Latest Information on MINI

From race car versions to becoming an iconic 60s model, the little British cars have come a long way since trace of its development in the 50s. the first models were manufactured by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) under designer Sir Alex Issigonis. The creation of the two-door Mini was in response to a fuel shortage whereby more efficient city cars were needed. It was fitted with a four-cylinder engine and presented on a monocoque shell. It was produced alongside other models of the British Motor Corporation which included Morris Minor and Austin. The first Mini was launched in 1959. The popularity of Mini in the 60s then lead to Mini taking on its own unique identity. The original vehicle remained in production up until 1999. When a partnership was made with the iconic racer John Cooper of the Cooper Car Company, performance variations of the Mini were then added to its line-up and carried the Cooper name. even though new models were released, Mini vehicles started becoming more of a novelty than an advancement. By the 90s, BMW then bought over the Rover Group, who owned rights to Mini, later selling Rover and keeping Mini. BMW launched the new Mini lines in 2000. Under BMW; a convertible Mini was launched in 2004, the first diesel Mini was introduced in 2007, while in 2008 longer wheelbase and body style models were introduced. In 2011, the first Mini crossover SUV, Mini Cooper S Countryman, was launched in a four-door body style with optional all-wheel drive. BMW continues to experiment with the Mini brand by producing contemporary versions, as well as adding new models to the Mini line-up.