Home » Archives for April 2013

Classic Mini thefts continue to rise

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2012 saw a dramatic increase in the theft of classic Mini cars from across the UK, with many of the owners clubs and associated web forums reporting a noticeable increase in numbers of vehicles stolen. One leading classic car magazine reporting on the concerns, described the issue as having ‘gone ballistic’

2013 sadly seems to be seeing a continuation of this worrying trend, according to research conducted by leading classic and specialist vehicle tracking company, Skytag GPS. Guy Topsom, Managing Director of Skytag explained – ‘So far in 2013 we are aware of almost 30 incidents of classic mini thefts in the UK, a rate averaging 2 vehicles per week, quite astonishing considering we believe that our sources probably only capture 25 – 30% of the total number of incidents. It does, however, confirm a marked increase in the trend for classic Mini thefts, with most of the vehicles stolen being broken up to fuel a buoyant, and for the criminals, profitable, second-hand spares market’

Research and understanding the issues are a vital first step according to Guy. ‘We’ve seen similar patterns with other makes of vehicle in the past’, he explained. ‘Initially incidents seem random or unfortunate and as such may not be widely reported. This can mean that many owners remain blissfully unaware of the threat to their cherished vehicles, or possibly just believe they are unlikely to become victims themselves. As knowledge of the increasing number of thefts becomes well-known, owners are more likely to take steps to protect themselves, ensuring their vehicles are more securely stored or parked, increasing security measures and also sharing information regarding incidents. 

Social media has a part to play too; we provide regular updates of thefts from numerous sources on our Twitter feed (@SkytagGPS), an increasingly powerful tool in the fight against crime. To summarise, Guy said, ‘It’s almost impossible to protect a vehicle 100% against theft, although naturally we recommend owners take every step they can. Buying a tracker is of course the best way to ensure the safe return of your vehicle, should the worst happen. We have a number of solutions available, tailored to suit different owners’ requirements. We’re always happy to discuss these with potential customers and encourage them to call and discuss what we can do for them - at the end of the day it’s all about peace of mind’

If you would like to see Skytag in action, look out for ‘The Italian Job’ Mini rally 2013 and also the Help 4 Heroes European Rally 2013. Skytag are proud to support both events and will be providing live tracking of all the vehicles involved.

 http://www.skytag-gps.co.uk
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MINI production expands to India

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In response to increasing worldwide demand for premium cars from the British MINI brand, the BMW Group is extending its international production network by additional local production plants for select MINI models. This adds another chapter to the global success story of MINI. For the first time since the relaunch of the brand in 2001, preparations are under way for the local production of MINI cars for several growth markets outside Europe. As a result, cars from the British premium brand will be rolling off assembly lines beyond Europe for the first time later this year. Local production for the MINI Countryman is currently being prepared at the BMW plant in Chennai (formerly Madras), which meets the same stringent quality standards applied to all production of BMW Group models.

The new MINI assembly facility has been brought on stream just a year after the start of MINI sales in India and will help to meet the steadily increasing demand for MINI cars in the Indian market.

The first models to be locally produced  in Chennai will be the MINI Cooper D Countryman and the MINI One Countryman.

Over recent times India has become an increasingly significant market for the BMW Group, which has operated its own sales company on the subcontinent since 2007. At the start of 2012, MINI opened its first five showrooms for cars from the British brand in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore, making India the 100th market in the global MINI sales network. A total of 302 cars were sold here in between March and December 2012.

The BMW Group’s decision – in line with its “production follows the market” strategy – to carry out local production of the MINI Countryman in India responds to the burgeoning interest within the country in innovative and high-quality vehicle concepts. MINI is the first premium manufacturer to be represented in the locally ultra-important small car segment, and is expecting the Indian car market as a whole to experience high growth rates over the medium and long term.

BMW’s Chennai production plant was built in March 2007 and has since taken on production of the BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series as well as the BMW X1 and BMW X3 models. The facility, which has a production area covering around 13,000 square metres (approx. 140,000 sq. ft.), is located in the Mahindra World City business zone in the southwest of India, roughly 40 kilometres (25 miles) northwest of Chennai. State-of-the-art machine technology, highly skilled employees and advanced manufacturing processes provide all the necessary ingredients for the production of premium cars to the highest quality standards.

