MINI provides space for creative leaps. Partnership with snowboard manufacturer Burton and competition for the Creative Use of Space Award kick off in Laax, Switzerland.
Carmaker MINI marks the launch of its partnership with cult snowboard brand Burton at one of the world’s major snowboarding events – the Burton European Open in Laax. Both brands will focus on providing their customers with plenty of riding fun as they join forces for the Burton Global Open Series (BGOS), with the Burton Canadian Open (1 to 6 February in Calgary, Canada) and the Burton US Open (7 to 13 March in Stratton, USA) still to come.
“MINI and Burton are the benchmark in their respective segments. This is a partnership between two very strong and emotional brands, both of which promote individual riding fun coupled with creative design,” says Dr. Wolfgang Armbrecht, Senior Vice President Brand Management MINI. “Snowboards and cars are more than just means of locomotion – they represent a lifestyle.”
Creative Use of Space Award for the most inventive run.
Both MINI and Burton believe it is important that not only the best technical tricks are rewarded, but that recognition should also go to displays and jumps that reflect maximum creativity, interaction with the environment and personal style. “Using limited space as creatively as possible” – what could be more in keeping with the MINI philosophy?
When the semi-final and final runs in the halfpipe and slopestyle competitions start tomorrow, camera teams will be filming the performances of riders taking part in the “Creative Use of Space” challenge. From 21 January, the most inventive displays will be posted as web clips on http://www.facebook.com/MINI. After each event, users can view the various clips and select their personal favourites using the “Like” option. The most popular clips from the BGOS events in Laax, Calgary and Stratton will be eligible for the global vote as event winners. The two overall winners of the Creative Use of Space Award will be named at the end of March. MINI will reward the most creative female and male rider with a cash prize of US$25,000 each.
Anyone participating in the online voting will automatically be entered into a prize draw for a trip for four to one of the Burton Global Open Series events in the 2011/12 season.
For further information on this collaboration and the Creative Use of Space Award please go to: http://www.facebook.com/mini http://www.minispace.com/burton http://www.youtube.com/mini (from 14 January 2011)
Broad Oak MINI Group.
Broad Oak MINI have branches in Ashford and Canterbury. You can keep up with news, stories and events by following Kent MINI on Twitter: @KentMINI
Spanish car maker SEAT is bringing some welcome Latin excitement to the post-Christmas gloom with news that it is extending and refreshing its successful VAT-free offer.
While the TV and papers may be full of ominous reports about the Government's increase in VAT to 20 per cent, SEAT is happy to share some good news with the nation's car buyers: its VAT-free deals are continuing well into 2011.
With the consumption tax now running at its highest level since its introduction in the UK in 1973 (when it debuted at ten per cent) SEAT is happy to help insulate new car buyers from the latest increase.
Extending across much of the exciting and sporty SEAT line-up, the VAT-free offer is now complemented by a new ½ VAT deal that amounts to a ten per cent discount off a further tranche of sleek SEATs.
And with a third, tempting, offer in the shape of zero per cent finance deals on a selection of new SEATs there really has never been a better time to pop into your local SEAT showroom.
For information on the SEAT and its range of sporty, design-driven cars contact the team at Barretts SEAT: Barretts SEAT The Westgate Canterbury Kent CT1 2BL Tel: 0845 164 9780 Barretts SEAT are part of the Barretts Kent Motor Group. www.barrettskent.co.uk Twitter:@BarrettsSEAT
The Cava corks are popping as SEAT celebrates a raft of sales records both here in the UK and in its home market.
With the numbers now well and truly crunched, SEAT can look back on a record UK market share for the last 12 months of 1.62 per cent (source: SMMT), which comfortably exceeds its previous best share of 1.50 per cent (recorded in 2009).
What's more December's market share of 1.65 per cent matches the all-time record for the month, precisely equalling the previous best of 1.65 per cent from 2003.
SEAT's outright sales in the UK are on the up too – 10 per cent up on 2009, outperforming a market that grew by just 1.8 per cent in the same period. The 2010 total of 32,935 new cars comfortably beats 2009's figure of 29,987 vehicles, and means that 2010 is only the fifth time in the brand's 25-year history in the UK that its sales have exceeded 30,000.
The top three sellers in the SEAT range were the Ibiza SC, 5dr and ST (17,100 registrations), Leon (10,500 units) and the Exeo and Exeo ST (2,400 units).
“SEAT's stunning sales growth here over the last 12 months – which has massively outperformed the market as a whole – is testament to both the quality of our cars and the commitment of our Dealers,” says Peter Wyhinny, Managing Director of SEAT UK.
“With one of the youngest volume manufacturer line-ups out there, plus a strong and successful network of dedicated Dealers nationwide, SEAT is ideally placed to build on the success of 2010.
