MINI at climate change conference at Copenhagen

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Official Release: At the Copenhagen climate summit (COP 15, December 7 to 18), the BMW Group will take part in a variety of activities affirming its commitment, as industry leader in sustainability issues, to the fight against climate change. The BMW Group will not only provide vehicles for the official UN shuttle service, but for the first time at such an event will also take part in two official side events, at which it will put forward substantive ideas for tackling climate change. Partners will be the German Ministry for Environment, Conservation and Reactor Safety and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. Furthermore, the BMW Group will also co-host a symposium at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. And the BMW Group is also joining the “Hopenhagen” campaign initiated by the UN for a deal on climate change.

Ahead of the global climate summit, Dr Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, has set out his expectations: “We do support a common climate reduction target. The industrialised countries must share the burden equally – not least in order to prevent competitive distortions and displacement effects.”

As far as the mobility sector is concerned, Reithofer sees the following challenges: “We expect Copenhagen to help pave the way for sustainable mobility. The next step after setting ambitious targets will be to translate them into concrete measures. For example, governments must offer incentives towards the purchase of electric cars, in order to ensure that there is sufficient initial demand.”

Reduction in CO2 emissions of at least 25% by 2020

At the same time the BMW Group is also committed to making its own contribution towards the climate targets. The company intends to reduce the CO2 emissions of its products by at least 25% by 2020. To achieve this goal, technologies like zero-emission electric drive will play a vital role. Between 1995 and 2008, BMW Group has already reduced the EU fleet-average emissions by more than 25%. The company has also launched a wide-ranging sustainability strategy. Frank-Peter Arndt, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production, comments: “The BMW Group is the world’s most sustainable car company. That was confirmed once again in 2009 when the Dow Jones Sustainability Index listed the BMW Group as sector leader for the fifth consecutive year. No other manufacturer is as economical in its use of resources. For us this status represents both a motivation and an obligation. Both in our products and in our production processes, we shall not be easing off the pace. We aim to ensure that all our processes are geared to sustainability.”

We would expect the MINI E to be on display at this event. Wether we all agree with climate change or not is another story. A recent poll in the UK showed some 48% of people questioned did not think climate change was man made. Plus other comments from experts say the ozone hole is keeping the South Pole frozen. We are sure there are arguments both ways so perhaps to air on the side if caution is the best way

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The Mini Book by Mark Cotnam

A refreshing change from all the normal Mini Books comes The Mini Book by Mark Cotnam a delightful Childrens book perfect for Christmas giving. large font, waterproof pages, coil bound and of course child friendly. A delightful story with a timeless moral for all ages.To make sure if arrives in time for Christmas make sure you order as soon as you can. European orders are just £6.99 for more details please visit:

www.britishminiclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=778&Itemid=1

British Mini Club at the NEC

Have you seen our stand at the massive Classic Car at the NEC? The British Mini Club have had a stand at this show for at least 18 years and it just gets bigger.

We have 10 classic Minis on show and they have all attracted a lot of attention. The popularity of the Mini never seems to wain.

The show so far has been the busiest on record so we will see if today is the same

Sent from my iPhone

See the BMC at the NEC this weekend

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 12,13, and 14, the British Mini Club will be having a very prominent stand at the 2009 National Classic Car at the Birmingham NEC. You can not miss us we are right at the main entrance to Hall 2. The organisers have very kindly placed in one of the best positions of the whole. This will be the completion of the British Mini Clubs Mini 50 celebrations. On the stand we have 10 classic Minis ranging from a 1959, the Club Van, a very early Mini Van with a Speedwell engine, a Rover Mini Cabriolet and a Rover Mini Cooper 35, all rare cars in there own right. Come and say hello to us we would love to see you on any off the 3 days

More show details: www.necclassicmotorshow.com

British Mini Showdown Results update

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Now you can check your performance at British Mini Showdown 2009 by downloading the spreadsheet that covers every single quarter mile run in each class. showing reaction times, 60 foot times, terminal speeds and more.