Expansion of the international production network
The ramping up of international production capacity is primarily aimed at providing a rapid and flexible supply line to the increasing number of customers in emerging markets. MINI delivered a record 301, 526 vehicles to customers worldwide in 2012, with markets on the American and Asian continents making a particularly strong contribution to this 5.8 per cent increase in sales over the previous year. The MINI brand will continue to broaden its global perspective over the coming years, and the strengthening of its international production network is intended to assist in that process.

Five of the seven models in the current MINI line-up are produced in the brand’s native Britain. The MINI plant in Oxford represents the central pillar in the BMW Group’s British production network, which also includes the Hams Hall engine factory in Birmingham and the press shop in Swindon. The MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman, meanwhile, roll off the assembly line at MINI’s production and development partner Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria and are also supplied with engines from Hams Hall.

The BMW Group is investing heavily in the expansion and modernisation of the three locations that make up the MINI production triangle in Britain. Among the factors behind the move is the planned next stage in the expansion of the MINI model family, which will further bolster the brand’s global success.
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National "Drive it Day" - Sunday April 21

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The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs’ “Drive It Day®” takes place every year to help raise awareness of the large and important extent of the classic vehicle movement in the UK. It is also an ideal opportunity to raise funds for both local and industry related charities.

The Federation  is  a grouping  of  more than  450  clubs  and  museums,  together  with  some  1,500  trade  and individual supporters. Their aim is to uphold the freedom to use old vehicles on the roads without any undue restriction and to support its member organisations.

Hagerty International is pleased to support the Federation and this event, and will once again be hosting its own “Drive it Day” celebration. The aim of the day is for everyone to have fun and enjoy the cars, the drive and the company of like-minded enthusiasts.


Route
The suggested route will be approximately 70 miles and will take approximately two hours.  Each entrant will receive a tulip-style road book detailing places of interest throughout the duration of the route, including Sywell Aerodrome, Althorp House and Castle Ashby before the cross-country route ends at Silverstone Circuit.

We have arranged exclusive Sunday access to Silverstone Racing Club at the Circuit, where the Vintage Sports Car Club will be completing their annual Spring Break race meeting.

Teas and coffees will be available at Towcester Racecourse for a cost of £1.50, and lunch will be available for purchase at the Silverstone Racing Club clubhouse.

Eligibility
Subject to the terms printed in this form, cars registered before 1st January 1990 may be entered subject to places being available.  There is a limit of 150 cars.

Cost
Entry, which has been organised by Hagerty International Limited, is free.  However one of the aims of the day is to raise money for various local charities.

We would respectfully request that each entrant send a minimum of £20 as a donation towards these charities.  Cheques should be made payable to Hagerty International Limited.  All money received will be donated.

Start Point & Start Time
The start point will be Towcester Racecourse, London Road, Towcester, Northants NN12 6LB. Entrants should arrive at between 09.00 and 09.30 a.m.  Cars will be flagged off progressively from 09.30 a.m.

Finish Point
The route finishes at the Silverstone Racing Club, Silverstone Circuit, Northants, NN12 8TN. The event officially closes at 3.00 p.m., and the VSCC event ends at about 6.00 p.m.


To enter, fill out the entry form here:
http://www.hagertyinsurance.co.uk/Hagerty-Online/Drive-It-Day/Entry-form

 
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Malvern Mini Show this Sunday - April 14

11:30
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The Malvern Mini Show is back in its original format, and will be using both the Avon and Wye Halls in April.

This is a great day out with 100s of enthusiasts turning up to support the show giving fellow enthusiasts and members of the public the chance to see many customised and cherished motors from this iconic brand.  

There will be club displays in the Wye Halls from The Mini Cooper Register, Mini Fixers, Bristol Mini Drifters, Mercia Mini Club, Bulls Eye Mini Club and Birmingham Mini O/C to name just a few; plus plenty of private entries turning up on the day to display as well. 

