Thermal, Calif. – November 3, 2022 -
MINI USA is bringing back the
fun of driving a manual transmission by launching a new MINI Manual
Driving School at the BMW Performance Center in Thermal, Calif. The
announcement comes shortly after MINI
USA confirmed the manual transmissions would return to specific
MINI models for November production.
While the manual transmission has fallen to the wayside for many
drivers over time, the excitement and passion for driving a manual has
never faltered. To expand the accessibility and fun of driving a
manual, MINI USA is offering a manual driving school that is open to
any drivers looking for the opportunity to learn to drive manual in an
engaging and safe atmosphere.
The BMW Group Performance Center West will be the exclusive location
for the MINI Manual Driving School. Through the team of their
experienced instructors, the school will incorporate both a classroom
portion and a hands-on driving experience at the on-site test track.
Since 1999, the BMW Performance Center has instructed over 500,000
participants at its two locations in Thermal, Calif., and Greenville,
SC, through a wide range of driving courses. In 2016 it added MINI
driving programs, and now plans to expand its instruction to teach
students the fun of driving a manual.
MINI owners have long valued the manual transmission models offered
by the brand. This initiative welcomes a new generation of manual
drivers while allowing others to sharpen their skills after years of
driving automatic. The course is designed to create a foundation for
drivers to build their comfort with driving manual transmission
vehicles, with the curriculum that focuses on vehicle controls,
finding the friction point, practicing smooth starts, stops,
acceleration, and more. At the conclusion of the course, participants
will be tested on a timed course to assess the driver's knowledge.
’’For over a decade, consumers have ranked MINI as the most fun to
drive brand in America, which is exactly why we brought back the
manual transmission,’’ said Rah Mahtani, Brand Communications
Manager, MINI USA. ‘’The course is not only informative but also a fun
and challenging learning experience for a new generation of MINI
drivers that they will remember forever. ’’
The experience of manual vehicles goes far beyond the look and feel
but focuses on the enjoyment of the drive. For most consumers, the
opportunity to drive a manual is limited by their ability to learn
how. With the BMW Group Performance Center classes, MINI is giving its
audience the confidence to take their vehicles out on the open road
and enjoy the experience to the fullest extent.
About MINI in the US
MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States,
MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC,
located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, and includes the marketing and
sales organizations for the MINI brand. The authorized MINI USA dealer
organization is represented by a network of 115 locations comprised of
105 MINI full passenger car sales and service dealers and 10 service
exclusive outlets located throughout the US. MINI USA began selling
vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper
and MINI Cooper S Hardtops. Since then, the MINI Brand in the U.S. has
grown to encompass a model range of five unique vehicles.
Journalist notes: Media information about MINI and its products is
available to journalists on-line at MINIUSANEWS.com.
About MINI in the US
MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States,
MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC,
located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and includes the marketing and
sales organizations for the MINI brand. The authorized MINI USA dealer
organization is represented by a network of 115 locations comprised of
105 MINI full passenger car sales and service dealers and 10 service
exclusive outlets located throughout the US. MINI USA began selling
vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper
and MINI Cooper S Hardtops. Since then, the MINI Brand in the U.S. has
grown to encompass a model range of five unique vehicles.
Journalist notes: Media information about MINI and its products is
available to journalists on-line at MINIUSANEWS.com.
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