International design competition for the Centre Rail in the new MINI Countryman

In keeping with the brand’s “Creative Use of Space” philosophy, MINI is holding an international design competition to celebrate the launch of the MINI Countryman in suitable style. The competition invites creative people around the world to design potential tools for the unique MINI Centre Rail in the new MINI model. The Centre Rail runs in a straight line between the seats of the Countryman, linking the front and rear of the interior, and offers a multifunctional platform on which to fix various travel items. Indeed, MINI has already come up with a range of clever attachments, such as sunglasses cases, cupholders, iPod docking stations and plenty more. The rail also offers handy stowage space in which to hide away charger leads for electronic devices like mobile phones and MP3 players. When it comes to using this new feature, creativity need know no bounds.


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2011 Mini Countryman interior centre rail.



2011 Mini Countryman interior.

Entry to the design competition is via the innovative internet platform MINI Space; go to http://www.minispace.com for detailed information. The competition will run until 11 May 2010, and the designs submitted will be assessed by the MINI Design team headed by Gert Hildebrand. The three best ideas will be presented to the public as prototypes at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in October. The winner can look forward to the first prize of a four-day trip to Paris for two people, including a visit to the Motor Show. A selection of other top-quality prizes, such as MacBooks and iPods, are also up for grabs.

About the MINI Countryman.
This year MINI will add the long-awaited fourth variant to its model range. The MINI Countryman crossover bridges the gap between the classic MINI concept and a cutting-edge Sports Activity Vehicle. It is larger and taller than the Hatch, and can be ordered as an option with all-wheel drive. The Countryman is the brand’s first model to come with four doors, a wide-opening tailgate and the MINI Centre Rail, a unique multifunctional guide rail running through the interior.

About MINI Space.
The MINI Space internet platform is an urban initiative by MINI that revolves around creative projects, competitions and events. It is rooted in the fundamental idea of “Creative Use of Space”. At its core is innovative design, in keeping with MINI itself. The aim of this network is to bring creative people and projects together.

(source: Mini)

Bentley em São Paulo

E a boa fase do Brasil na economia mundial continua em alta !

Agora é a vez da Bentley, famosa pelos seus carros esportivos de luxo e pelo não menos famoso personagem do cinema - James Bond o Agente 007 - desenbarcar no Brasil.

Alguns fatos interessantes:

• A Bentley em São Paulo é o 48o distribuidor da marca nas Américas e a primeira loja na América Latina;

• O novo distribuidor quer expandir seus domínos em um mercado onde o futuro dos combustíveis renováveis já é uma realidade;

• O número total de lojas Bentley no mundo passa para 172.



March 18, 2010.

Bentley Motors, Inc. today announced an expansion of its retail network into the South American market with the showroom grand opening of Bentley Sao Paulo in Brazil. This new retailer, to be owned and operated by British Cars do Brasil Ltda, will be the 48th Bentley location in the Americas’ region.


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The Bentley Americas’ retail network has expanded significantly in the past several years, rising from a network of 41 locations in 2004. Today’s announcement is a critical step in the company’s push into South America, a market viewed as having key growth potential and strategic fit with Bentley’s commitment to make all of its products compatible with renewable fuels by 2012.

“We are pleased to welcome British Cars do Brasil Ltda to the Bentley family,” said Christophe Georges, President & Chief Operating Officer, Bentley Motors, Inc. “This is truly a momentous occasion for the Bentley brand as this fine showroom demonstrates not only our continued expansion in the Americas’ region, but also our acknowledgment of Sao Paulo as a major center of commerce, luxury and culture in South America.”

Joseph Tutundjian has been named Retailer Principal for Bentley Sao Paulo and he, along with his partners Antonio João Abdalla Filho, Carlos Roberto Franco De Mattos Junior and Mauro Saddi, will be the ambassadors of the Bentley brand in Sao Paulo.
“My partners and I are truly honored to represent the Bentley brand here in Sao Paulo,” said Tutundjian. “We have long appreciated the craftsmanship, quality and performance that Bentley automobiles have to offer and we are excited about their market potential here in South America.”

The Bentley Sao Paulo showroom is now open for business located on Rua Colombia while the service facility is a few kilometers away on Avenida Ulysses Reis de Mattos.

Bentley Motors, Inc. is the Sales, Marketing and distribution channel for Bentley brand products sold in the Americas’ region. Headquartered in Boston, MA., Bentley Motors, Inc. has approximately 35 employees and 48 dealerships throughout the region. Motor vehicles such as the Bentley Arnage, Brooklands, Azure convertible, Continental GT and GT Speed coupe, Continental Flying Spur and Flying Spur Speed sedan, Continental GTC and GTC Speed convertible and the Continental Supersports accounted for more than 1,450 sales in 2009. The all-new Mulsanne flagship sedan and Supersports Convertible will debut later in 2010 to further strengthen the Bentley product portfolio.

(source: Bentley)