MINI - How many combinations did they reckon?

[Ari]

When the MINI came out they made a big thing about the huge number of potential combinations of spec, trim, options and colours, actually quoting that it was 'Over a billion possible permutations' or some such.

I can't remember the actual number or find the quote (despite Googling it).

I know it is a bit obscure, but can anyone help?

[bobfett]

Wasn't it the FIAT 500, and over 1 million?

[ging84]

it's fking meaningless
just marketing bullst that people are impressed by big numbers

[0llie]

Pretty sure there used to be a billboard in the factory which said over 15 million, can't remember the precise number though.

ETA - This was 2011, when in Oxford they made the Hatch, Clubman and Cabrio, as well as introducing far more accessories/colours/options than when they came out in 2001.

Edited by 0llie on Thursday 16th October 15:29

[Ari]

bobfett said:

Wasn't it the FIAT 500, and over 1 million?

Fiat may have done it too, but the MINI one was the one I wanted, it was huge, due to all the various permutations (stickers, wheels, mirror caps, and on and on).

[dtmpower]

Is this just every colour, trim , trim colour, option packages multiplied by every engine and LHD/RHD and Gearbox ?

[Ari]

0llie said:

Pretty sure there used to be a billboard in the factory which said over 15 million, can't remember the precise number though.

Yes it was something like that. Just need to find the one that MINI quoted however.

[Ari]

ging84 said:

it's fking meaningless
just marketing bullst that people are impressed by big numbers

Helpful, cheers!

[thehammer]

0llie said:

Pretty sure there used to be a billboard in the factory which said over 15 million, can't remember the precise number though.

You're right, it was and possibly still is by the rear marriage in the assembly hall.

[Ari]

dtmpower said:

Is this just every colour, trim , trim colour, option packages multiplied by every engine and LHD/RHD and Gearbox ?

Guessing so, yes. Hence an absolutely massive number!

[luckystrike]

dtmpower said:

Is this just every colour, trim , trim colour, option packages multiplied by every engine and LHD/RHD and Gearbox ?

Basically, yes.

[0llie]

thehammer said:

You're right, it was and possibly still is by the rear marriage in the assembly hall.

That's the one.

Can't find a picture of it anywhere though!

This is about the only thing I can find on the internet, this was from a configurator back in 2011.



Again, not very helpful, sorry

[Ari]

0llie said:

Pretty sure there used to be a billboard in the factory which said over 15 million, can't remember the precise number though.

ETA - This was 2011, when in Oxford they made the Hatch, Clubman and Cabrio, as well as introducing far more accessories/colours/options than when they came out in 2001.

Got it, thanks!

Adding that number to my Google search brought up this (posibly NSFW):

http://www.alexandjavi.com/Mini

[ging84]

if you are impressed by numbers which are barely big enough to be inconceivable, i suggest you look up some of the numbers involved in encryption, it will blow your mind

[Ari]

ging84 said:

if you are impressed by numbers which are barely big enough to be inconceivable, i suggest you look up some of the numbers involved in encryption, it will blow your mind

Helpful, cheers!