Mini-lize your life

So I receive a magazine-size envelope in the mail last week from the UK. I open it to reveal Mini International, the latest issue of the Mini Cooper car magazine. A magazine, that in this issue talks about the homeland and timeline of the Mini- from infancy to a grown international star. Ironically this car is famous for its small size, but it's the biggest sensation beyond the car industry.

It has just celebrated its 50th birthday and since day one this little work of genius has had its following. Initially it was built to solve Britain's energy crisis, but it hit the hearts of the famous trendsetters of the time that wanted to be seen in the car. People like the Beatles and Twiggy. And although it was an economical car, it was destined to go beyond pure mechanics- it became an icon. Each one is an individual and creativity is in the hands of the owner. The combinations of the car are really endless and Mini just keeps adding options.

What most people see and know are the physical body of the Mini- small, cute, different- but like everything it's the inside that counts: unique speedometer (almost as big as the steering wheel), amazingly roomy for the passengers, a variety of colors and designs on the interior, and loads more. Oh yea and great on gas… around 35 miles to the gallon on the highway (Mini Cooper). Maybe that's why it's the apple of many people's eyes?

Something else... they're bloody everywhere!! (Yea I said bloody)
And yes they're ruling the streets, but they're also ruling cyberspace, and now a bit of print. Did you know that there's a Mini Space, a social networking site devoted to and run by Mini? This is besides them being on all other social networking sites. They have one very creative site. It allows for artists (most of them owning Minis) around the world to show their creative work that's doesn't necessarily have to do with Mini and basically do what you do on all the other networking sites: network.

I have to give it up to those Mini creatives though; they get pretty crafty in an industry that tends to use a rule book when advertising their vehicles. However, Mini doesn't need to advertise as much as other cars because the Mini is in aclass all its own. Just think of the last time you saw a commercial or heard a radio spot by Mini? Hmm... nope, I can't think of one either. Pretty awesome how for Mini less is more, but in what they do do, they never lose their flare. If only just visit its site and you will get a sense of how they work (www.mini.com). Besides their awesome customer service (they're owned by BMW), they keep a rather cheerful humor and give unique perks. For instance, when you purchase your Mini, shortly after you receive a Mini Adventure Field Kit, in which I can't tell you much because its top secret, but I will tell you that the contents are "essential motoring nonessentials." That is the official title on the package. Quite fun.


Liz C
'07 Cooper