The Avon Hall will house all the leading parts suppliers to the Mini brand in the UK plus a wealth of second-hand spares in the autojumble. 

Once the inside display space is full there will be additional room for Mini displays on the hard-standing between the two halls. 

With temperatures set to rise it should be a cracking show.Admission Prices:
  • £8.00 per Adult
  • £3.00 per Child (7-14yrs)
  • Under 7s Free
 
Andrew Greenwood’s Classicshows 
www.classicshows.org
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WRC MINI gets power increase

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WRC
Prodrive has introduced a significant performance upgrade to the MINI John Cooper Works engine, bringing an additional 8 bhp and a similar increase in torque for the 33mm restricted World Rally Car specification unit and 5 bhp for the 30mm restricted S2000.

Working within the engine's existing homologation, the performance has been improved by increasing the compression ratio and optimising the cam timing and knock control.

Prodrive's race engine team has been working on this development since the beginning of the year. Jason Hill, chief engineer, race engines, said: "We have taken advantage of the latitude within the engine's current homologation to make some significant improvements. While the peak power and torque figures speak for themselves, the area under the power curve is much greater, and this is the most important change as it makes the engine far more responsive and flexible, something drivers will immediately notice."

The engine will be first used in competition by Michal Kosciuszko in his Lotos Team MINI WRC at Rally Portugal next week and is available as an upgrade to all existing MINI WRC and S2000 competitors with the latest specification of car.

www.prodrive.com

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Stéphane Peterhansel to race for MINI X-raid team in 2014 Dakar

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Some two months after the 2013 Dakar Rally ended in Santiago de Chile with the second consecutive win of the Monster Energy X-raid Team, ASO announced the first facts for the 2014 Dakar. While the entire Dakar baggage will race in the well-known host countries Argentina and Chile, the motorbikes will make a side-trip to Bolivia. The Dakar represents the season highlight for the Monster Energy X-raid Team that is going to once again race the legendary event with French pairing Stéphane Peterhansel / Jean-Paul Cottret, next year.

Stéphane Peterhansel joined the Monster Energy X-raid Team in 2009 and won the Dakar Rally for the Trebur based team in 2012 and 2013. Altogether, the exceptionally skilled driver celebrated a total of 11 wins, in the famous off-road endurance rally – six of them on a motorbike. The 47-year old impresses in particular with his calmness and his outstanding ability when it comes to assessing himself. 

The Dakar will be started on 05th January in Rosario, Argentina – not far from Buenos Aires. From there, the event will take the competitors along the Andes to Salta, the venue of the Rest Day on 11th January. Afterwards, the competitors will have to keep on driving northward. But only the motorbikes will make a side-trip to Bolivia while the rest of the field will head directly to Chile and the world-famous Atacama Desert. And on 18th January, the field of the 35th Dakar edition will cross the finish line in Valparaiso, west to Santiago.

“We are delighted with also racing the 2014 Dakar Rally together with Stéphane,” said Monster Energy X-raid Team Manager Sven Quandt. „The ASO hinted that we will have a marathon stage without service for the cars, in the evening. With his experience, Stéphane certainly will be up to this challenge, too.”

Three questions to Stéphane Peterhansel: 

You are going to race the 2014 Dakar Rally for the Monster Energy X-raid Team again. What are the strengths of the team and the MINI ALL4 Racing? 
The reliability of the MINI ALL4 Racing is virtually unique. In two Dakar Rallies, we didn’t encounter a single technical problem. But not only thanks to the very good car but also because of the entire team that is doing an extremely professional job throughout the Dakar. Despite heat, sand and the massive pressure, everybody works flawlessly. Only this approach enabled us to prevail against competitors who enjoyed regulation advantages.

How do you assess the route of the 2014 Dakar? 
With our cars, we probably will race only in Argentina and Chile. It’s a pity that only the motorbikes will make the trip to Bolivia and that Peru doesn’t represent a part of the 2014 Dakar. We had some interesting tracks and great dunes, there, in the past two years. But we should trust in the ASO organisers. The routes in the past three years were really good.  

