is set to debut at the Birmingham Motor Show this fall, with European sales starting late in the year or spring of 2001. The car is expected to go on sale in the States about 6 months after its European debut.
The Mini was sold in the United States under the Austin and Morris brand names from 1960 to 1967, when its American run was ended by safety and emissions regulations. BMW Group has invested heavily in the redesign of the car, bringing it up to 21st century standards. The Mini, voted European Car of the Century by journalists there, has sold about 5.3 million units during its 40-year history.
Just 10 feet long, 4 feet high and 4 feet wide, with a 1.3-liter engine and 10-inch wheels -- the Mini was launched Aug. 26, 1959, as the smallest possible car for four adults and their luggage. Though developed in response to a fuel rationing crisis, it wasn't long before the Mini became a fashion statement, attracting celebrity buyers such as Peter Sellers, Peter Ustinov, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
The redesigned Mini is expected to be larger without giving up the spirit of the original Mini.
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