As if you’ve ever needed a reason to pop into our showroom, this week we’re giving you the best reason of them all – an extraordinary deal! If you’d like to book a test drive or inquire about any MINI models please call (905) 619-5522 or send an email to info@endrasbmw.com to be put in touch with one of our sales advisors.

Even though Chris seemed destined to work with MINI, Chris has taken quite the journey to get to where he sits today – at the middle Client Advisor desk in our funky and always lively MINI showroom. Graduating from Sheridan College with a marketing diploma in 2009, Chris left his job as a Starbucks supervisor and spent the next two years confined to a cubicle as a Marketing Analyst. Calling it quits after realizing that there was more to life than stacks of paperwork, Chris decided to find a job where he could combine his passion for cars with his people skills. Through a referral, Chris was hired as the second Endras BMW Delivery Specialist. His diploma in marketing combined with his car knowledge and customer service experience had Chris receiving so much praise from the customers he delivered cars to that it was decided that Chris was a natural born salesman. When a Client Advisor position opened up in our MINI Durham division last month, Chris was instantly nominated to fill the position.

He’s since put many customers behind the wheel of a new MINI and he’s loved every second of it. What especially excites Chris is “helping customers get the exact car they desire.” This means going above and beyond to ensure that customers are completely satisfied with every detail of their car. From custom factory orders to extensive searches throughout Canada, Chris doesn’t shy away from anything to deliver the perfect car. But it’s worth it in the end for Chris as there’s nothing he enjoys more than watching an overjoyed customer drive away in his or her new MINI. And that’s the MINI spirit. Because we’re a family of enthusiasts, we don’t just look at our cars as a means of transportation – our MINIs are a reflection of our personality and many are even considered members of our family – we’re that passionate.

Perusing through Chris’s car history we stumbled upon a 2000 Honda Civic Hatch, a respectable and sensible first car that was both stick shift and a blast to drive. Next in line came a six-speed 2007 Volkswagen GTI. A spirited car that Chris thoroughly loved despite its appalling fuel economy and frequent part replacements. Replacing the GTI was a slick six-speed 2011 BMW 328i xDrive Sedan. As much as he’s enjoyed the do-it-all 3 Series Sedan, Chris admitted that it’s time for him to return to his roots and purchase a hot hatch MINI in the near future.

At the end of the day we’d like to both thank Chris for the excellent work he’s put in and wish him a successful tenure in his new position as MINI Durham Client Advisor. Now how about some beer can chicken?

Chris Collins
MINI Client Advisor
Telephone: (905) 619-5522 ext. 5967
Email chrisc@endrasbmw.com

The MINI Bayswater – individual and dynamic. From $34,400. More information.

Individual and fast: with its 17-inch light-alloy wheels the MINI Bayswater comes racing round the corner. And leaves a lasting impression behind. Its bonnet stripes and mirror caps make it unforgettable, further showcasing its sporting appearance. They have been designed exclusively for this model in blue and grey matching overall Bayswater style. Available colours are Kite Blue metallic, Eclipse Grey metallic, Midnight Black metallic.

The MINI Convertible Highgate – unlimited driving fun at the highest level. From $39,950. More information.

The MINI Convertible Highgate is the must-have for all those who are open to the extravagant.
Highgate is a stylish residential district in the north of London. Just as elegant in appearance as this region is the MINI Convertible Highgate. And so that everybody recognises it exceptional character at once, the design model wears its emblems with pride in the side scuttles, seat labels and door entry stripes. Available colours are Iced Chocolate, White Silver metallic, and Midnight Black metallic.

The MINI Baker Street sets trends – and not only in matters of lifestyle. From $25,9050. More information.

The perfect car to match a fashionable lifestyle. Fancy colours, exclusive fabrics and individualised bonnet stripes distinguish the MINI Baker Street. This trendsetter impresses: on the outside with the exclusive Rooftop Grey metallic or one of two further select body colours. Perfectly coordinated on the inside with the seats in Cross Check Rooftop Grey Light, matching interior trim strip and Colour Line as well as the contrasting stitching in light grey on floor mats as well as gear shift and handbrake gaiters. Available colours are Rooftop Grey metallic, Pepper White, Midnight Black metallic.

On April 1st we received word from MINI Corporate Communications that MINI will add “a compact luxury caravan and suitably stylish roof-top tent to its product range – Formula: maximum touring pleasure on a minimal footprint.”