“Over the next 12 months I expect us to accelerate our continued growth here in the UK as we look to support SEAT's ambitious plans throughout Europe.”
SEAT's growing appeal is reaping big rewards in its home market, too. The brand has grabbed leadership in its domestic market for the first time in more than 30 years, taking more than nine per cent of Spain's 982,015 new car sales in 2010.
For information on the SEAT and its range of sporty, design-driven cars contact the team at Barretts SEAT: Barretts SEAT The Westgate Canterbury Kent CT1 2BL Tel: 0845 164 9780 Barretts SEAT are part of the Barretts Kent Motor Group. www.barrettskent.co.uk Twitter:@BarrettsSEAT
News from the Broad Oak MINI Group of Ashford and Canterbury. MINI at the North American International Auto Show 2011.
MINI arrives at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit fuelled by innovative and sustainable ideas and an across-the-board focus on driving fun and individuality. Exactly 10 years ago, visitors to the NAIAS witnessed the relaunch of the MINI brand in North America, which signalled the beginning of an unparalleled success story. And now the brand is preparing to celebrate this landmark anniversary at the 2011 show with the world premiere of the MINI Paceman Concept. This spectacular study vehicle takes centre stage alongside the current model line-up and establishes a totally new category of car with its potential for providing even more driving fun and an even greater range of usage. The MINI Paceman Concept provides a fresh and distinctive interpretation of the hallmark style and innovative character of MINI.
As for cars already in series production, the MINI brand is represented at the 2011 NAIAS by the most attractive and diverse range of models in its history. Eye-catching design modifications, additional engine variants, a comprehensively updated selection of diesel engines and innovative new equipment items sharpen the appeal of the new MINI family in terms of design, driving fun, efficiency and individuality. With its MINI, MINI Clubman, MINI Convertible and MINI Countryman models, the world’s only maker of independently developed premium small cars will continue to boast both the most extensive and the highest-quality range in the segment.
MINI Paceman Concept: an urban and masculine Sports Activity Coupe.
The masculine design language of the MINI Paceman Concept spotlights both the stand-alone identity of the concept and its membership of the MINI family. The four-seater study, whose two large doors and wide-opening tailgate mark it out unmistakably as a MINI, imbues the sporty, cutting-edge Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) category with undeniable appeal. The platform of the MINI Countryman, with its hallmark MINI proportions, increased ground clearance and raised seating position, defines the study’s compact dimensions.
The MINI Paceman Concept takes the fundamental strengths of MINI – its uniqueness, go-kart handling, agility, dynamic capability and individual design – and gives them a fresh twist with the help of cutting-edge technology and an innovative body concept. It combines a sporty, masculine appearance, versatility and coupe looks with the dimensions of the four-door MINI Countryman. And it brings together the classical MINI concept, the defining features of the MINI Countryman and the style of a coupe to harmonious effect. The result is a MINI “muscle car”, which displays its dynamic capability from every angle and showcases it impressively both when viewed from the side and in the design of the rear.
The MINI Paceman Concept, whose crossover design makes it the first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) in the small car segment, blends lifestyle elements with premium quality. It is the ideal car for young, modern, extrovert urbanites who love the hallmark MINI go-kart feeling, enjoy stand-out individuality, place great importance on the personality of a brand and buy into its character and ethos.
The MINI Paceman Concept prioritises a particularly emotional driving experience and demonstrates this ability in a style typical of the brand. Here you can find clear evidence of how totally new vehicle concepts can still be developed today through unconventional creativity.
MINI Countryman: fun has no limits.
The MINI Countryman takes the hallmark driving fun of the brand into a new dimension. This is the first MINI to come with four doors and a large tailgate as well as a versatile interior offering space for up to five people. The MINI Countryman is the first member of the MINI family with a body measuring more than four metres (157") in length and which can be ordered as an option with all-wheel drive. With these features, in addition to the Countryman’s raised seating position and optimised ride comfort, the world’s only premium vehicle of its kind crosses the boundaries of urban mobility to take the trademark MINI feeling into new dimensions and win over additional target groups. Optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive allows the driving fun you expect from the brand to be experienced off the beaten track as well. The ALL4 system is available for the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman. The selection of petrol variants ranges from the MINI One Countryman developing 72 kW/98 hp and MINI Cooper Countryman (90 kW/122 hp) to the 135 kW/184 hp MINI Cooper S Countryman, whose 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine is the most efficient unit in its displacement class. The petrol models are joined in the line-up by the diesel-powered MINI One D Countryman (66 kW/90 hp) and MINI Cooper D Countryman (82 kW/112 hp). All variants of the MINI Countryman meet the EU5 exhaust gas standard in Europe and the ULEV II standard in the USA.
