The word ‘mini’ literally means small version. Thus, small cars are usually described and tagged as mini cars. In the global car industry, Mini is referred to as a brand of small cars that are designed and manufactured by the United Kingdom-used British Motor Corporation or BMC. The cars were initially produced in 1959.
Mini cars are deemed as the most popular brand of cars the United Kingdom has ever had. The cars were considered as important icons in the 1960s in the British territories. That is because during that time, Japanese, American, German and Italian cars were intensely competing to dominate the global market for cars. In the international scene, the Mini is the second most influential car model for the twentieth century, following the lead of Ford Model T, according to a world recognised auto industry survey.
The first feature of the Mini is its revolutionary two doors. The Mini was the first ever car model that used only two doors. The reason behind the idea is probably the car’s smaller size and the limited space of the interior. Thus, the designer of the initial Mini cars, Sir Alec Issigonis, has been widely recognised and commended for the new and innovative design.
The popularity of the Mini cars was so intense especially in the 1960s. That is why from its home market in the United Kingdom, Mini cars have expanded and were offered in many other nations, including Yugoslavia, Venezuela, Uruguay, Spain, South Africa, Portugal, Italy, Chile, Belgium and Australia.
Looking back at the history of Mini, you would be able to determine how the car model came about and became highly popular. When Mini was instituted and distributed in 1956, many car aficionados recognised and commended BMC for the effort. Mini cars were considered highly innovative and break-through.
The year 1956, the year when Mini cars were developed and launched, was characterised by the oil supply crisis. The Suez Crisis during that year was very much felt in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom. Thus, because there was still no feasible alternative to the crude oil, car makers strived to design and develop cars that are significantly reduced in size to help implement lower oil consumption and requirements. Because of that, Minis became popular the world over.
Mini cars are very useful and appropriate even in the modern times. That is because oil crises and supply problems are still very much significant concerns of all global industries. The problems in the past about oil supplies are still very much evident and experienced in the current age. Oil supply still seems to be dwindling especially because of the many conflicts that threaten long-term oil production, leading to higher oil prices.
Because bubble cars and keicars, Japanese small cars, were ‘in’ machine items during the past and even today, Mini cars are still very much popular. Ownership structures of Mini car manufacturer BMC has also changed. Now, the car brand is being maintained and operated by BMW. Thus, the popularity is still very much active. In the future, Mini cars are still expected to become popular.
Original Authors: Manny
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 10/06/2008