Giving you incentive for next year and showing you where to improve on your times.

download now at www.britishminiclub.co.uk/showdowndata2009.xls

British Mini Fair 2010 - booking forms now available

The Party Continues....British Mini Days brought to you by the British Mini Club are some of the most popular Mini events every year with over 15,000 visitors in 2008. Book your entry into Pride of Ownership, Trade stand, Autojumble space or Club Stand for British Mini Fair January 25th 2009

If you are a trader, autojumbler or club simply download the relvent pdf, fill it in with your requirements and post it back to us with your payment. Book space at British Mini Showdown and our British Mini Days. We do not overcharge for space at our events and we believe we always offer good value to all our traders, autojumblers and clubs

British Mini Fair welcomes classic Mini and new MINI owners from around the UK and Europe

£500 is up for grabs in Pride of Ownership at British Mini Fair 2010. Also this event is the perfect place for traders, autojumblers to sell there wares. With over 5000 visitors in 2009 this is the evnt to be at.

Calling all new MINI dealers... have you excess stock you wish to move on? Then try having a stand at British Mini Fair 2010. This event is perfect for you. With an ever increasing number of of new MINI visitors.

For full details and booking forms please visit www.britishminiclub.co.uk

The British Mini Club look forward to hearing from you

British Mini Fair 2010 Pride of Ownership form.

We also have a large display of both classic and new MINI in the Pride of Ownership awards. Mini owners wishing to display at the show get two FREE passes along with being parked in the main hall indoors. This part of the show is sponsored By AutoGlym with awards for the best 2 Minis in each class.

Do you want to be a part of Pride of Ownership at British Mini Fair 2010? Have you got a classic Mini or new MINI and would like to show off your Mini? The British Mini Club would like to have your Mini as part of Pride of Ownership.

CLASS WINNERS RECEIVE £100

To apply for Pride Of Ownership simply print off the form , send it in and remember to include a small write up and some images. The British Mini Club will decide which cars have been accepted and let you know in January 2010, if not sooner

Click here for Pride of Ownership Form

Mini is 50: Car Magazine celebrates

The November issue of Car Magazine is dedicated to to the 50th birthday of the Mini. With 33 pages full of Mini stories. They have got together 6 of the magazines top writers to celebrate the birthday of the year.

Including Gavin Green driving across Australia in a MINI, Anthony Constant recalls crashing a classic Mini and how it cured a habit for him. Four more writers include stories of Monte Carlo, learning to drive in Africa and other stories.

More details at www.carmagazine.co.uk

British Mini Fair 2010

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The British Mini Club are proud to bring you British Mini Fair 2010 on January 31st. The UK's number one indoor Mini event is held at Staffordshire County Showground near Stafford every year and continues to grow.. Latest.. Be a part of the Vantastic Mini Van display as the van celebrates it's 50th year...

Vantastic Display Mini Van hits 50 years.

The Mini Van celebrates it's 50th birthday in 2010 along with the Mini Estates. The Mini van was launched in January 1960 and Mini Estate Countryman/Traveller was launched in September 1960.

The British Mini Club are looking for owners of the above models to display them at Mini Fair 2010 in January. If you own such a model and would like to enter into the main hall please send us an image to david.hollis@britishminiclub.co.uk

Mark your email with Van & Estate @ 50 and if selected you will receive special passes for the event. Lets keep the party going in 2010.

Mini Fair is now into it's 11th year and is the biggest and best indoor mini event. We have over 100 Mini specialists selling and displaying a hugh amount of mini parts and accessories.

Show and Shine

We also have a large display of both classic and new MINI in the pride of ownership awards. Mini owners wishing to display at the show get two FREE passes along with being parked in the main hall indoors. This part of the show is sponsored By AutoGlym with awards for the best 2 Minis in each class. More details coming soon on how to enter Show and Shine

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British Mini Day Uttoxeter - Busy

Mark Wynn-Smith arriving at British Mini Day at Uttoxeter racecourse ready for a busy day in the grand final of the Premier Class concours.

At the moment it is 14.40 in the afternoon and just waiting for the next display by Russ Swift. The first one at 11.30 drew a massive appreciative crowd in the main grandstand. Russ is incredible and the crowd loved him.

I have just had a wonder around the whole showground and this is an amazing venue with so much potential for building the show in the future. Took a good luck at the 80 car display by Notts MINI and the GP club. What a superb showing. With a mix of classic and new it looked very good indeed.

The raffle car tickets are selling very well and I am certainly hoping mine ticket is drawn. Hopefully not too long after the results of concours and all the other awards we should have the results on-line. So keep watching www.britishminiclub.co.uk

Getting ready for Uttoxeter

We have been on site all day on Saturday (5th Sept) preparing the showground for the British Mini Clubs final event of 2009.