 ASO announced that the special stages will be longer and that the cars, too, will have a marathon stages. What do you think about that? 
That would be great. With the MINI ALL4 Racing, we’ve got a highly competitive car. We raced the past two Dakar Rallies without encountering any technical problems whatsoever. And I also would be delighted about marathon stages from a personal point of view. They represent a huge challenge – and a challenge we had to cope with in Africa.

www.x-raid.de
www.dakar.com
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MINI Challenge UK begins this weekend

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The MINI Challenge gets underway this weekend at Snetterton and we're expecting a close-fought battle this season as Luke Caudle and Lee Allen, former Challenge champions, return to the series to mix it up.

 Patrick Mortimer is one to watch for too, and we'll certainly be rooting for him, in his distinctive Scalextric MINI - he'll certainly be hoping his car handles like as though it's attached to the track. 

 The squad, which is operated by Advent Motorsport, confirmed its return to the Challenge this week, and with it brings the iconic Scalextric backing to the championship for an 11th year. Team Scalextric will run a single R56 JCW car for Mortimer and a Cooper Class machine for team-mate Adrian Norman.

Mortimer gained good experience of the turbocharged 220bhp JCW last season after graduating up through the Cooper Class. He says his second season in the top category won’t be such a learning curve:
 
“I’m really looking forward to getting back on the grid and representing the Scalextric name again. Last season was tough to adjust to the R56, but we got closer to the pace by the end of the year.

“The hardest thing to adapt to was using the turbo correctly, timing the gear changes to keep the boost on, calming it down in the wet, and keeping the momentum through corners. They were all tough to get used to. Now I feel a lot more comfortable in the car and think we can move forward as a team.”

Norman finished seventh overall in the points last season after a solid performance in the Cooper Class. He too believes experience will pay: 

“It’s a late deal to get Scalextric behind us again but it’s fantastic for the brand and the MINI Challenge. Scalextric and MINI have a long association and it’s great to have the cars out in full livery again.

“I learned a lot in my first year of racing last season and was just getting to grips with the car as the season ended. Getting points on the board consistently is the main thing and then building pace. I’m confident I can hit the ground running this year and be closer to fighting for a podium finish, which has to be my aim this year. With our extra experience and the support from the team I’m sure both Patrick and I are in for a great season.”

 
Elsewhere this weekend you can see racing at:

SEMSEC    
www.semsec.org.uk
APRIL 6     TWMC Sprint/SEMSEC Race Meeting

CLASSIC TOURING CHAMPIONSHIP    
www.csccgb.co.uk    
APRIL 6     Oulton Park

MINTEX MSA BRITISH HISTORIC RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
www.hrcr.co.uk    
APRIL 6-7     Rally North Wales             Welshpool


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Mini celebrations at Goodwood Festival of Speed 20th anniversary

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Goodwood will be in celebratory mode as it marks a number of important automotive and motorsport anniversaries and key moments at the 2013 Festival of Speed (11-14 July), in addition to the 20th anniversary of the event itself. A selection of anniversaries being recognised at the 2013 Festival will include:
 
90 Years:
Le Mans 24 Hours:
A selection of iconic Le Mans 24 Hours endurance racers will be in action at the 2013 Festival, from early winning Bentleys, right through to the latest Audis that have claimed victory in recent years.

60 Years:
World Championship for Sports Cars:
The stars of the endurance racing world over the last 60 years, from Jaguar D-type and Mercedes-Benz 300SLR, through Ford GT MkII and Porsche 917, to Jaguar XJR9 and Porsche 962, plus the latest prototypes from Audi and Toyota, which are contesting the newly relaunched World Endurance Championship.
 
50 Years:
Porsche 911:
As well as the main Festival Central Feature ‘installation’, a dedicated class of road and racing 911s, covering all seven generations of the iconic sports car, will take to the hill twice each day for a special parade.

McLaren Racing:
Half a century of this revered race and sports car maker will be marked with a number of championship-winning cars from Formula 1, Can-Am, Indy and Le Mans.

