Around mid-April, MINI announced that the one millionth copy of the current generation MINI had rolled off the production line. On Wednesday, June 28, this vehicle was delivered to Steve and Kerry Lockhart, who now join the MINI family as new members.
The one millionth MINI of the current generation is an all-electric MINI Cooper SE built at the Oxford plant in the UK. The British factory with a rich tradition is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year.
"We've been MINI fans for many years and finally decided to buy our first MINI a while back," said Steve Lockhart, a Redwood Meadows resident who bought his millionth MINI with his wife Kerry. "It's a truly iconic brand. When you become a small part of its rich history you are overcome with modesty and emotion at the same time. I didn't think we would be the centre of attention when we decided to buy our first MINI!"
In 2013, MINI launched the current and fourth generation of the 3-door MINI for the first time. Since 2014 it has been available worldwide. The one millionth 3-door MINI of the current generation was delivered to MINI Calgary in Alberta, Canada.
The one millionth MINI has special features such as logos and details referring to its heritage and production milestone. To mark the delivery of the car, MINI Calgary hosted a fun celebration in true MINI style at its facility. But perhaps most touching for the Lockharts was a video message from Charlie Cooper - grandson of John Cooper and a member of the illustrious MINI family - welcoming them to the family. "You're going to have a lot of fun with your MINI," Cooper said in his message. "I remember when I received my first MINI - it wasn't my first car... because my dad had told me that you have to REWARD your MINI Cooper with your merit, which I got when I was 18 years old." He continued: "Now you're part of the family, so get out there and enjoy it!"
From the very first moment, the MINI was an attractive, fun member of high society. French celebrities, movie stars, musicians and celebrities fell in love with it. The brand celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2019 and is now celebrating the delivery of its millionth example to a family who - while perhaps surprised by the celebrations when they arrived to receive their new vehicle - seem to have fallen in love with the brand as much as the vehicle and the MINI community.