Already a number of Minis are lined up for concours, being prepared ready for the big day. The 3 you can see in the image have come all the way from Northern Ireland. The Brooklands Green Mini is very rare indeed, being number 249 of the 250 of the John Cooper Works Minis built at John Cooper Garages in the 1990's. This car has only completed 38 miles and is believed to be the last one built. We have had a good look around this Mini, and it is a superb example. However on site on Sunday will be the British Mini Clubs webmasters 1995 John Cooper Si. Not been seen in public for at least 9 years. The Si was the forerunner to the JCW and this beautiful example is number 11. See this Mini outside the British Mini Club's membership centre alongside a brand new MINI Clubman Cooper sporting club graphics.

Space is marked out and ready for all traders, many are on site as we speak. The club area is ready and the Mini only ready to accept all visitors.

The area for massive display by the Notts MINI Club and the GP UK owners is looking very immpressive. The action arena for Russ Swift is prepared, and the Premier Class will look so good.

Oh yes and to sign off the Mini 30 for the raffle has been prepared and is set it up in the membership centre ready for its winner to collect the prize.

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British Mini Day Uttoxeter Press Release

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

It might be a little late now but press releases are available for British Mini Day Uttoxeter. They include details of the show and British Mini Club contact details

www.britishminiclub.co.uk

British Mini Day featured on Mini World

Mini World Magazine have featured on the website our British Mini Day at Uttoxeter Racecourse this sunday 6th September. Focusing on the chance to win an amazing Mini 30

Mini World say "British Mini Club shows have given away some fantastic cars in recent raffles, but this prize surely tops them all. It is unregistered with only 12 miles on the clock and is valued between £10,000-15,000. "

www.miniworld.co.uk

Mini turns 50 August 26th 2009

The MINI brand will turn 50 on 26 August 2009. Fifty years ago to the day, the British Motor Corporation (BMC) unveiled the result of its quest to design a new and revolutionary compact car. The very first sales brochures praised the Morris Mini-Minor’s “extraordinary future promise”. Fifty years later, we know that few vehicle concepts have survived as long or achieved such popularity. No other vehicle has ever spawned such a wide range of variants as the Mini. Last year’s MINI E premiere was definitely one of the highlights of MINI’s long history, fulfilling its future promise in a way that no one could have foreseen 50 years ago. Continue on for unique videos and a link to send you back to 1959...

www.britishminiclub.co.uk

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See Russ Swift Live at Uttoxeter

See the legendary Russ Swift perform LIVE at the British Mini Clubs British Mini Day at Uttoxeter Racecourse 6th September 2009, Sponsored by our good friends at Sytner Nottingham MINI.

You may remember Russ from the incredible Austin Montego advert from 1987. He has since become a world record breaking stunt driver, famous all over the world. Well known for his incredible record breaking parallel parking in the tightest space, J turn in the tightest space and the fastest do-nut. He has even taught Grannies to do-nut on the BBC's Top Gear.

This man is truly amazing and if you have never seen him live now is your chance to do so at the British Mini Day at Uttoxeter Racecourse on the 6th September

Russ Swift is kindly sponsored by Sytner Nottingham MINI . Sytners are one of the biggest MINI dealers in the country and can assure you of a the very best deal when you are looking for you new MINI. You can find them at www.sytnernottinghamini.co.uk of give them a call today on 0115 934 1400 and ask to speak to Dan Blagg, mention the British Mini Club and you will be assured of the very best deal

You might even be one of the lucky ones who Russ 'plucks' from the audience to take part in his show. Perhaps even the one inside the MINI when it is on two wheels!!

Russ uses both the classic Mini and new MINI in his incredible show.

Click for More details on the British Mini Day at Uttoxeter

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Clubs can Win at British Mini Day Uttoxeter 2009

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MINI CLUBS AT UTTOXETER The Big 3 club awards. Hi to all you Mini fans. The British Mini Club would like to welcome you all to join us at our last British Mini Day on the 6th September at Uttoxeter Racecourse. We have a very special event lined up for members of your club with discount entry and loads of competitions with cash prizes to help boost your club funds.

1: Club Stand Awards: 50 decades of Mini and Italian Job theme

You can choose any theme around the 5 decades of mini including the 40th years of the Italian Job Movie.

£500 for the best club stand of the show.

2:Bake us a cake

Test your cooking skills by baking a cake fit for the Mini’s 50th Birthday. Each club can enter one cake into this competition.

