MINI Paceman confirmed for production

MINI Paceman, basically a three door version of MINI Countryman, is confirmed for production according to Car and Driver. It has been no secret, we now have a official word from MINI chief Kay Segler that we will see Paceman (The name still might change) on the road for 2013 or 2014 model year. Other than losing two doors, slightly lower roof, and other necessary design changes, you can expect same level of technical specification and equipment/trim level as Countryman.

[ Source :: Car and Driver ]

MINI Connected / Navigation shortage coming to an end

Due to certain parts shortage directly caused by Japanese Tsunami, ordering MINI Connected with/with out Navigation was unavailable for past few month. (Reported Back in May) Now, good folks at MotoringFile is reporting that such constraint is ending as of August production. This is surely a welcome news to those who delayed their MINI order because of it and new shoppers looking to order one. So don't miss out on the good stuff and order one!

[ Source :: MotoringFile ]

Living with MINI :: MINI Countryman Owner's Focus Group

Last month, I've participated in a focus group (market research meeting) for new MINI Countryman owners paid for by MINI and organized by a market research firm. For those not familiar with focus group, it is "a form of qualitative research in which a group of people are asked about their perceptions, opinions, beliefs and attitudes towards a product, service, concept, advertisement, idea, or packaging." Generally, companies use focus group to gather above information from various consumers about their new, upcoming or existing products and services. I am not new to focus group as I participated in a focus group for Honda Element couple years back.  I even experienced it from behind the glass as a 'company' and have worked with market research firm before. So, it was exciting to be part of one again, especially as an owner of new MINI Countryman, about to meet with fellow Countryman owners!

Things I Like about my Countryman :: #004 Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting on Countryman is one feature that really sets it apart from anything else in the market. While there are some other examples, there is no car in the market at the time that has ambient lighting running in the middle of the interior front to back via center rail. My only gripe would be not getting the full, single center rail so that I can enjoy the AL to the max! (my Countryman has split rail set up) Also, the AL via oval shaped door accents is something very unique to Countryman. The ambient lighting add a very cool illuminated 'ambiance' to what would have been an otherwise very dark cockpit and interior space. I also love the fact that I can set up different colors depending on my mood or have them change automatically. Everyone who gets a ride in my Countryman always get 'Wow'ed by it as well (especially at night for obvious reason) I also like how Ambient lighting is always on when engine is on, independent of headlight on or off.

Living with MINI :: Complimentary Car Wash at South Bay MINI

One of the perks from South Bay MINI, the dealership I got my Countryman from, is the free any time hand car wash. All I have to do bring the car to the dealership, pull into the service drive and turn my flashers on. They will bring it to the back for a hand car wash and get it back to me, usually within 20-30 minutes. It is part of their VIP program for those who buy/lease from South Bay BMW/MINI. The perks included in VIP program is pretty much standard fare, with car wash and LAX-drop off being stand outs. 

So last Thursday, as I was taking a half day off, I drove down from my work in Santa Monica to South Bay MINI to get the car wash. This isn't the first time my Countryman received free car wash from South Bay. However, it is the first time I personally took the MINI in for one.

MINI Sales Figures July 2011

MINI USA reported sales of 4,711 automobiles in July.  The July 2011 sales are an increase of 8.9% over the 4,326 sold in July, 2010. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 36.6% on volume of 34,527 compared to 25,279 in the first seven months of 2010. 

Hardtop continues to be the volume leader while Countryman is a solid number 2. However, Hardtop sales is down hard compared to July 2010 at  wooping -26.8%. Clubman's sales actually increased 2.2% over the same month last year. Convertible sales continues the downward trend. More details after the jump.