Next-Generation MINI Delayed Due to Brexit, Cost Concerns

One of the early victims of Britain’s decision to exit the European Union is the next-generation Mini. An exclusive report by Reuters says that development over at BMW’s British brand has been slowed down to due uncertainty over Britain’s trade relations with the EU.

A BMW spokesman confirmed with Reuters that the current UKL1 platform, first launched in 2014, will be extended “for cost reasons and because of Brexit.”

BMW is closely monitoring the outcome of trade negotiations between Britain and the European Union, and without a finalized deal, has opted not to make large scale investments at their Oxford, U.K. plant. If the resulting tariffs would be higher than 5 percent, the carmaker may shift more production over to its assembly plant in the Netherlands. Currently, VDL Nedcar in Born, Netherlands already produces the BMW X1 and Mini Countryman.

Moreover, BMW is seeing Mini sales suffer as buyer preference moves towards emissions compliant electrified vehicles or SUVs. With that, BMW is seeking to save around USD 13.3 billion in cost savings and efficiency gains by 2022 in order to develop a better-equipped next-generation platform.

Source: Reuters

Mini, Honda Triumph at World's Most Dangerous Race

Carlos Sainz and his co-driver Lucas Cruz have won the Rally Dakar for the third time, having previously triumphed in 2010 and 2018. In doing so, they presented Mini with its fifth overall victory at the iconic endurance rally.

Dakar record winner Stéphane Peterhansel and his co-driver Paulo Fiuza finished third to round off an impressive performance from the two Mini JCW Buggies. The two Mini JCW Buggy crews each won four stages, while Mini vehicles went fastest on a total of nine of the twelve days. Vaidotas Zala / Saulius Jurgelenas, in a Mini JCW Rally, won the very first Dakar stage on Arabian soil on the opening day.

Seven of the nine Mini crews that started the rally reached the finish in Al-Quiddia, Saudi Arabia, four of them in the top ten.

Mini vehicles topped the overall standings after every one of the twelve legs at the 40th staging of the Dakar Rally.

Meanwhile, it was an emotional win for Ricky Brabec who rode his Honda CRF450 Rally to the top spot in the motorcycle class. His win gave Honda its first Dakar victory in 31 years.

The 28-year-old rode his first Dakar Rally in 2016 with Team HRC, making 2020 his fifth attempt. After winning Stage 3 in this year’s edition, Brabec led the overall race, which he defended through solid riding in the subsequent stages, finally achieving his first overall win at the event. Teammates José Ignacio Cornejo finished 4th overall, and Joan Barreda 7th, placing three Honda team riders in the top 10.

The Dakar Rally was first held in 1979, making this year its 42nd edition. Known as “the most dangerous sporting event in the world,” this year’s race in Saudi Arabia took drivers and riders over more than 7,000 km (of which 75 percent was in the desert), through 12 stages in 13 days.

MINI Opens in Pampanga

Mini Philippines and Laus Group, the newly authorized distributor of Mini cars in the Philippines, today opened the doors of a brand new 300-square feet Mini showroom at Laus Group Event Centre Boulevard, in the Laus Group Complex, in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. This is the first Mini showroom outside of Metro Manila and in North Luzon, as well as the first Mini dealership for Laus Group, operated by Iconic Automobile Enterprise Inc. The showroom provides full sales and aftersales facilities, and serves as a key touchpoint for customers to engage with the brand throughout their car ownership journey.

“This is an especially significant moment for Mini in the Philippines and marks a milestone during the brand’s 60 year,” said Mr Willy Tee Ten, President of Mini Philippines and Autohub Group
of Companies. “We are thrilled to work with Laus Group to bring the Mini brand, and its products,
closer to customers and to grow the Mini community in the Philippines.”

“We are excited to lead the next chapter of this storied brand in the Philippines,” said Ms Lisset Laus-Velasco, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Iconic Automobile Enterprise Inc. and Laus Group of Companies. “Ensuring complete customer satisfaction through efficient and personalized services is a top priority at Laus Group. We aim to deliver exceptional sales and aftersales support to our customers in the years ahead.”

Four car models are on display in the Mini Pampanga showroom, the Mini Monte Carlo, Mini Cooper S Clubman, Mini Cooper S Countryman Sport, and the Mini John Cooper Works Convertible.

The showroom includes a dedicated delivery suite for customers to pick up their new Mini, a full-fledged service area containing three work bays, and a dedicated service consultation area. Customers can look forward to a hassle-free process from the moment they drop off their vehicle to the moment they collect the vehicle after servicing.

Coming soon to the showroom is the Virtual Product Presenter (VPP). Using the Mobile Customizer app, customers will be able to view the colors, options, and packages of the entire Mini model range. Customers can explore all possible configurations of their desired car, and get a sense of what it is like to be behind the wheel or in the backseat.

The public is invited to view the latest Mini models in Pampanga, and customers can now drop off their vehicles for servicing. You may call +63 918 854 2431 to book an appointment.