The best decorated one will win a cool £100.00

3: FREE PRIZE DRAW
Each club at the show will be entered into a FREE draw to win a further £100.00 towards your club funds. The winning club must be present at the end of the show to receive the award.

Discount Entry for club stand members.
Book your tickets in advance and save £2.00 per person. Advance tickets cost just £5.00 per person. Clubs will be able to enter the show from 7.30am on Sunday.
Entry on the day £7.00 per person.

Call the BMC on 01384 897779 for advance booking.

Reserve your Club Stand space by calling 01384 897779 or download the pdf and get it to us a quick as you can

More details on this incredible event can be found at www.britishminiclub.co.uk

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British Mini Showdown 2009 Results

The record was smashed at the British Mini Showdown. Stuart Meades reclaimed his crown. J class is looking very competitive and the new MINI is starting to post some very good times.. at the British Mini Showdown 2009 at the Shakespeare County Raceway

The incredible Stuart Mead reclaimed his crown from last years winner Nathan Dobson, with an amazing sub 10 seconds run of 9.78 seconds. Can anyone beat this man?

Sunday saw over 100 Minis regsitered for the quarter mile and with over 500 runs recorded the classes were getting very tight with the J class getting very close now for the 2nd and 3rd spot

visit www.britishminiclub.co.uk to view the results and do you think you can go faster in 2010?

XPart provides parts reassurance for Classic Mini owners

Classic Mini owners still have access to parts for their cars via XPart’s nationwide wholesaler and AutoService centre network

As Mini celebrates its fiftieth birthday, XPart is reassuring the UK’s 35,000 Classic Mini owners that parts are still available for their treasured cars. With many original Minis now cherished and well maintained collectors’ items, finding a reliable source of supply for vital service and wear parts is highly important to owners looking to keep their cars on the road. XPart supplies a full range of popular service parts via its nationwide wholesaler and AutoService centre network, together with a comprehensive range of body and trim parts.

“With 5,230 Classic Mini parts in our electronic parts catalogue, we are able to provide solid parts support to owners, helping them to keep their cars running for longer,” explains Neil Hipkiss, materials director, XPart. “The Mini has been an iconic figure in the motoring world for decades, inspiring a great many races, rallies and even films. We are determined to play our part in keeping Classic Mini alive and well by making sure owners have access to the parts they need.”

Since its launch in 1959, Classic Mini has always held a great appeal among a wide audience of motorists. Having started life as a first car for many students and young drivers, the characterful and sharp handling car has gradually become a sought-after collector’s item, keeping its value high. As the car continues to age, regular servicing and replacement of key parts becomes essential to its survival.

“XPart will be represented by South Lakeland Mini Centre at Mini 50, the largest Mini celebration of the year,” continues Hipkiss. “As a Classic Mini specialist, South Lakeland will be on hand to offer technical advice to owners and deal with any parts enquiries.” The British Mini Club events also attract a very high attendance especially in the year of Mini 50

The XPart wholesaler network includes 110 members, spread evenly throughout the country. Its AutoService centre network encompasses over 250 garages, including former MG Rover dealers, new MG Motor dealers and a growing number of high quality independent garages. While MG Rover specialisation remains a core element of the AutoService centre network, each garage has access to XPart’s full catalogue of Classic Mini parts and all are Classic Mini service and repair specialists.

For further information on XPart’s AutoService centre network, or to locate your nearest parts wholesaler, please visit www.xpart.com.

Dare The Dyno club discount at British Mini Showdown

Our good friends at Dare The Dyno have a fantastic offer for all clubs attending British Mini Clubs Britsh Mini Showdown at the Shakespeare County Raceway this weekend. July 11th and 12th sees the ulitmate performance Mini weekend

Clubs can save upto £120 by booking as a group on Dare The Dyno to see who has the best Mid Range Shootout on the day

For more details on this amazing offer vist our website at www.britishminiclub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=755&Itemid=203

MINI makes 1.5 million

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Oxford: Just weeks after celebrating MINI’s 50th birthday, another milestone was reached today as the 1.5 millionth car rolled off Plant Oxford’s production line, since the launch of the new MINI in 2001.

Business Minister Ian Lucas MP, responsible for the automotive sector at the government department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and BMW Group board member Ian Robertson joined a group of Plant Oxford apprentices as the Chili red MINI Clubman cleared the end of the production line. The car is destined for a British customer.

Since production started at Oxford in 2001, MINI has become a global phenomenon, winning plaudits and awards all over the world and is now sold in more than 80 countries, with its most recent launch in Brazil.

