High Spec MINI Cooper Headed for Australian Dealers

BMW Group Australia has announced both the number of its MINI dealers and the key features of the standard specification of the MINI Cooper due to arrive on the Australian market in March 2002.

The MINI dealership network in Australia will consist of 23 dealers covering each of the states, with 6 dealers in Sydney, 4 in Melbourne, one in Brisbane, one in the southern Brisbane metropolitan area of Logan, one in Canberra and one each in the other state capitals. In addition there will be seven regional dealerships split amongst NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

All of the new MINI dealers are drawn from the existing 38-strong BMW dealer network. Commenting on the dealership network announcement, BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Uwe Hartmann, said, “The composition of the MINI dealership network will provide excellent representation for this premium small car marque throughout the country, particularly focussed on metropolitan areas, in which we expect the new MINI to be particularly popular.

“We also expect that as part of our phased launch program for the new MINI, we will be in a position to have the majority of the MINI dealers with completed MINI showrooms by November of this year and we hope to have the ability to display at least one or two new MINIs as we build towards full Australian market availability in March 2002.”

BMW Group Australia has also announced the key features for the standard specification for the MINI Cooper which is expected to come to the market at under $35,000. An extremely high level of standard specification has been determined, which will include key passive and active safety features such as six standard airbags, including ITS side head airbags, ABS braking, CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), added to the outstanding structural integrity of the new MINI.

On the comfort front, the MINI Cooper in Australian specification will feature air-conditioning, electric windows, electric mirror adjustment, in-dash CD player with six speaker Hi-fi system, remote control central locking and up-rated interior trim. MINI Cooper will also feature a lockable air-conditioned glovebox.

Externally, 15-inch “Silverstone” alloy wheels will be standard, as will chrome bumper trim and contrasting roof and mirror colours will be a no cost option.

“We are certain that this extremely high level of standard specification will clearly underline the new MINI Cooper”s position as a premium small car, whilst still offering a level of value which will be hard to match, particularly when considering the sophisticated technology incorporated. We are confident that the unique identity and product sales force that the MINI offers, combined with a strong dealership network and the backing of the resources and technology of the BMW Group will ensure that on launch onto the Australian market, the MINI will capture a significant proportion of its market sector”, Mr Hartmann said.

The MINI Cooper will also feature a large range of options, allowing potential owners to tailor their cars to their individual needs. Included amongst these will be on-board monitor with TV reception and satellite navigation, leather upholstery, xenon headlamps, foglights, rain sensor, park distance control and a range of either 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels.