Three new hatchback models, but still a Mini.
-The new Mini hatch is the next chapter in 54 years of Mini tradition.
The new Mini hatchbacks also continue a tradition by its BMW owners: it keeps getting just a little bit bigger.
- This was really our key focus, to make sure that the interior volume on this design is at the point where you can say this is a real four-person car. You have this 30 mil -- longer wheel base, really gives you that knee space in the back.
Some of the technology improvements are already available in bigger luxury models, but Mini is said to be ahead of the other small car makers when it comes to the infotainment offerings around the steering wheel.
- Mini Connected was already there, but they've just updated it. They've given it a new controller and critically, one of the most important things they've done is they've added support for Android SmartPhones.
-The press of the world paid tribute to the Morris Mini-Minor.
BMW acquired the Mini Mark in 1994 and rebuilt it from the ground up, relaunching the brand in 2001. Since then, BMW has produced more than 2.4 million Minis, nearly 1.9 million exported. The United States is the biggest market.And 14 percent of all cars made in the United Kingdom in 2012 were Minis. And BMW says one in six of the autos it makes are Minis.
Mini brought out the quintessential British bulldog to show just how British the car is, but in fact, it's also manufactured in Austria and, starting next year, Minis will also be manufactured in the Netherlands.
Designed in the UK, if not all made here anymore.
- Well, that's a company making the best use of its manufacturing, but BMW invested 500 million pounds in this plant alone. That is a huge sign of confidence in the United Kingdom.
Britain now has to rely on non-British players to invest in its auto factories, including BMW. But its economy is growing faster this year than originally estimated, and resurgent car production is playing its part. Mini sales hit a record for the first ten months of this year.
