Tag Archives: running

A DECADE OF STRAIGHT WINS FOR MINI AT THE BUSINESSCAR AWARDS 2012

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For a decade, MINI’s irresistible combination of premium styling, frugal fuel performance and that unmistakable go-kart handling has been recognised by BusinessCar Magazine as they name the MINI Hatch ‘2012 Supermini of the Year’ in their annual awards.

MINI’s low running costs and CO2 emissions, coupled with high residual values and performance are just some of the reasons why it has proven to be such a success with business car users.

“The MINI has established itself as a favourite of the business car industry, with its combination of rock-solid residual values, excellent efficiency and cheeky charm proving itself once more to the readers of BusinessCar, which have again voted it as their most impressive supermini,” said BusinessCar Editor Paul Barker. “A good business car has to offer appeal to the heart and to the head, and the Mini offers both in abundance.”

MINI One D and MINI Cooper D Hatch models feature the brand’s MINIMALISM technology. Both models can enter the London Congestion Charge Zone free of charge thanks to a host of fuel-saving and emission lowering equipment; they emit just 99g/km CO2.

The BusinessCar Awards are voted for entirely by the readers of BusinessCar magazine and www.businesscar.co.uk rather than a panel of judges and are therefore highly regarded within the industry.

BusinessCar is a magazine, website and series of email newsletters designed for the business car market (in the UK). BusinessCar gives the reader a wider choice of information. Information that is not only essential to the fleet manager, but is also vital to finance bosses, HR directors and procurement chiefs as well as managing directors who want to understand the important issues central to running car and van fleets.

[Source: BMW Group UK, Jan 23 2012]

MINI United 2012: French connection for fourth edition of MINI festival.

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MINI United time is here again! The international community growing up around the British small car brand is set to come together for the fourth running of a very special open-air festival; MINI has announced the date and venue for what is sure to be a spectacular event. MINI aficionados and music fans alike should set aside the weekend of 11 – 13 May 2012 in their diaries and programme the destination Le Castellet – or, more precisely, the Circuit Paul Ricard – in France into their sat-navs. Lying in wait for the MINI United 2012 crowd at the circuit, which played host to Formula One races over several decades, will be a top-class line-up featuring live music acts, motor sport, lifestyle action and MINI Community activities.

Some 25,000 fans from more than 40 nations flocked to Silverstone in England for the MINI United festival in 2009 to celebrate not only the third Community catch-up but also the 50th anniversary of the brand’s founding. However, the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet offers enough space for even the Silverstone masses to be exceeded in number. Indeed, the event programme is richer in depth and variety than ever before. Live appearances by leading lights of the international music and DJ scene, fun sporting activities, stunt shows and driving experiences on the track, exhibitions of accessories, current MINI and Classic Mini cars on display, and the exclusive presentation of a new MINI model ensure an attractive blend of al fresco party, shared experience and MINI action in every shape and form.

An extensive entertainment programme for younger MINI fans is guaranteed, as are a broad spread of culinary treats laid on by various restaurants, bars and catering stations. Other essential features of a MINI United festival are the MINI Club Area and Beauty Parking, which serves as both a car park and stage for the more strikingly styled members of the MINI fleet. Indeed, for the majority of the fans at the fourth MINI United festival, driving to the venue in their own MINI will be the perfect way of getting into the mood for a weekend among the MINI Community.

Further information on MINI United 2012 is now available at www.MINIspace.com/MINIunited. Regular updates on the event programme, motor sport line-up and MINI Community will also be posted on the site, as well as tips and links on the event location, registration, ticket bookings and accommodation reservations in the area around the venue.

[Source: BMW Group, Munich/Le Castellet, 16-Dec-2011]

MINI Cooper D zooms away with Fun Green Car award at the What Car? Green Awards

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The MINI Cooper D was named What Car?’s ‘Fun Green Car’ at the publication’s 2011 Green Awards.

Thanks to its MINIMALISM technology MINI is ranked within the top five motoring manufacturers for its low CO2 emissions throughout its whole range. The MINI Cooper D offers drivers the legendary ‘go-kart’ handling and iconic design, as well as a bundle of economical and environmentally friendly benefits such as being exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

Chas Hallett, What Car? Editor in Chief said; “What Car? has long been a fan of the British-built MINI. The MINI 1.6D Cooper proves that being green does not mean you have to wave goodbye to driving enjoyment. It has very low running costs, because it emits just 99g/km of CO2 and does 74.3mpg. The Cooper D is without question the most fun way to go green and keep a bit more cash in your pocket.”