MINI Trademark Applications Reveal Potential New Part Names

Mini Crossover Concept

By Zack Newmark
November 4, 2009 9:58 PM
Filed Under: BMW, German, MINI

BMW has filed for new trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Two of the trademarks seem to relate to the MINI Countryman, a crossover SUV set for a 2010 launch.

Thanks to tipster JordoWeasel for the heads-up.

BMW filed for a trademark on the name "All4" in July, 2009. The designation gives BMW the approval to exclusively use the term as it relates to "Motor vehicles and parts," as well as "Miniatures of motor vehicles." They also filed for "MINI Center Rail" several months earlier. This would give BMW the right to use the term as it relates to "Structural parts of automobiles."

Several features were announced with the MINI Crossover Concept's unveiling at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The precursor to the Countryman included a system that passes torque to the wheels via a new all-wheel-drive. The crossover was also shown with a "universal, multifunction fastening rail," that is supposed to provide innovative storage space, while allowing front passengers to pass items to rear passengers.

In a press release, the automaker referred to this as the "MINI Center Rail." Recent reports have also suggested that the "All4" term would be used to describe MINI's AWD. We should find out for sure at the MINI Countryman's expected unveiling in Geneva next March.

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Tags: MINI Crossman, MINI Crossman S, MINI Countryman, MINI Countryman S, MINI All4, All4, BMW 755, Mini Center Rail

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Comments

Bristol411S3

November 4, 2009 10:32 PM

Oh dear. A British brand trashed -- they can't even spell "Centre".

I thought BMW had done quite a good job with the "new" MINI. I had a Cooper S for several years and loved it. It's all gone a bitt too far now though. The updated version looks bloated and like a Chinese knock-off copy; the Clubman is hideous, the suicide door is useless for the home market and it misuses the Clubman name (the estate was called a Countryman on the original); and now all this 4x4 stuff.

Isigonis must be spinning in his grave.

rorycarguy

November 4, 2009 11:20 PM

UR DAMN RIGHT!!!! the oiginal mini was an inovative and classic piece of design ... and the new one was also pretty clever but ..its typical bmw niche marketing...figuring out ways to plug the brand in different car segments ..hey mini ...why not design a low cost and cheap version of the mini one ..that provides a great new car for people in a resescion ...( bad spelling gah) just like the original mini's purpose ..a cheap relaiable vehicle!!!! mabey based on the previous gen cooper or one????? like many of the european car companys ...the renault clio campus , peugeot 206+ , punto classic ...etc!!!!

Edited by user on November 4, 2009 at 11:22 PM

MTC

November 4, 2009 11:40 PM

You're so right

sub39h

November 5, 2009 1:48 AM

agreed

sideskraper

November 5, 2009 1:19 PM

You should feel lucky its around and making at least a couple of decent cars. Lets face it, there have been plenty of illustrious British brands that are no longer breathing today.

mldrieling

November 5, 2009 12:18 AM

So you're telling me that if Mini hadn't gone bankrupt they would have never branched out into other designs? That's the problem with remakes of classic designs. No matter what you do you can't win. There is no evolution of the brand without people complaining of the new models.

m4rtins

November 5, 2009 12:50 PM

Your comments are correct, and for once I appreciate reading something written on the message board that makes sense. Most contributors to this site have little understanding of car engineering, cost or business plans. Most would prefer the old Mini to go on for years, or for Porsche to make only the 911. Sadly they do not realise the need for large volumes, diversity, technology and platform sharing to minimise development costs, create profits and ensure that there are budgets to allow development of the next generation models. They are also the first to criticise cheap vehicles such as Kias etc for their cheap interiors and detailing, but then expect premium products with premium equipment and finishing to be manufactured cheaply. This is great news for a rapidly declining UK industry and I for one hope that Mini continues with it's expansion in the UK, and globally so that the brand can bring success to those that manufacture it. The UK is swiftly becoming a country of Estate Agents and nothing else - bring back British Industry!

November 5, 2009 2:41 AM

centre rail. nice. so as depicted, the driver can enjoy plates of fruit and drinks served by ppl behind?

clash_189

November 5, 2009 3:25 AM

Building a cheaper version of Mini One is not an easy task for BMW, as they prefer Mini to be a sub-luxury small car (mini, isn't it?) that will generate enough profit (BMW doesn't want a bankruptcy file in their portfolio). Moreover, Mini is not in the same level as Pug or Renault, so it will decrease Mini's selling point as the upper version of hatchback, just like 207 Gti is 5 grand cheaper than than the equivalent Mini Cooper S. Furthermore, this new metro SUV is a nice idea as Toyota did with their urbancruiser, this new Mini only needs a better diesel engine, maybe 1.4l twin turbo with 110hp and 16.l twin turbo with 150hp.

bone91

November 5, 2009 3:44 AM

I rather get a Fiat 500 than a Mini.

elanmike

November 5, 2009 7:39 AM

Chinese knockoff is the perfect way to describe the second gen Mini. As right as the first gen one is as a design there is something off regarding the new one ( 2007 and after)

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