Unimpressed with MINI at London Motor Show

[ViscountCharles]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jordan210 (original)

I know i told him every one i knew would want it. He said the last cars with 3 badges was over the top. He was head of some thing at Bracknel, His name was Lee duno his 2nd name

I do - we spoke about the John Cooper Works Clubman a few months ago. I expect that "market research" has told them that they can manage without engine badges, just like "market research" told them that the Works Clubman had to be delayed. Frankly I'd rather see a boot badge and an engine badge - the car doesn't need a badge on the front.

I'd love to know what their market research *actually* consists of, sometimes.

[Jayne Park Lane]

We went to the motor show yesterday and I have to agree with Vikki, not only were the MINIs not up to scratch as regards spec (they were also doing an awful job at keeping them clean!), the stand was terrible!

Having been to Frankfurt and Geneva where a lot of time and effort had obviously been put into the stands, including merchandise shops, this was dreadful. They may have made an effort during VIP and press days, but certainly not now. The owners lounge consisted of a football table and some free jelly beans, not a drink in sight! The staff just stood chatting to each other!

Even the charity box didnt work! My pound ran down the hill and bounced out of the box onto the floor, no matter how hard I tried!

At lease Ford had free ice lies!!

The worry now is exactly how much effort they will put into MINI United!

[alski]

Quote: Originally Posted by minicabrio (original)

So much easier in London -

The NEC is so disjointed it's incredibly difficult to walk round. The Excel though is a breeze, one big hall with a central court is so easy to navigate

Leave it in London.

for my 2p....
any one notice, with half the prestige and sports manufactures missing, where they would all fit if it stayed at docklands,

move it to the nec for a real show, many more sq mtrs used for both the autosports and cv show earlier this year,

and shock horror, you might be allowed to drive your own car to the show and park

[Shaun]

Its funny when you think back I got my first new MINI in 2002 and back them the owners lounge and the MINI stand felt like you were visiting relatives they were so pleased to see people. it wasnt a case of oh you already have a MINI get out of my way I am chasing sales it was like hurray have a big hug come through to the owners lounge.
Anyone else remember watching Russ Swift at trackside? as opposed to sitting in the stands with the mortals. And anyone else approached by Trevor Houghton Berry (oh him of the scary voice) MINI Uk general manager to ask how your new MINI was. It cant always be like this its the same for any kind of success. I remember watching Radiohead play in a pub bet they dont remember me though but you wonder how far away it will go before something is done.

[adam_Randell]

how do you get into the owners lounge at the motor show? do you have to register prior?

[Buffster Bird]

I just showed them my MINI car key when the lady serving the drinks asked me.

[Jordan210]

Quote: Originally Posted by ViscountCharles (original)

I do - we spoke about the John Cooper Works Clubman a few months ago. I expect that "market research" has told them that they can manage without engine badges, just like "market research" told them that the Works Clubman had to be delayed. Frankly I'd rather see a boot badge and an engine badge - the car doesn't need a badge on the front.

I'd love to know what their market research *actually* consists of, sometimes.

Aparently the only reason the Clubman is being delayed is for the body kit. hey have all ready got the front bumper and side skirts just need to do the rear then crash test them

I'm impressed with Alfa ordered a Boucher for the MiTo on Wednesday and already got it

[Jayne Park Lane]

Quote: Originally Posted by adam_Randell (original)

how do you get into the owners lounge at the motor show? do you have to register prior?

No one as in the slightest bit interested whether we were MINI owners or not, we just wandered in to the "owners lounge" to play with the table football. There certainly werent any drinks when we were there! A few jelly beans which made you thirsty!!

[Shaun]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jayne Park Lane (original)

A few jelly beans which made you thirsty!!

That'll be the rat poison in them.... perhaps?

[paule3]

I didn't spend too much time on the MINI stand yesterday actually. There wasn't enough to keep me occupied...and that dj just gave me a headache
I think maybe a MINI shop and a wider selection of cars would have made me want to look around more, but I didn't feel like there was anything there that I couldn't see on my drive!

I noticed there seemed to be a distinct lack of staff on the stand, I think the 'MINIs sell themselves' philosophy has come into full force.

I agree, bring the Motorshow back to the NEC!

[Aberdeen Al]

Went to the show on Friday.........................my highlights in order were:

1. Ford Focus RS.........................ooooo that green paint job - wow!
2. Nissan GTR
3. The girls on the Alfa stand
4. The candy white Seat Leon Cupra
5. The new Megane 2 seater (can't remember the name of it)
6. The 13 x speaker Bose system in the Audi S6

Wasn't that impressed with the Mini stand but then again I really dislike the R56 and the Clubman..........sorry it's just not right (in my eyes & opinion)

[big-kev]

Went to the motor show on Sunday and along with everybody else here thought that MINI just didnt do enough . Saying that though ...at least they bothered to turn up . I was disapointed that Audi , BMW , Fiat ,Volvo and VW chose not to attend , major players that i would have loved to browse but couldnt!!

I was impressed with the Peugeot 308 RCZ it looked great . And i liked all the Alfa Romeo's , just because they look so good , i liked the new Fiesta too and the Focus Rs (although its a little bit in your face!) . I was also very impressed with the Insignia too , very , very nice car but i can see every rep in the country having one and think i will get bored of seeing it quickly.

[Sportspack Mark]

Quote: Originally Posted by minicabrio (original)

As the title suggests really - I visited the London Motor Show yesterday at the Excel centre in Londons Docklands, however was unimpressed by the range of MINIs on display

The MINI stand itself was as excellent as usual - astroturf and fun additions such as 'keep off the grass' signs, and the owners lounge we wonderful - another triumph of the MINI marketing department!

My beef however lies with whoever decides the specification of the show cars

The London Motor show saw the launch of the new MINI John Cooper Works - so what car did they have there promoting its debut? A standard John Cooper Works hatchback painted in Chili red. No Contrast roof, no options whatsover. It even had standard all cloth sports seats. The look was completed by a wonky works badge on the tailgate.

Parked out the rear of the stand was a normal Astro Black (isn't that being discontinued soon?) Cooper S which was laden with accessories! A racing stripe, chrome s-spokes, chequer side vents and more! Inside there was full black punch leather - but then, horror of all horrors...... a standard two spoke steering wheel!

Another car on the stand was an all Mellow Yellow ONE. They had succesfully broken up the yellow by adding a pair of black viper stripes - good job! But they had decided to leave the standard MINI ONE exhaust on show - why on earth did they not put a trim on it?

I could go on, but I'm going to leave it there. To me though, a motorshow is all about manufacturers showing off what they can achieve. Hence the wide range of concept cars and new metal on display!

If only MINI had spent a few moments actually putting some thoughts into the specification of their show cars, it would have made such a huge difference to the overall result.

Come on MINI - buck your ideas up

Totally agree with what you said there John

cant believe they didnt have the works kitted out to the hilt, it was a bit lame really

[118]

I thought it was pants too, even the owners lounge was crap wonder what will happen with 2010

[Sportspack Mark]

Owners lounge was totally kack to be honest