About the “Swindon” roof-top tent: “The tent can be fitted easily to the roof of a MINI, MINI Clubman or MINI Countryman, and likewise offers sleeping space for two people. All of which makes those stressful last-minute searches for accommodation “so last holiday.” Having found a fittingly dreamy place to catch a stylish night’s shut-eye, it’s just a case of climbing up onto the roof of the MINI, lifting up the upper half of the roof-top tent box and plumping your pillows ready for impact. The roof-top tent works a treat, whether the location for your beauty sleep is the English shires or the foothills of Kilimanjaro. Indeed, should you have chosen one of nature’s livelier spots to spend the night, the elevated sleeping position will keep passers-by from the animal world at arm’s length.”

About the “Cowley” caravan: Offers everything you need to pitch camp in comfort: two welcoming sleeping berths, a twin-burner gas-stove, a water tank with pump and dish-washing facility, a solar module to charge the on-board battery and a 230-volt power connection to supply the refrigerator, TV/DVD and hi-fi stereo system. “Maximum touring pleasure on a minimal footprint” is the formula for this exclusive pied-à-terre on wheels, very much in the spirit of the creative use of space for which MINI is renowned. The silhouette of the Cowley brings to mind the sweeping circular curves of the door trim inside a MINI. Plus, both side doors have sliding windows, as was the way of things in the Classic Mini up to 1969. The eye-catching trailer is only 12 centimetres (under five inches) wider than a MINI Clubman mirror to mirror and weighs just under 300 kilograms (661 lb). Indeed, with its outstanding agility and fleetness of foot, there’s no danger of the hallmark MINI driving fun being left behind over long journeys.

Unfortunately this was all a joke. But great news!

MINI also launched an entirely new model named the MINI Cooper Yachtsman!

If you haven’t already found out through Twitter or Facebook, last Thursday marked MINI Canada’s 10th birthday. This means two things. First, we’ve never had a better reason to celebrate and we’ve already started doing so with Red Bull, donuts, treats, music, plenty of balloons and stickers, and of course, lots and lots of MINI test drives. Second, this means we’re due for a look back on the eventful and cheeky 10 years that MINI has been putting the fun back in driving on Canadian soil.

Who here remembers the “Cops Hide Here” billboard campaign circa 2003? Or the MINIs in cages displayed throughout the city with signs telling people not to “feed, tease, or annoy the MINI?” And did you know that the first MINIs to reach Canada in 2002 were only available with manual transmissions? And that MINI began selling with only one model – the hatch? That’s actually quite hard to imagine when looking around the showroom. With the six unique models on hand, Hatch, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupé, and Roadster, we can now confidently say that we cater to all possible needs and wants.

Lastly, did you know that in the coming few months MINI plans to sell its 40,000th car in Canada? And who knows it may just be YOU? There’s only one way to find out and that’s by getting behind the wheel today! Come in for a test drive anytime and our sales team will be happy to help you put the fun back into driving!

• If you’d like to request a test drive or inquire about any new MINI models please call (905) 619-5522 or send an email to info@endrasbmw.com to be put in touch with a sales advisor.

Not one to stay in the same spot for a long time, Natasha made the move to BMW Pre-Owned Sales. She admittedly found the 6 month stint selling used BMWs quite a challenge. Coming to the realization that Pre-Owned wasn’t her cup of tea, Natasha finally found her groove upstairs selling New BMWs. In the Spring of 2007 Natasha took a twelve-month maternity leave to give birth to a beautiful baby daughter, only to come back to work with a new title and under new management. The Endras Family had taken over from the Quinn’s and Natasha was named ‘Business Manager.’ After 4 successful and enjoyable years helping people finance new BMWs, Natasha recently decided she was up for yet another challenge and decided to become the MINI Durham Sales Manager – a position that suits her perfectly, not only for her extensive experience, but since she was one of the very first MINI Canada reps in 2002. Coincidentally, MINI Canada is celebrating their 10 year anniversary this Thursday.

Natasha’s hobbies include reading french novels, performing arts and crafts with her daughter and rollerblading along the lake. Things she has never attempted in her life are sky diving, deep sea diving, or heli skiing. Not that any of that matters of course. When taking a much needed break from her continually hectic job, there’s no place Natasha likes more than the tropical South. More specifically, resort vacations with her family in Punta Cana or Mexico. She’ll then focus only on finding her inner zen by turning off all communication devices for the entire vacation. A gutsy move that definitely isn’t for the faint of heart or angry bird addict.

Even though Natasha drives a gorgeous 2012 Alpine White 535i xDrive M Sport, she’s often seen sneaking out in a MINI Coupé on weekends. Specifically, our most prized blue MINI Cooper S Coupéthat we take out to our ‘on the spot test drive events.’ When we asked Natasha about upcoming MINI events she told us to sit tight as she’s currently coordinating the summer schedule. However, she did guarantee us that it’ll be festival filled with more local appearances than ever before.

At the end of the day it is the coaching and teamwork that keeps a smile on Natasha’s face. “I’ve got an incredible MINI team to work with and I’m excited for what 2012 has in store.”And as she sits in her glass corner office she can’t help but feel like she’s running her own little business. And why shouldn’t she? With more finance, managerial, and sales experience than we could dream of, we couldn’t see a position that is better suited to Natasha position than head of our MINI dealership. We wish the MINI Durham team a thrilling and successful year as we look forward to joining them at the numerous planned local MINI events!

Natasha Korkor
MINI Sales Manager
Telephone: (905) 619-5538
Email natashak@endrasbmw.com

You didn’t need a crystal ball to predict that the MINI Countryman would eventually receive the John Cooper Works treatment. Well, the time has come and the JCW Countryman has made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. We’ve previously blogged about the JCW Countryman, but nevertheless, we’ll tell you the impressive stats once more. The newly developed four-cylinder engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, petrol direct injection and variable valve control packs 218 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque with an Overboost function that provides a temporary 221 lb-ft of torque. The acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h is completed in a mere 7.0 seconds, the top speed is 225 km/h, and the fuel economy is an impressive 7.2 litres per 100 km.

MINI Clubvan Concept

Aimed squarely at art gallery owners, people in the catering business, photographers with lots of gear, and anyone else who needs a bit of extra cargo room is the MINI Clubvan Concept. A historic wink to the classic MINI Clubmans that would often get converted to cargo vans, the Clubvan Concept seems to be the first premium entry into the Europe-only ‘small-car-based van segment.’ Overall the Clubvan Concept looks very similar to a Clubman, only with panels instead of rear windows and no rear seats. Instead the trunk is continued all the way up to the front seats with a partition separating the cargo from the driver. We’re not sure if or when we can expect to welcome the Clubvan to North America, but if it does, you’ll be the first to know!

• If you’d like to place an order or inquire about any new MINI models please call (905) 619-5522 or send an email to info@endrasbmw.com to be put in touch with a sales advisor.

Front end. Dominated by the elliptical headlights set into its bonnet, the face of the MINI is extremely distinctive. The contemporary interpretation of the classic hexagonal radiator grille plays its part in defining the car’s eye-catching appearance. Other distinguishing features of the car’s face include a pair of “beauty spots” in the form of circular foglamps.

Wedge shape. A shoulderline rising from front to rear and windows tapering towards the rear produce the hallmark MINI dynamic wedge shape.

Roof resting on top. The design of the greenhouse – the glazed section of the passenger compartment – creates the impression of a band of glass wrapped around the car. The high-gloss black A, B and C-pillars are integrated into the glass surfaces. The contrast between the colour of the greenhouse and roof creates the impression of a “floating” roof resting on top of the greenhouse.

Side scuttle. This design cue can trace its roots back to the very beginning; it follows the line of the welding seam sloping down the front side panel of the classic Mini.

Chromed door handles. The chromed door handles of the classic Mini have since been revisited repeatedly, ensuring iconic status. Like a handshake, opening the door of a MINI represents the initial physical introduction between the car and its driver.

Vertically stacked rear lights. The unmistakable, vertically stacked rear lights represent another nostalgic nod to the classic Mini. They are bordered by an elegant chrome surround sealed against the body without any direct connection to joins and seams.

Stance on the wheels. The go-kart handling for which MINI is famed is the product of having its wheels mounted at each corner of the car – similar to a go-kart. The mass-increasing “cascading” effect of the body as it heads down towards the wheels gives the car its essential roadholding.

Circular elements. The interior of the car also references the classic Mini to create its air of authenticity. The clear structure of the controls is a typically MINI feature. Elliptical forms transplanting the style of the circular exterior elements inside the car add further distinctive touches.

Toggle switches. Controls like the distinctive toggle switches add an extra flourish to the centre stack and even the roof liner.

Jewellery icons. An array of chrome highlights and beautifully worked details are integrated like gems into the design of the car.

If you’d like to place an order or inquire about any MINI model please call (905) 619-5522 or send an email to info@endrasbmw.com to be put in touch with a sales advisor.