Springs Automotive Group

Mini adds smart car to thier line-up

2010-09-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

Current products

Cooper: Four years into its second generation, the Cooper and Cooper S models receive slightly updated engine performance. The 1.6-liter I-4 in the Cooper now makes 121 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, a 3-horsepower bump from the previous model year. The 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 Cooper S models make 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, for a total of 9 more horsepower over last year's model. The Cooper line is expected to enter into its third generation in 2014.

Clubman: Mini's three-door Clubman (five-door if you count the rear barn doors) has no changes scheduled for the 2011 model year, but may undergo a complete restyling for 2012. It is powered by the same engine roster as its smaller Cooper sibling.

Countryman: Mini is currently amping up the marketing for the early-2011 launch of its first crossover SUV. The four-door Mini features the familiar looks of Mini's lineup, but in a larger package, capable of hauling more passengers and cargo. U.S. pricing has yet to be announced, but we expect it will start around $26,000.

Future products

Coupe: Mini first displayed its Coupe concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and is now readying the two-seater for a 2011 production debut. In concept form, the Coupe was fitted with the JCW variant of Mini's 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4, which produces 211 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. It remains to be seen whether or not Mini will offer the engine to appease its faithful.

Roadster: Based on the Coupe, the roadster is based on a longer wheelbase, offering seating for four passengers, and will feature a traditional soft-top. If it eventually makes it to production, don't expect the Roadster before 2012.

Mini Mini: In a return to its roots of offering true microcars, Mini may soon offer a car smaller than its Cooper that would compete with the likes of the Smart ForTwo city car. The project is currently in the development stages, and will first see the light of day at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March.

In addition to the several new products in the pipeline, Mini is aggressively expanding its dealer network by adding another 34 stores to its existing 86 showrooms. Although its sales have slowed as of late -- down 1.9 percent in the U.S. through July --, the additional dealerships and model offerings will likely help turn things around.

Come see one of these Mini's at SpringsAutomotiveGroup.com

Back to school? SEO? Graphic Design? Computer Science? The burning questions...

2010-03-02T14:21:00.000-08:00

I handle all the marketing and advertising for multiple businesses in my town. I am intrigued by this business and love trying new things. I have lots of ideas on how create landing pages, pack them full of SEO and create campaigns around them. My problem is that I don't know how to build the sites. I know how they should look and where to put calls to actions. I also know how to advertise them. I just don't know how to build them. Should I go back to school for something like this? Should I go graphic design? SEO? Coding? I want to make myself the ultimate package. Any ideas?

Dealer.com Sucks! Bait and Switch

2009-11-12T10:09:00.000-08:00

I signed up with Dealer.com back in September, 2009. I was promised the world and was told that I could get out of a contract if I didn't like their product. I was told that the site was full of SEO and would have the ability to customize the site to my likings. Instead, I was given a very weak effort at SEO, the pictures in the back end tool take appox 20 min to load...EACH VEHICLE. I was told that I could send my inventory to many different sites, but when I tried to set them up, I was told that I would be penalized with a $35 set up fee and $35 monthly fee to send out feeds to cars.com, carsforsale.com, delix.com...ect. ...They nickel and dime you for everything. I would HIGHLY recommend not doing business with this company!!!! I signed up because of a price point to build the site and monthly dues.....It is not worth it. I hope nobody else goes through the same nightmare I have went through, by signing up with Dealer.com.