Click picture too see more.

Absolutely emission-free – the MINI on two wheels. Car boot-compatible folding bike for urban mobility.

Munich. MINI presents the eco-friendly solution to the parking space problem in city centres. The brand is celebrating the comeback of the folding bike with a modern version of the practical means of locomotion. The special gimmick: when folded, the MINI Folding Bike fits into the boot of almost every vehicle – and most definitely into the MINI. When travelling into the city, simply park the car outside the overcrowded city centre, then continue on the bike and relax. Park & Ride with an environmentally conscious understatement!

The bike is also absolutely suitable for commuters and impresses in urban travels. When folded, it can be taken free of charge on public transport.

The MINI Folding Bike presents itself as a genuine high-tech vehicle: high-quality components, a light-weight aluminium frame and a clever folding mechanism make the trendy bike the ideal companion while travelling. The bike can be folded and unfolded in just a few seconds. The bike is folded along the crossbar and handlebars. In addition the saddle can be retracted and the pedals be folded up. This makes the bike extremely easy to handle whilst saving space. Fitted in a sleeve under the saddle is a practical transport bag. The MINI Folding Bike can easily match the riding characteristics of a “normal” bike. Weighing less than 11 kilos and equipped with 8 gears and 20-inch wheels, it is quick and versatile. The teflon-coated chain prevents annoying soiling caused by chain oil and reduces the wear and tear on the components. The comfortable gel saddle ensures comfort. Thanks to the front and rear mudguards, you can carry on peddling regardless, even in the rain. Good visibility on the road is guaranteed by the accompanying reflectors.

Even on two wheels MINI proves its unmistakable design expertise. The bike comes in exquisite matt black. Silver highlights are set by the MINI lettering on the crossbar, the brand logo on the handlebars and the Union Jack motif on the rear forks. The absolute eye-catchers are the bike chain and bell in bold neon yellow.

The MINI Folding Bike is available as of August 2011 for 499.00 Euro on the Internet at www.MINI.de/shop and from selected MINI dealers. The bike comes completely mounted. Additional accessories will soon be available.

Product specifications:

nxtMINI podcast episode 015

Below is the official speech given by Ian Robertson at the North American International Show (NAIAS) in detroit on 10 Jan 2011.

Ian Robertson: Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing

MINI Press Conference

North American International Auto Show

Detroit, 10 January 2011

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to MINI.
It’s great to be here.  MINI is right at home in the US.
And we are also very proud to support the United States Olympic Committee and Team USA, as you see from the logo on the MINI Countryman.

The MINI Countryman is yet another example of MINI’s success in blazing new trails with fresh and exciting models.

This car is a huge hit! Incoming orders are 30% higher than expected. Worldwide, we have already sold well over 15,000 of these cars and it already accounts for around one fifth of MINI’s sales.

As of this month, the MINI Countryman will also be available in MINI’s biggest single market – the US. We are confident it will also receive a warm welcome here, as it has done in other markets.

With optional all-wheel drive, the MINI Countryman also provides heaps of driving fun and performance in the snow… And it’s only appropriate that MINI has now entered into a global cooperation with leading snowboard manufacturer, Burton. The partnership focuses on the Burton Global Open Series, with events in Switzerland Canada and, of course, here in the US.

Snowboarding, with its “rebel” attitude and “cutting-edge” scene is a perfect fit for the MINI brand.

MINI is all about pushing new limits – it broke new ground when it created the premium small car segment. And we have more models to offer in this segment today than any other brand. Today we are going to give you another glimpse into the future at MINI.

But first, let’s take a look at the current MINI family, which is more youthful and diverse than ever.

The model range was fully revised and expanded in 2010 and this is the first time that we have all the members of the NEW MINI FAMILY here in the US.

The new MINI Hardtop.

The new MINI Convertible.

The new MINI Clubman.

And the new MINI Countryman.