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing, said: “This is a great day for the plant and a wonderful milestone to reach in the 50th birthday year of MINI. The very first classic Mini rolled off the production line here at this plant on 8 May 1959.

“It was wonderful to see the passion that owners feel for MINI at the car’s recent birthday celebrations at Silverstone, when 25,000 people from around the world joined the party. It is a privilege to be part of the heritage and future of this car.”

Robertson added, “This is a tough time for the car industry and no business is immune from its challenges, but MINI is an extremely resilient brand with huge customer appeal and we have seen a strengthening order bank in recent months. We will launch a number of new models in the coming years and we are optimistic for the future.”

BMW Group has invested more than £380m in Plant Oxford since 2001 and a further £100 million in the Hams Hall and Swindon plants, which make up the MINI Production Triangle in the UK. The Group employs more than 7,000 people in the UK, and its activities account for 1 percent of the country’s GDP. The company has invested more than £1 billion in the UK since 2000.

Business Minister Ian Lucas said: "The Mini has been a symbol of British design and engineering for 50 years, and I am delighted to hear that it continues to succeed today. Part of the longevity of the Mini has come from the company’s ability to innovate – the redesign that was launched in 2001, the focus on reducing CO2, and the electric Minis that over the next year we will be seeing on the streets as part of the Government’s Low Carbon Vehicles Demonstrator. The Government will do all it can to support the British automotive industry as it makes the necessary transition to the low carbon future."

Recently, it was announced that BMW Group will trial an all-electric MINI in the UK – the MINI E - having won Government backing through the Technology Strategy Board and regional development agency SEEDA. BMW will lead a consortium, including Scottish and Southern Energy and academic partner Oxford Brookes University to evaluate the social, economic and practical issues of living with an electric vehicle. MINI E is already being trialled in the USA and Germany.

In the 41 years between 1959 and 2000, 5.3 million classic Minis were built, so the total when combined with new MINI volume is 6.8 million cars.

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BMC Tour 2009 continues

The next event that the BMC will be attending is The Gaydon Mini Festival, Sunday 5th July at the British Motor Heritage Museum, Gaydon near Warwick

We have space on the BMC stand for both MINI and classic Mini.

Come along and enjoy what promises to be a packed show with lots of attractions:

Including Russ Swift precision driving in Classic Minis. Also an audience with the Daleks

Call the BMC to reserve your place on the club stand.

01384 897779 or email david.hollis@britishminiclub.co.uk

Dare The Dyno at British Mini Showdown

New for 2009 at British Mini Showdown is 'Dare The Dyno' For just £35 for 2 runs you could win the MID POINT BHP SHOOT OUT!

How does that work? 2000rpm to max rpm in 3rd gear (owner to decide this limit) and 1st to 4th gear for qualifying for the MID POINT BHP SHOOT OUT. All results go onto a spreadsheet and the winner is picked from the middle. That way anyone can win and the winner gets the money back.

We are working on club discounts and ...

Dare the Dyno are also looking for the 'DIVA OF THE DYNO' so come on girls get your cars to the dyno. By DARING THE DYNO you will automatically qualify for the DIVA OF THE DYNO 2009, which will be awarded at the end of the year (date to be announced) The prize is a surprise but they are sure it will be appreciated!

More details for British Mini Showdown

MINI E gets Government green light for UK trial

BMW Group-led consortium is a winner in Technology Strategy Board £25m Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator competition

The British government body that exists to promote business innovation in technology announced yesterday that a consortium led by BMW Group will be supported by a proportion of a £25m fund, enabling the MINI E to be introduced and tested on British roads by a mixture of private, corporate and public sector drivers before the end of 2009.

BMW Group’s successful application to the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board followed an invitation for proposals outlining innovative, industry-led collaborative research projects involving ultra-low carbon vehicles. The objective of the Technology Strategy Board is to encourage manufacturers to develop ultra-low carbon vehicles that customers want to buy and bring them to market as rapidly as possible.

MINI E models will be on UK roads for a twelve-month field trial that will evaluate the technical and social aspects of living with an all-electric vehicle in a real world environment. This year-long project will play an important part in informing future strategic and technological decisions.

BMW Group is bringing together an energy infrastructure provider and an academic partner, with the support of a regional development agency and local authorities, to make the MINI E research project a reality in the UK.