Lamborghini:
A tantalisingline-up of the most exotic and legendary Lamborghini road cars will grace the event.

Mini Cooper S and Ford Lotus Cortina:
Two true British motoring icons turn 50, with versions of the Mini Cooper S and Lotus Cortina in action at Goodwood, particularly in the Forest Rally Stage area.

European Touring Car Championship:
Some of the most celebrated touring cars of all time will take to the Hill, including the BMW 3.0CSL ‘Batmobile’, Cologne Capri and TWR Jaguar XJS.
 
40 Years:
World Rally Championship:
To mark 40 years of the WRC, we will assemble one of every championship-winning car on the Hill and Forest Rally Stage.
 
20 Years:
Goodwood Festival of Speed:
The best of the first 20 years will be celebrated at Goodwood with a wide and varied selection of all–time great cars, motorcycles, drivers and riders for the ultimate ‘best of’ highlights.

www.goodwood.com
http://www.facebook.com/festivalofspeed
http://twitter.com/fosgoodwood
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MINI X-raid team off the start at the desert rally in Abu Dhabi

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The desert is calling and the X-raid Team acts! With a total of four vehicles, the team that won the past two Dakar rallies travels to the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (4th to 11th April, 2013). The three MINI ALL4 Racing are raced by the pairings Nani Roma (ESP) / Michel Périn (FRA), Krzysztof Holowczyc (POL) / Andreas Schulz (GER) and the two Germans Stephan Schott / Holm Schmidt, with Viktor and Vernon Rempel from Paraguay contesting the event with a BMW X3 CC.
 
For Roma and Schott, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge represents the first rally appearance since the Dakar in January while it is the second event of the season for Holowczyc. The Pole convinced in the Baja Italy held just a few weeks ago by finishing second. For father-and-son pairing Viktor und Vernon Rempel it’s not only the first appearance for the X-raid team but also the very first Cross-Country rally they are going to compete in.
 
The rally starts on the 06th of April with a ‘Superspeciale’ in Abu Dhabi. On the following day, the first stage takes the competitors from the Yas Marina Circuit (well-known due to representing a part of the Formula 1 calendar) right to Liwa, located in the desert. Liwa also will be the location of the bivouac that will represent the starting point for the following four special stages. The fifth and final stage will take the teams and drivers back from the desert to the Yas Marina Circuit. Over the course of the five days, the drivers will cover nearly 2,000 kilometres, with 1,400 of them being the total special-stage distance! 
 
“For us, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge represents a traditional start into the season. Here, the heat and the sand make for extraordinary challenges for both the drivers and the material,” says Monster Energy X-raid Team Manager Sven Quandt. “Nani, Krzysztof and Stephan are well aware of what they will have to cope with and for Viktor, it will be an impressive venue for his maiden appearance in the off-road rally sport,”

The ADDC time schedule:
4th April    Documentation & press conference in Abu Dhabi
5th April    Scrutineering in Abu Dhabi
6th April    Super Special Stage in Abu Dhabi
7th April    1st stage (Yas Marina Circuit – Liwa)
8th April    2nd stage (Liwa)
9th April    3rd stage (Liwa)
10th April   4th stage (Liwa)
11th April   5th stage (Liwa – Yas Marina Circuit)

 www.x-raid.de
www.abudhabidesertchallenge.com
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NEW EVENT: Warren Classic & Concours - Saturday, May 4

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On Saturday, May 4, the quiet Essex hamlet of Woodham Walter will be the destination of choice for classic car owners, collectors and enthusiasts alike as a major new classic car event, the 2013 Warren Classic & Concours, gets underway.

This new, one-day event, uniquely-staged amidst the tranquil, 350-acre scenic estate of the long-established Warren Golf and Country Club in Woodham Walter, near Maldon, has been created by an international team who draw on many years of collective knowledge and experience of the classic car community.

Partnered by a distinguished group of major companies and brands, the Warren Classic & Concours will mirror the breadth and diversity of classic and collector motorcars, with a wide array of exhibitors and motor clubs, bonded by their common enthusiasm for classic motoring culture.