The family will keep growing and we will be exploring further concepts for MINI. The MINI Coupé and Roadster will soon take the MINI family to six. The Coupé will go on sale later this year and the Roadster in 2012.

The ongoing success of MINI confirms that we are well in touch with our customers and the kind of cars they want from MINI. We are thrilled that 2010 was the most successful sales year in MINI’s history. Last year we sold well over 234,000 MINI cars in total worldwide. This was 8.2% percent up on the previous year.

This year we’ll have a full sales year with the Countryman and we will continue the momentum. The US will of course play a key role in this – we just had the most successful December here ever for MINI and we look forward to building upon that.

Exactly ten years ago- here in Detroit – MINI began its relaunch after an absence of more than three decades in the US. The new MINI now has well over 300,000 owners here.

At MINI, we always love thinking about what’s around the corner… And on this special anniversary, we will reveal an exciting study for a further car concept – the MINI Paceman Concept!

This car captures the typical MINI characteristics – unique design, clever functionality and signature driving fun – with a new level of agility.

It combines an athletic, masculine coupé appearance with the dimensions of the MINI Countryman. It has more of a horizontal orientation than the MINI Countryman – which gives it a very dynamic expression. It is the strong muscular MINI with sporty elegance.

And once again, MINI is going into territory where no one’s been before – it’s the first Crossover Coupé in the premium small car segment.

And with the 1.6 liter John Cooper Works twin-scroll turbo engine under the hood, there’s real power in this car.

As it’s based on the MINI Countryman, this car can also have MINIALL4, which is MINI’s all-wheel drive.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Here it is – the world premiere of the MINI Paceman Concept.

I’m thrilled to tell you now, for the very first time, that there will be a seventh member of the MINI family – and we will base it on this concept!

MINI keeps growing, the excitement never stops.
And we’re very happy that you could join us today to share a glimpse into the future at MINI. Thank you.

MINI USA ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST PARTNERSHIP TO DEVELOP THIRD-PARTY APPS FOR MINI CONNECTED
Pandora® internet radio named as the first MINI Connected Approved App

• MINI USA and Pandora® collaborate to enable Pandora service through MINI Connected on MY 2011 MINI vehicles
• Customers will be able to operate Pandora using existing vehicle controls
• Additional third-party apps to be announced soon

Las Vegas – January 5, 2011… MINI USA announced today that the company is collaborating with Pandora to develop the first third party app for MINI Connected. Upon completion, Pandora internet radio will be available at no charge and allow customers to access and control Pandora through the existing MINI Connected system.

All 2011 MINIs equipped with MINI Connected will be able to stream Pandora, enabling access to personalized internet radio across the entire vehicle lineup. Unique features to the MINI Connected app will include popular Pandora features, such as: easy access to existing stations, the ability to create new ones using the car interface and high-resolution, color display of album art.

“Integration of Pandora has been highly requested by our existing owners and potential new customers,” said Stephan Durach, Director of the BMW Group Technology Office Palo Alto. “We are pleased that we are able to partner with Pandora and look forward to offering this function across the MINI product range in a way that is simple to access and safer to operate.”

Once development is complete, MINI customers will be able to download Pandora, which will immediately work with their existing MINI Connected systems. The Pandora internet radio integration, like the existing MINI Connected functions, will be seamless.

“We’re thrilled that MINI is making Pandora available to customers across its full range of vehicles, thereby enabling people to enjoy their personalized radio stations while on-the-go,” said Jessica Steel, Executive Vice President of Business Development for Pandora.

Demonstrations of the forthcoming app and its functionality in MINI vehicles will be offered this week during the Consumer Telematics Show and Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV.

Added future-proofing with MINI-specific apps.
The functional repertoire of MINI Connected can be extended easily by dipping into the MINI Connected Approved iPhone Apps. Any changes that are made to the apps are automatically updated through the Apple App Store. This allows MINI Connected customers to continue to benefit from technical advances and creative developments in the field of in-car entertainment into the future without the hassle of service calls to ensure the latest updates are incorporated.