The new MINI family: striking design, minimal emissions.
Carefully targeted design modifications, even more efficient engines and additional innovative equipment features increase both the variety and the appeal of the MINI model range. For instance, the sporting character of the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible is now highlighted even more sharply. And under the bonnet, the new-generation petrol engines already in place are now joined by newly developed diesel units to deliver another boost to efficiency. Based on the BMW Group’s drive system expertise, the four-cylinder engines offer a further optimised blend of driving fun and fuel economy. The MINI Cooper D and MINI One D, in particular, have raised their game, posting CO2 emissions of 99 grams per km combined with fuel consumption of 3.8 litres per 100 km (74.3 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle.
The new MINI Cooper D Convertible sees the inimitable driving fun of an open-top MINI now combined with the pulling power and efficiency of a diesel engine. The newly developed four-cylinder diesel unit produces 82 kW/112 hp and accelerates the MINI Cooper D Convertible from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 10.3 seconds. The new model variant records average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.0 litres per 100 km (70.6 mpg imp) to go with CO2 emissions of 105 g/km. The other newcomer to the range is the MINI One D Clubman. The new entry-level diesel engine now also gives the Clubman unsurpassed levels of fuel economy. The new MINI One D Clubman sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 11.8 seconds, burns an average of 3.9 litres of fuel per 100 km (equating to 72.4 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle and emits 103 g/km of CO2.
MINI Connected: linking up for more driving fun.
Among the other innovations presented at the North American International Auto Show is an all-new and globally unique form of in-car entertainment.
MINI Connected heightens the enjoyment of driving by intelligently linking the driver, the MINI and the outside world. MINI is the world’s first car manufacturer to offer – with MINI Connected – a newly developed USB interface with exceptional functionality designed to maximise the integration of the Apple iPhone into the car’s audio and infotainment system. An application available for MINI Connected comprises a web radio function, the use of Google local search and Google Send to Car services, and reception of RSS news feeds. Moreover, it also enables Facebook and Twitter posts to be displayed on the on-board monitor and allows the user to send standardised text messages.
The additional functions integrated into the MINI are activated and operated via the on-board control system. To use the full range of MINI Connected functions, customers need to specify their cars with either the MINI Visual Boost audio system or the MINI navigation system. Both options use a high-resolution colour display in the Centre Speedo and the MINI joystick positioned on the centre console to ensure comfortable, easy and intuitive operation.
Broad Oak MINI Group.
Broad Oak MINI have branches in Ashford and Canterbury. You can keep up with news, stories and events by following Kent MINI on Twitter: @KentMINI
HONDA HOLDS THE VAT AND OFFERS THREE YEARS FREE SERVICING
• Pre-VAT rise prices have been held on selected models for January
• Three years’ complimentary servicing and flexible finance options available until the end of March 2011 on selected models including the sporty CR-Z hybrid
Honda (UK) is continuing to make new car ownership more affordable by adding three years’ complimentary servicing and a range of flexible finance options to selected new cars until the end of March 2011. Honda is also easing the pain of the New Year VAT rise by absorbing the price increase for customers throughout January.
Three years’ free servicingCustomers visiting a Honda dealership in the new year will also be eligible for three years’ complimentary servicing on all new CR-V models and Insight and CR-Z hybrids.
This offer, combined with Honda’s standard one year’s road side assistance, three year new car warranty and Honda’s reputation for bulletproof reliability, means affordable and hassle-free Honda new car ownership for the first three years.
Pre-VAT rise price freeze
Honda is also holding 2010 prices on all CR-V, CR-Z, Insight and Accord models and selected Civic variants until the end of January 2011. For example, by not passing on the VAT rise, customers can benefit from a £443 saving on a new Accord 2.0 ES GT.
Flexible financing
A range of flexible finance options are available across the Honda range to break the new car cost into manageable monthly payments. With a 25 per cent deposit, customers can secure a 5.9 per cent PCP over three years, while those with a smaller deposit of 10 per cent can secure a 7.9 per cent PCP over the same duration. A two year 0 per cent HP is available with a 35 per cent down payment.
Customers opting for the 5.9 per cent PCP with 25 per cent deposit could walk away with a brand new CR-V 4x4 for as little as £299 per month*.
“Our New Year’s resolution was to keep helping our customers drive down the cost of new car ownership and three years free servicing combined with a selection of finance options is a great start. Plus, we wanted to take the sting off the VAT price rise – two and a half per cent is a significant amount on large purchases such as cars and it all adds up,” concluded Martin Moll, Head of Marketing for Honda (UK).
Make sure that you don't miss out on the news, offers and events at Barretts Honda Canterbury by following our Twitter page: BarrettsHonda