Special features will celebrate, amongst others, the 50th anniversary year of iconic cars and marques including the Porsche 911 and Italian supercar maker, Lamborghini, plus the centenary year of Aston Martin.
The event will also host the 2013 Warren Concours, a superb tribute to the finest of the classic car genre spanning ten decades, through to the might of contemporary supercars.  
Interest in participating in the Concours has been exceptional, providing a tough task for the Warren Concours selection committee to whittle numbers down to the eventual fine selection of 100 vehicles across ten different classes.
Fine examples from the dawn of motoring, through the 1919-1930 vintage period, post-war touring cars and the 50’s and 60’s, will rub shoulders with categories celebrating the anniversary marques and supercars.
Besides being a haven for the devout owners and followers of classics, the Warren Classic & Concours is designed to deliver wide appeal. Illustrating the point, the organisers have confirmed a thrilling aerial display by the spectacular Blades aerobatic display team during the afternoon, piloted by former RAF Red Arrows pilots, who put the ‘planes through their paces with superb precision under loads as high as 10g.
Tony Stanton, Managing Director of the event venue, The Warren Golf & Country Club, commented:
“We are thrilled to bring this superb event to The Warren, in the interests of both our local community and the enormous following for classic cars. A tremendous array of cars and great entertainment in a spectacular setting in Essex …what could be better?”
Gates open to the Warren Classic & Concours on the morning of Saturday, May 4, with entry for classic car owners at £25.00 per car, privilege parking in a dedicated area, plus an invitation to enter a novel ‘Car Park Concours’. Public entrance tickets on the day are £10 adults, £5 children, and £25 for a family of four, again with free parking.
The venue is easily accessible, just minutes from Maldon and eight miles east of Chelmsford in the picturesque village of Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6RW.
Tickets can be purchased on the day or in advance at the event website, www.warrenclassic.co.uk which also has full information for visitors, or call 01245 223258; e-mail: info@warrenclassic.co.uk

The Warren Classic & Concours is supported by Classic & Sports Car magazine, in collaboration with Bonhams, EFG International, Fredericke Constant, Hagerty and Hastings Direct.




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Capacity entry expected for Tour of Hamsterley

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The organisers of the SG Petch Tour of Hamsterley, round three of the West Wales Rally Spares R.A.C Rally Championship, are planning for a capacity entry for the rally on Sunday 28 April.

With exactly one month to go until the Co Durham-based rally, over 40 of the 90 available places have already been taken and the organising team expect the entry to be full by the time entries close.

Colin Forster and Chris Sheridan are the only Mini entrants so far in the Tour of Hamsterley in Co Durham.

"We are very pleased with how the entry is filling up so early. The local hotels are reporting a lot of bookings, so we are expecting a capacity entry of 90 cars,” said clerk of the course Steve Waggett. “We are also looking at trying to extend the entry to 100 cars in case we need more places.

“Being a round of the new R.A.C. Rally Championship has given our event a real boost and we're already working on plans to develop the rally further for 2014 and beyond,” confirmed Waggett. “This will include a couple of new stages to reduce the time spent in service and shorten the day. However, for now it is all systems go for this year: we have seven challenging stages, with a 14.3-mile final stage which some competitors have said includes one of the best sections of forest stage they have ever done.”

The Tour of Hamsterley is a round of four regional championships, including the Motoscope Northern Historic Rally Championship. An agreement is already in place to allow crews in historic cars to score points on both the R.A.C. and Northern championships.

“We are very grateful to our principal sponsors SG Petch Garages and numerous others including GAP Plant and Peter Stephenson of ABLE UK whose support has been tremendous,” said Waggett. The event will include a ceremonial start in the centre of Bishop Auckland on Sunday morning.