“We look forward to bringing additional premium partners into the world of MINI Connected Approved iPhone Apps,” said Robert Passaro, Senior Project Manager at the BMW Group. “Expect more exciting announcements in the future.”

The flexible design of MINI Connected allows unprecedented integration of smartphone functions, taking the in-car integration of iPhone, entertainment and online functions to a whole new level. MINI Connected adopts the familiar MINI display and controls to ensure that all functions can be operated comfortably, simply, safely and intuitively while minimizing driver distraction.

The MINI Connected iPhone App is available for free right now from the Apple App store, and offers drivers access to their favorite entertainment and online functions of the iPhone in the car – Web Radio, News, Twitter, Google Send to Car, Google Local Search, and MINIMALISM Analyser.

The iPhone is linked to the car either via a USB cable, supplied with MINI Connected, or through the center armrest with an available snap-in adapter. Once connected, the phone can be stored and all functions are operated using the vehicle’s joystick, steering wheel buttons and on-board monitor.

Another MINI first: the MINI Connected PlugIn.
MINI Connected also offers MINI Connected PlugIn – the Apple designed, automotive- grade iPod interface that supports Apple’s iPod Out. This function is unique to MINI as it enables MINI Connected to display the familiar iPod navigation menu in the vehicle’s display screen. It also allows control of the music playback features with an iPhone, iPod touch or the latest-generation iPod nano, using the vehicle’s controls. This promotes a safer driving experience, as all of the vehicle’s infotainment controls have been designed to minimize distraction while driving. This newly developed interface technology requires iOS 4.2.1 with iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPod touch (second and third generation).

In addition, the display screen gives MINI drivers direct access to the latest iPod functions, such as a custom playlist and Genius Mixes, which lets you automatically create playlists from songs in your music library that go great together.

ABOUT PANDORA
Pandora gives people music they love anytime, anywhere, through connected devices. Personalized stations launch instantly with the input of a single “seed” – a favorite artist, song or genre. The Music Genome Project®, a deeply detailed, hand-built musical taxonomy, powers Pandora’s personalization using musicological “DNA” and constant listener feedback to craft personalized stations from a growing collection of hundreds of thousands of recordings. Tens of millions of people in the U.S. turn on Pandora to hear music they love. www.pandora.com

MINI in the US
MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC which has been present in the United States since 1975. Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 138 BMW motorcycle retailers, 103 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at: www.bmwgroupna.com

BMW brand sales up 12% in 2010

MINI achieves its best December since the US launch in 2002

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 4, 2011… The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported December sales of 27,600 vehicles, an increase of 16.9 percent from the 23,617 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago.  For 2010, the BMW Group in the U.S. reported total sales of 265,757 vehicles, up 9.9 percent compared to the 241,727 vehicles sold in 2009.

“As we’ve seen throughout the last six months of 2010, consumers in December clearly felt more confident about the future and showed it in their purchases.” said Jim O’Donnell, President and CEO of BMW of North America, LLC. “We really like the momentum we’re getting as a result of this and along with our continual aggressive new model launches from BMW and MINI in 2011 we have real optimism we will continue growing our business with profitable sales in the new year.”

BMW Brand Sales

Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 15.7 percent in December for a total of 23,280 compared to 20,128 vehicles sold in December, 2009.  For the year, BMW brand sales were up 12.0 percent to 220,113 vehicles compared to 196,502 vehicles sold in 2009.

In December, best performing vehicles included the 5 Series, up 28.9 percent to 5,045 units; the 3 Series, up 12.3 percent to 10,067 units; the X5, up 12.1 percent to 3,939 units and the X6 up 52.8 percent to 859 units.  Overall, the BMW SAV segment (X3, X5, X6) continued to show significant growth with sales up 26.9 percent for the year to 48,108 units compared to 37,925 in 2009.

BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles

In December, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) decreased 2.0 percent to 15,714 vehicles from the 16,031 vehicles sold in December 2009.  For 2010, total BMW used vehicle sales were up 4.3 percent to 168,762 from the 161,794 units sold in 2009.

MINI Brand Sales

MINI USA reported sales of 4,320 automobiles in December, an increase of 23.8 percent from the 3,489 in December 2009, making it the most successful December ever for MINI in the USA.  For the year 2010, MINI reported sales of 45,644, an increase of 0.9 percent from the 45,225 sold in 2009.

Table: Sales BMW of North America, LLC, December 2010

November sales for BMW Group: http://nxtmini.com/2010/12/01/november-mini-sales-figures-and-bmw-group/

MINI Countryman commercial 1: http://nxtmini.com/2010/12/02/winter-mini-countryman-commerical/

MINI Countryman commercial 2: http://nxtmini.com/2010/12/02/winter-mini-countryman-commercial-2/

MINI Cooper virtual ad in Canada: http://nxtmini.com/2010/12/13/mini-cooper-vending-machine-ad/

MINI Paceman to be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show: http://nxtmini.com/2010/12/18/mini-paceman-concept-with-video/

MINI Connected iPhone app: http://mynextmini.info/2010/12/17/mini-connected-app-now-in-itunes-us/

MINI Connected commercial: http://nxtmini.com/2010/12/23/mini-connected-commercial/

Check out: http://www.runnamc.com/

Listen to episode 14 of nxtMINI podcast

Just as a reminder, you can find the podcast in iTunes, so download it to your favorite mp3 player from there.

We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! There’s also a surprise at the end of the episode so stay tuned to the end!

Click on picture to see more of the MINI Paceman

MINI KEEPS UP THE PACE WITH THE NEW PACEMAN CONCEPT

• Paceman Concept reinforces the MINI brand’s unconventional creativity
• Sporting, masculine appearance blends with versatile character
• Paceman could be another building block in the development of the MINI brand

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 18, 2010… A new MINI design concept, the MINI Paceman Concept vehicle, will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) which will be held January 10 – 23, 2011. Although no decision has been made about a future production version, Paceman could form yet another building block in the development of the MINI brand.

A MINI Crossover Coupé – urban and masculine.
The MINI Paceman Concept retains the familiar MINI family frontal appearance but adds its own distinctive flavor. Large headlights with chrome surrounds extend deep into the front wings, and together with the distinctively contoured bonnet, emphasize the imposing nose of the Paceman. The radiator grill is essentially the same as that of the Cooper S Countryman, with additional air intakes in the bumper to deliver improved brake ventilation and the incorporation of new deep set fog lights.

From the side, the MINI Paceman Concept features a fresh interpretation of the front wing and side indicator that attracts the eye from the A-pillars down to the unique design 19-inch front wheels. This rugged and sturdy design element is complemented by dark wheel arch surrounds with matching side skirts that emphasize the masculine, sporting nature of Paceman.

The familiar MINI shoulder line that rises towards the rear of the Paceman Concept also hints at its sporting intent. Less familiar is the glass and roof treatment. As the waistline rises, the flat roofline flows into a wide C-pillar that appears to be transparent. The windows appear to wrap around the car like a band of glass with the roof ‘suspended’ on top and painted in a striking, contrasting color. This is known as the ‘helmet’ roof. The coupé-style windows taper towards the rear and the whole effect is one of a dynamic wedge shape.

“In contrast to the more vertical design of the MINI Countryman, we’ve given the MINI Paceman Concept a horizontal emphasis and accentuated the width of the car more to underline the powerful appearance of the study,” explained Marcus Syring, Head of MINI Exterior Design.

A new interpretation of the classic coupé design has given the MINI Paceman Concept a distinctive coupé tail that complements the athletic character of the car. New rear lights positioned at the outer edges of the broad, muscular rear wings underline the dominance of horizontal lines, which run parallel to one another and emphasize the wide track of the rear axle.

