By ALLISON JOHNSON
For Utah Rides
MINI of Murray is not your typical car dealer. While many dealers are looking for any way possible to boost sales in a tough economy, MINI is striving to produce cars that are innovative, economical and fun to drive. The newest creation, the Countryman, is top of the line and introduces some features that have never before been seen in a MINI vehicle. Although the car will not be available to Salt Lake residents to purchase until next summer, MINI of Murray is offering a sneak peak of the vehicle on Aug. 10.
Dave Clark, general manager of MINI of Murray, thinks the introduction of the MINI Countryman is a very exciting event for the dealership.
“The thing that is exciting for us is that it is an all-wheel drive vehicle with four doors. All of the MINIs up to this (point) have all been front-wheel drive,” said Clark. “It has four doors, so that is going to make it desirable to more people than just the two door.”
Scott Hixson, MINI of Murray sales manager, explained that even though the MINI Countryman is extremely innovative, it still has the same classic features that make MINI vehicles so appealing to drivers.
“This vehicle is a departure from what MINI has typically done [but]… it will still continue the heritage that MINI Cooper has that is exceptional handling, fabulous fuel economy and standard safety features,” said Hixson.
The MINI Countryman will be on display at the MINI of Murray location at 4735 S. State St. from 4 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 10. This event is open to the general public and will also feature food and live entertainment.
The sneak peak of the new Countryman is part of the ‘MINI Takes the States’ event. This event is essentially a road trip across the United States consisting of mostly MINI owners and car enthusiasts. Participating individuals started their journey in one of five major cities including New York City, Atlanta and Chicago at the beginning of August. Participants stop at various MINI dealers across the United States along the route, including MINI of Murray on Aug.10, and participate in events occurring there. The road trip ends in Denver on Aug. 13.
Owned by the Firmage family of Salt Lake City, MINI of Murray opened up its doors in 2002. The Firmage family also owns BMW of Murray, which is housed in the same building as MINI of Murray.
Since 2002, the dealership has expanded and is now one of the most profitable MINI dealerships in the Intermountain West. They currently employ more than 20 employees and operate a full-scale showroom and lot. The dealership sells a variety of both new and used vehicles. They specialize in selling the classic MINI Cooper, which is their most popular car. They also sell the MINI Cooper Hardtop, the MINI Cooper Convertible and the MINI Cooper Clubman, among others.
Hixson explained that one of the things that makes MINI Coopers so popular with Salt Lake residents are the many different features that they can be equipped with. Every car can be adapted to match the lifestyle and the budget of the buyer.
“There are literally more than 10 million possible combinations in a MINI,” said Hixson. “We hardly ever do two [cars] that are the same.”
Another thing that sets MINI of Murray apart is that many of the cars they sell come with full warranties and many things such as maintenance checks are covered explained Clark. They have a full-scale maintenance facility located in the back of the dealership where owners can get their cars serviced.
Aside from features and warranties, Hixson believes that MINI vehicles are popular with residents because they are unique and fun to drive.
“It is a car for people that want to have a good time,” said Hixson. “It is an eclectic group of owners. People name their cars…it becomes part of their family.”
Clark echoed the sentiments of Hixson, stating that one of the main objectives of MINI of Murray is to provide distinctive cars that make driving enjoyable. “If you look at the front of the MINI, it looks like a smiley face,” said Clark.
Tags: Utah Rides
