NAC - Diesel MINI announced

[Donald Lamond]

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
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There has been some talk on the list lately of the US getting some of
the VW diesels.  Has anyone expected a 1.4 Diesel Mini from BMW?  Here's
the URL if anyone is interested.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml;$sess-

Diesel MINI announced
(Filed: 16/05/2002)

Following the MINI One and MINI Cooper launch in 2001 and the impending
arrival of MINI Cooper S on 8 June, it was confirmed today at BMW Groups
Annual General Meeting that a diesel MINI will be available in 2003

Specification and technical details are still to be announced, but BMW
Chairman Professor Joachim Milberg, confirmed that a 1.4-litre diesel
engine
has been sourced from Toyota Motor Corporation.

The engine, recently introduced into the Toyota Yaris line-up, will be
built
in Japan and modified for performance and physical fit into MINIs engine
bay.
The Oxford production plant will build 10-20,000 diesel MINIs per year.

Trevor Houghton-Berry, General Manager for MINI UK said: "Were pleased
the
deal has been done and are looking forward to adding another chapter to
the
MINI story. This is a great little engine that will complement MINIs
renowned
chassis and handling. It is important that MINI is represented in the
growing
market for small diesel cars and, as with MINI One, Cooper and Cooper S,
well
ensure that the diesel MINI will be the most desirable small car in its
field."