History
The Mini is a brand of vehicle that has been manufactured by a variety of automobile makers since their initial launch in 1959. The British Motor Corporation (BMC) created the original Mini, called the Morris Mini-Minor. Another version, was sold as well, under the name Austin, instead of Morris. Eventually, BMC would use the name Mini as a brand covering several models. The original Mini would remain in production for 41 years.
Morris Motors, then owned by BMC, had begun designing a new compact automobile as an answer to a fuel shortage in the UK, in 1956. Three years later, the Mark I Mini was ready for production. The Mark I would be produced until 1967. Part of the success of the Mini was the spacious interior. Despite its small size, the Mini had ample room for passengers and cargo. This increase in space was made possible by a front-wheel drive layout that was uniquely designed to save space. The original Mini was produced in several plants throughout England and eventually other parts of Europe. BMC marketed these under both the Austin and Morris names.
During the 1960s, there were several updates to the original Mini. In 1967, the Mark II Mini was released. From 1967 to 1970, 429,000 Mark II Minis were manufactured. This new update featured a larger rear window. Also during this period, MBC developed the Mini Cooper, a sports version of the Mini. The Mini Cooper would prove successful in the Rally circuit, winning four Monte Carlo Rallys, from 1964 to 1967. By 1969, BMC would begin marketing all of their new Mini models under the Mini badge, as opposed to Austin or Morris.
The Mini Cooper and updates to the original Mini were not the only development made by Morris Motors in the 1960s. This period also saw the launch of the Mini Van, the Mini Moke, the Mini Pick-Up, and several other models. The Mini Moke was originally meant for military use; however, it did not meet the standards of the British Army. A variation of a Jeep, the Mini Moke would go on to be moderately successful with the general public. The Mini Van was also a popular Mini model. Labeled as a commercial vehicle, the Mini Van did not require the high sales tax placed on manufactured passenger vehicles.
Major Events
Towards the middle of the 1990s, work began on the design of a new generation of Minis; with the latest model, the Mini Mark VII, of the original Mini seeing declining sales. The final Mark VII Mini was built in 2000, with the next generation being released the following year. This next generation remains in production. The available models include the Countryman, Clubman, Coupe, Cabrio and Paceman.
In 2011 and 2012, BMC launched two new Mini vehicles, expanding the brand of Minis available. Both versions are two door crossover vehicles that follow the designs of the Mini Paceman. The coupe was released in 2011, with the roadster being launched the following year.
Going Forward
As Mini continues to expand their line, there are plans to release a Cooper with a three cylinder engine later this year in 2014 or into 2015. The 3-cylinder will also work with an automatic or manual transmission, and the automatic transmission will have the start-stop function. Other technologies include a “Gear Sensor” system that pairs the most fuel-efficient settings for the type of terrain that the vehicle is in, and a revised chassis to add more horses to the little speeder.
Other options of the 2014/2015 Cooper include the lighter chassis, more advanced design for fuel emissions, and smart-equipped technology. The Mini also plans to work the 3-cylinder turbo into other models while exploring advanced design options over the coming years to increase fuel efficiency.