Strike halts Mini producer

Staff at BMW’s Mini plant in Oxford have been sent home until Monday (June 29) after production was halted for a second day by a strike involving French suppliers.

BMW said a French firm which provides bearings for the cars’ steering units is being hit by an industrial dispute.

Close to 4,000 workers are employed at Mini’s Cowley plant and managers are monitoring the situation.

Mini said the circumstances were beyond its control and it was not the only manufacturer affected by the walk-out. (Autowired/bbc.co.uk: June 26).

MINI last in JD Power Survey

The latest JD Power Quality survey has appeared in the USA and surprisingly places MINI in last position. Although in the question "would you reccomend your car" it comes second only to Porsche. With Lexus (of course) winning again and Hyundai, of all cars, moving up to fourth.

Jim McDowell of MINI USA took the time to appear on CNBC News to respond to quality concerns. He seems to blame the owners for taking time to get used to the quirky controls. The interview can be seen on motoringfile.com

If you wish to comment please do so on the British Mini Club forum

BMC @ new MINI Day

The British Mini Club are at the very first new MINI Day at the Manby Motorplex near Louth in Lincolnshire. A lot of new MINIS are on display on club stands around the areana. The world famous Russ Swift will be showing his skills soon as well. We have even seen a Metro 6R4 in the show, remember them in their Rallying heyday. Looks like it could be a good show today

British Mini Club on Tour 2009

The next event that the BMC will be attending is The New MINI Day, Sunday 21st June Manby Motorplex near Louth, Lincolnshire, LN11 8UZ

We have space on the BMC stand for both MINI and classic Mini.

Come along and enjoy what promises to be a packed show with lots of attractions:

Russ Swift display team - Rally Car Experience - Driving Skill Tests Show 'N' Shine and lots lots more.

Entry is just £10.00 per car or £15.00 for the weekend.

Call the BMC to reserve your place on the club stand.

01384 897779 or email david.hollis@britishminiclub.co.uk

British Mini Showdown Trade Form

The trade space booking form for British Mini Showdown on July 11th / 12th 2009. The Showdown is the most popular peformance Mini weekend for both Classic and new MINI at Shakespeare County Raceway. The trade stands and autojumblers are alwasy very popular during the weekend. Don't miss out on this fantastic event for Mini 50 and book your space today.

The booking form can be downloaded direct from our website at www.britishminiclub.co.uk or simply click the form below

Open publication - Free publishing - More mini

Italian Job 40th Anniversary

THE ITALIAN JOB has been blowing the bloody doors off for the past forty years and to celebrate, Paramount Home Entertainment is presenting a rare special edition that will have collectors racing in their Minis to get their hands on a copy.

With over 100 minutes of special features, including rare interviews with cast and crew and a special chat with everyone's favourite cockney — Michael Caine — this special edition is a must for fans of one of the most iconic British films of all time. Available on DVD and Blue Ray.. plus The British Mini Club have 3 Copies to give away..

For more details on this very special DVD and where to purchase plus how this fantastic competiton unique to the British Mini Club simply visit www.britishminiclub.co.uk

The British Mini Club are at MINI United

Well we made it, the BMC are at Silverstone for the massive Mini 50 birthday party. Our stand is right next to Motoring File who have come all the way from the USA. They have already updated there website with all the latest news from MINI United, which includes of the MINI 50 LE's, the Mayfair and the Camden. Also announced is a very limited 250 run JCW with a price tag of £40,000. Loads of official merchandise on sale, and some superb classic and new Minis on display. It always amazes us the style and quality of the graphics Mini visitors from outside the UK have on there Minis. Looks like Sunday will be a very busy day at MINI United 2009

Beatlemania at MINI United 2009

New edition of the legendary George Harrison MINI helps support a good cause.

Munich/Silverstone. MINI has come up with a fresh interpretation of George Harrison’s extravagant original Mini to coincide with the brand’s 50th birthday. The one-off model will be handed over to Olivia Harrison at the MINI United event. Olivia will accept the MINI on behalf of the Material World Charitable Foundation, a charity set up by George Harrison in 1973. The car will be auctioned in aid of the Foundation later in the year.

MINI United – the world’s biggest fan event – will take place at Silverstone in the UK on 22 – 24 May 2009. The festival delivers three days of non-stop entertainment for the brand’s large fan community. MINI United is all about concerts, shows, car races etc., and provides the perfect stage on which to showcase the unique new MINI inspired by George Harrison.