The Tour of Hamsterley is organised by Stockton & District Motor Club in association with Teesside Motor Sport Group. More details at: www.tourofhamsterley.co.uk
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100 Years at Oxford - New Visitor Centre and Exhibition

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MINI Plant Oxford is celebrating 100 years of production. And to mark the occasion, a centenary exhibition was opened at the plant’s new Visitor Centre on 28 March 2013 by Britain’s Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin and Member of the Board of Management at BMW Harald Krüger. 100 years ago to the day, the plant’s first car – a “Bullnose” Morris Oxford – was built just a stone’s throw away from where the current MINI production facility stands.

Back in 1913 weekly production stood at 20 vehicles, but over the years that followed the factory’s output was to grow rapidly. To date, the plant has produced over 11.65 million cars bearing the badges of 14 different brands. Some 500,000 people have worked here over the years, the workforce peaking at 28,000 in the early 1960s. Today, Plant Oxford employs 3,700 associates and builds up to 900 MINI cars every day. More than 2.25 million MINIs have rolled off the assembly line since production began.

This historic occasion also elicited congratulations and best wishes from arguably England’s most famous address: 10 Downing Street. “The substantial contribution which the Oxford plant has made to the British economy over the last 100 years is something all involved should be proud of,” said Prime Minister David Cameron. “MINI’s worldwide success has gone hand-in-hand with a rejuvenation of the production facility. Indeed, the state-of-the-art production equipment here provides an excellent example of how intelligent investment and British manufacturing can come together to great effect.”


A helping hand from a British philanthropist
It was the plant’s founder William Morris, later Lord Nuffield, who got the ball rolling. Morris was one of the country’s most respected philanthropists – in a sense, the Bill Gates of his time. In total he gave away around £11 billion (€13 billion) in today’s money. Other legacies of his work include three wings of the University of Oxford that bear his assumed title and the iron lungs he manufactured and subsequently donated to local hospitals.

These ventilators did not represent the factory’s only foray into unfamiliar territory. Far from it: Tiger Moth aircraft, ambulances and parachutes were all manufactured here at various times. However, its main business was always automotive production, and a large number of important models have rolled off the assembly line in Oxford over the course of its history – cars such as the Morris Minor, Morris Marina and Austin Maestro, as well as the classic Mini, of course.

Today, the Oxford plant is home to the core of MINI production. The MINI Hatchback, Convertible, Clubman, Clubvan, Roadster and Coupé are all built here. Plus, major new investment is making its presence felt, funding the installation of around 1,000 new robots in a new bodyshop and other existing areas of the plant. This accounts for the lion’s share of the £750 million investment programme that came on stream last year with the aim of preparing the production facility for the next generation of MINI models.


A significant contributor to the future of British industry
The prospects for the future also formed a major part of the address by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin: “The automotive sector has a key role to play in the government’s strategy of creating growth and jobs through the export of products ‘Made in Britain’ to markets around the world. And so, as well as offering us a moment to indulge in a little nostalgia for the achievements of the past, these celebrations also represent a great opportunity to highlight the immense contribution of this production facility to the future of British industry.”

His words reflect a commitment to extending a long and successful tradition which has already earned the United Kingdom several billions of pounds in export earnings. In the mid-1930s Morris products made up almost 30 per cent of all British exports. And the Oxford plant continues to generate impressive export figures to this day, having shipped no fewer than 1.7 million MINI cars to over 100 countries since 2001.

Member of the Board of Management of BMW Harald Krüger added his voice to the celebrations: “We have ambitious plans for growth and are currently preparing for the launch of the next-generation MINI family. The BMW Group will expand the MINI range from seven models at present to 10 in 2014. Our sales expectations for the medium term are considerably above MINI’s current level of 300,000 cars per year worldwide.”

Among the special guests attending the opening of the exhibition was former employee Eric Lord, who celebrated his 93rd birthday the same day. Eric joined the factory in 1940 at the age of 20 and remained a loyal servant of the plant until his retirement in 1979. He therefore made an active contribution to 20 years of MINI history from the founding of the brand in 1959.