As with the MINI Cooper S Countryman, the rear bumper of the MINI Paceman Concept features a diffuser that channels the airflow between the twin exhausts and further enhances the car’s aerodynamic properties. Even the license plate recess echoes the form of the front air intake in order to forge a stylistic link between the front and rear of the car.

The MINI Paceman Concept measures 4,110 millimeters in length, 1,789 millimeters in width and 1,541 millimeters in height. In archetypal MINI style, the Paceman has short front and rear overhangs to facilitate the familiar go-kart responsiveness.

Interior: a blend of modern function and luxurious character.
The interior of the MINI Paceman Concept deliberately draws on MINI’s unique and distinctive design language, yet it also imparts a refreshing new look. Behind the study’s masculine exterior lies an elegant yet sporty interior environment that exudes premium quality and funky design. The instrument panel of the MINI study is defined by its distinctive, concave forms and the sporting yet functional impression it creates. The central air vents, Central Speedo and gearshift lever feature outer rings in a contrasting color, while large side air vents underline the MINI character further.

The slim center console, which maximizes legroom for the driver and front passenger, merges into the Center Rail pioneered by the MINI Countryman, thereby creating a visual and functional link between the front and rear seats. This unique and innovative U-profile rail system runs along the centerline of the passenger compartment as far as the rear seat backrests. Light shades of leather lend an expression of luxurious allure to the interior of the MINI Paceman, while a new interpretation of the brand’s familiar elliptical door and side trim extends along the length of the cabin, taking in the B-pillar and emphasizing the length of the interior. Shaped armrests with large stowage compartments, ergonomically designed door pulls and the speakers for the sound system are embedded in the main element of this ellipse.

Behind the front sports seats are two comfortably-shaped individual rear seats designed with backrests that merge distinctively into the seat sides in order to create fully contoured passenger support. The “club lounge” character thus created underlines the individual and unconventional nature of the MINI Paceman Concept and helps turn every journey into an experience for the rear passengers every bit as much as it is for those in the front.

Drive system: powerful and efficient.
The MINI Paceman Concept has been designed to allow the deployment of the most powerful engine currently available in the MINI range. The MINI John Cooper Works 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine gives the MINI Paceman Concept the capacity to deliver the outstanding performance its appearance promises. This 16-valve, four cylinder unit produces 211 hp and generates maximum torque of 260 Nm (192 lb-ft), the latter value having the capacity to reach 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) in brief bursts thanks to the Overboost function.

Its MINI Countryman roots give this new MINI concept study an ideal platform for the MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel-drive system. ALL4 features an electromagnetic center differential positioned directly on the final drive, which varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. In normal driving conditions 100 percent of the drive is sent to the front wheels, and in extreme situations as much as 50 percent can be directed to the rear.

Chassis: the best handling characteristics in the segment.
MINI chassis technology has been specially developed for the MINI Paceman Concept to transform the potential of its potent engine into a driving experience that offers inspiring agility, impressive poise and always in complete safety. While it delivers precise and sporting handling it is the high standard of compliant ride comfort that truly sets the MINI Paceman Concept apart.

The front axle features MacPherson spring struts with lower track control arms which, combined with Electric Power Steering with speed-sensitive power assistance, plays a major role in delivering the response and agility customers expect from a MINI. The Paceman’s multi-link rear axle was developed using proven BMW Group chassis expertise.

MINI Paceman Concept: an idea ahead of the game – once again.
The MINI Paceman Concept embodies the idea of an incomparable driving experience in a way that meets the needs of modern, lifestyle-oriented customers but it also remains true to the character of the MINI brand.

Here’s a new ad campaign from MINI in Canada showing a  virtual vending machine where you can choose your favorite MINI by texting a number. Will this show up everywhere? Is it in your town? Let us know in the comments below. Motor On!