MINI to Deliver Longest Wish List Ever to Santa Claus

PEABODY, Mass., Nov. 29, 2012 — Santa Claus may not have time to check his list twice this year, as MINI is traveling to the Arctic Circle to deliver the longest-ever wish list to him. The often-eccentric auto brand has gathered the Christmas wishes of children and adults in 16 international markets, including several in Europe, the United States, Russia and Singapore, in hopes of setting a Guinness World Record.

On Nov. 24, a caravan of the entire MINI lineup took off from BMW's headquarters in Munich en route to Rovaniemi, Finland, where they will rendezvous with Saint Nick to make the record-setting delivery. Featuring everything from the all-weather-capable MINI Countryman to the cargo-friendly MINI Clubman, the convoy will travel nearly 2,000 miles on its journey, passing through picturesque European cities like Copenhagen and Stockholm.

"MINI is all about creating a fun and adventurous driving experience, but it has taken things to a new level for the holidays with its MINI Goes to Santa Claus project," said Marshal Cabot, general manager of MINI of Peabody, a Greater Boston MINI dealer. "Santa has proven that he can get to some pretty remote locations over the years, and now the MINI lineup is proving it is capable of doing the same to make sure everyone's wishes are heard by the big guy."

Another capable MINI model, the upcoming Paceman, will greet the rest of the lineup in the Arctic Circle, accompanied by legendary racecar driver Rauno Aaltonen. The winner of the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally behind the wheel of a classic Mini, Aaltonen will display his skills by piloting the agile new MINI Paceman through the elements.

Designed to be a sportier version of the Countryman compact crossover, the MINI Paceman differentiates itself with a sloping roofline and just two doors. Like the Countryman, the Paceman will be available with MINI's ALL4 all-wheel drive when it arrives at U.S. dealerships early next year, making it a sure-footed winter ride.

As with all other MINIs, the Paceman will offer a choice of responsive yet fuel-efficient powertrains. Standard models are expected to house a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that outputs 121 horsepower to reach a top speed of 117 mph, while those that upgrade to the Cooper S Paceman will get a turbocharged version of the same engine that outputs 181 horsepower. Though fuel-economy numbers have yet to be released, the same drivetrain configurations return 35 mpg and 32 mpg on the highway, respectively, in front-wheel-drive models of the MINI Countryman.

"Most New Englanders with sportier rides have to leave them in their garage for most of the winter, but the Paceman's available all-wheel drive will let them instead enjoy engaging commutes year-round," added Cabot. "As the seventh MINI model, the Paceman is just another choice for MINI fans as they look to enjoy the MINI motoring experience in a variety of forms."

About MINI of Peabody:
Since 2002, MINI of Peabody has been the leading source for new and used MINI vehicles in Northern New England. Their dedication to professional, friendly customer service allowed them to win the 2009 MINI Motoring Cup, a national award presented to the dealership that has the highest sales and customer satisfaction. Their new location in Peabody offers a state-of-the art service center and an expanded selection of MINI parts and accessories. See their MINI inventory or schedule a service appointment at www.minipeabody.com, call (877) 212-9727, like them on at www.facebook.com/miniofpeabody or visit their new showroom at 209 Andover Street (Route 114) in Peabody, Massachusetts.