 
MINI Europe Tour recalls the continent’s industrial history
The celebrations in Oxford followed the final chapter in another automotive journey: the MINI Europe Tour. It was fitting that Oxford – the home of the brand past and present – would be the final destination of a transcontinental voyage that ran from 13 – 27 March. However, the Tour’s main goal was to bring back to mind the cross-border nature of Mini production. Up to the early 1990s, the classic Mini and its off-shoots were also assembled in other locations from CKD (Completely Knocked Down) sets. The MINI Europe Tour took in all eight of the brand’s former assembly facilities, covering a total of 10,500 kilometres (over 6,500 miles) in the process; the convoy stopped by in Novo Mesto (Slovenia), the Italian city of Milan, the former production plant in Malta, the Portuguese town of Vendas Novas, Pamplona in Spain, Seneffe in Belgium, Amersfoort in Holland and the Irish capital Dublin. Only three of these eight locations are still home to car production today. But all of them count the Mini as an important part of their local industrial history, one that roared back into the public consciousness as the MINI Europe Tour rolled into town.

A classic Mini built at the Longbridge plant led the convoy on the final leg of its journey from Longbridge to Oxford. Longbridge produced the classic Mini up to 1999 and can itself look back on decades of history, having produced its first cars back in 1905.
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North Wales Rally postponded (April 6-7)

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Wolverhampton & South Staffordshire Car Club Ltd, organisers of the Morris Lubricants Rally North Wales, which was scheduled to run this coming weekend on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 April, have, after careful consideration, taken the decision to postpone the Welshpool-based event.

Event Manager Kevin Witton explains the reason for the postponement: "Since Wednesday (27 March) of last week, we have been closely monitoring the adverse weather conditions within and surrounding the Dyfi, Dyfnant and Gartheiniog forests, which were to provide the rally with its competitive sections.

"Today (Monday 1 April), we made a more detailed survey of the gravel roads to be used as special stages and found them all to be covered with significant patches of hard ice. Given the depth of the ice, especially on exposed, north-facing roads and under the trees, and the long-range weather forecast, it is unlikely to thaw before the event is due to start.

"Three of the four clerks of the course - who are responsible for the safe running of the rally and who drove through the stages today - unanimously decided that, for the safety of competitors, marshals, rescue and recovery crews and spectators, the event should be postponed."

"This was not an easy decision to make, but - based on what we experienced first-hand - it's the right one. We will now begin discussions with the championship organisers in an effort to find an alternative date for our event, which should have been the opening round of this year's British Rally Championship," added Witton.

Approaching 140 entries had been received for the rally and the organising team will be working into Monday night to advise everyone of the situation.

More information will be released in the coming days on the Morris Lubricants Rally North Wales website at www.rallynorthwales.co.uk.
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MINI celebrates 500,000 cars sold in the USA

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MINI has announced that it has now sold over half a million vehicles in America. 
“This milestone is an incredible achievement for MINI, and we’re proud to have so many Motorers as part of the MINI family,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President – MINI USA. “11 years ago, doubters said a small car could not succeed here, but MINI proved that small could be premium, fun to drive and have real character, creating a whole new segment that has grown significantly in the years since then.”

MINI has increased its U.S. sales from 24,590 units in 2002, to 66,123 units in 2012. Moving into the first part of 2013, the brand continues to grow its portfolio, which now includes: Hardtop, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe, Roadster and Paceman. The dealer network also continues to expand with 116 dealerships currently open, and plans for a total of approximately 130 facilities by the end of 2013 (including operating facilities and those signed and under construction).

“The most important contributor to MINI’s success here in the U.S. is the MINI Community,” said McDowell. “They are so passionate and engaged that we constantly ask ourselves whether a decision is in their best interest… We work hard to maintain a special relationship with the Community, delivering unique experiences, cherished memories and a true feeling of being part of a family.”
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April 2013: Desktop Calendar

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The April love:mini desktop calendar is now available for download.

Paul Saulnier's 1964 van, boasts a 427 bhp small block Chevy and a G5050 Porsche five-speed gearbox.

Submit your photos to be part of the love:mini calendar to editor@love-mini.co.uk

Download this and previous images here:  http://www.love-mini.co.uk/fun/calendar-1
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