George’s psychedelic MINI in a new look.
Back in 1966 The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein gave each of the Fab Four a Mini Cooper S as a gift. In keeping with the zeitgeist of the time, lead guitarist George had his car painted with psychedelic images such as yantras and Sanskrit mantras. In 1967 this legendary Mini starred in The Beatles’ film Magical Mystery Tour. And now, to coincide with its latest landmark anniversary, MINI is dedicating a modern interpretation of George’s car to the man himself. The MINI has been designed according to the wishes of Olivia Harrison and rekindles the look of George’s famous original.

“George was a huge MINI fan and he would have enjoyed creating this new version. The fact that MINI’s anniversary celebrations will also benefit our Foundation has made it an enjoyable as well as meaningful collaboration.” says Olivia Harrison.

Replay signs up as MINI United partner.
The denim specialist congratulates MINI on its latest landmark birthday and presents an anniversary jeans model, which will be available exclusively and in a limited edition from the Replay stand at the MINI United event. To mark the anniversary, the used-look jeans sport a circular “50 Years of MINI” sew-on badge on the front left pocket. Added to which, all the MINI staff at the festival will be kitted out in Replay jeans. Selected Replay stores are promoting the event in special window displays.

British Mini Club at MINI United

British Mini Club will be having a stand at MINI United at Silverstone on the 22-24th May 2009. Mini turns 50 - Come to the party. We are looking for both classic and new MINI's on our stand. This should be a massive weekend to remember. If you have a Limited Edition we particulary wish to hear from you. It is also possible to only display your Mini/MINI on Sunday if you wish

If you would like to display your car send us an image to: david.hollis@britishminiclub.co.uk

Hot off the press news for Himley 2009

Latest news from the showground at Himley at 18.30 8th May. The
British Mini Clubs Mini 50 celebration is attracting media interest
from around the world. International TV companies will be filming the
event for their news shows. Also news teams from the BBC, ITV, Sky &
Germany will be there also. for the latest visit
www.britishminiclub.co.uk see you at Himley for what is promising to
be the British Mini Clubs biggest show ever

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50 Years of MINI production at Plant Oxford

Fifty years ago today, the first Mini rolled off the production line at Cowley, now called Plant Oxford.

For the first time in half a century that very car is returning to its birthplace for a celebration of 50 years of production. The Mini Minor, finished in Old English White and carrying the registration number 621 AOK, is at Plant Oxford for the day to mark its birthday in style.

Plant Oxford built 602,817 Minis from 1959 to 1968, before production was moved to Longbridge. Since 2001 more than 1.4 million new MINIs have been built at the production facility and in total, more than six million classic and new MINIs have been sold since the car first went on sale in 1959.

BMW Group member of the Board of Management for Production, Frank-Peter Arndt, was at Oxford today to celebrate with the Plant.

Arndt said: “Anniversaries are always a wonderful opportunity to look back at the past. But on days like today, it’s also good to look to the future. Therefore, our objective is absolutely clear: We are going to continue the success story of MINI and continue to strengthen it.

“Where is MINI going? Where will it be in 10, 20 or even another 50 years’ time? Perhaps it’s rather ambitious to look that far ahead, but one thing is certain, MINI is a brand not only with a great tradition, but also a fantastic future.”

Dr Jürgen Hedrich, Plant Oxford’s managing director, said: “Little did anyone know just how popular Sir Alec Issigonis’s car for the people would be – or that half a century later it would be reborn as the MINI and once again be built in Oxford.

“This is a momentous day in the plant and car’s history. Everyone at the plant is proud to be part of both the heritage and the future of this car.”

In the same week as this milestone anniversary, independent publishing house Faber and Faber is launching a book dedicated to the incredible story of MINI. “MINI: The True and Secret History of the Making of a Motorcar”* is authored by Simon Garfield, who uncovers a fascinating story of British endeavour, ingenuity and masterful marketing by meeting the people behind the scenes. The book is on sale now priced at £17.99.

Thousands of visitors from across the globe will also be celebrating MINI’s 50th birthday at MINI United, which is being staged at Silverstone from 22-24 May. The festival welcomes MINI owners and non-owners, and the stunning entertainment line-up is sure to attract visitors from right around the world. Paul Weller, Calvin Harris and Twisted Wheel are the entertainment highlights and tickets are priced at just £35 for the full festival weekend. Children under 14 are admitted free. Tickets and further information can be found at www.miniunited.com