This summer Mini UK will open the doors to a brand new model at MINIVERSITY, the Oxford-based car manufacturer’s home at the 2008 British International Motor Show.

Between 22 July and 03 August, the UK media and British public will have the opportunity to view first hand some of the smartest things to come out of Oxford in recent years.  Mini owners will have access to ‘The Union’, an area to meet others in the Mini community, while future customers can take a walk through the ‘Faculty of Engineering’ and discover the millions of ways to personalise a new MINI.   The stand will also incorporate a Quadrangle-style area on which the entire Mini range will be displayed.

The most recent ‘graduate’ from Mini Plant Oxford is sure to draw crowds to the stand.  The brand new Mini John Cooper Works will be shown to the public for the first time on British soil.

The fastest production Mini ever will be joined by the greenest MINI, in its Cooper D guise. The Mini Cooper D’s ultra-low CO2 figure of 104 g/km, fuel economy of 72.4mpg and rock solid residual values make it perhaps one of the most rational choices for buyers in the new car market.

British show visitors faced with the threat of CO2 emissions-related road use taxation, spiralling fuel costs and the often catastrophic losses made in selling-on nearly new cars should make a bee-line for the Institute of MINIMALISM, where technologies fitted to the Cooper D and other Mini cars are explained.

MINIMALISM technologies, which are the same as those used in BMW’s EfficientDynamics systems, include Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop and Switch Point Display.

Andy Hearn, General Manager for Mini UK, said: “MINI has a habit of turning heads and it will be the same story at this year’s show.  MINIversity is a great concept as our stand will not only present MINI’s personality, but also educate visitors on MINI’s green credentials. Mini will show it’s entirely possible to own a car that’s clean, green and great to drive.

“It’s also a great way to remind people that British manufacturing is alive and well at Mini Plant Oxford.”