The Mini originated in 1959 when Sir Alec Issigonis designed the Morris Mini-Minor to maximize interior space within a compact footprint, pioneering transverse engine placement and front-wheel drive. The original Mini gained iconic status through the Cooper and Cooper S performance variants developed in collaboration with John Cooper, achieving motorsport success including victories at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964 and 1967. In 2001, BMW relaunched Mini as a premium small-car brand, introducing modernized versions of the Hatch, Convertible, Clubman, and Countryman models, featuring customizable interiors, go-kart-like handling, and turbocharged engines. The brand expanded its lineup with the electric Mini Electric (2020), combining the classic Mini spirit with zero-emission power. Today, Mini sells over 300,000 vehicles annually in more than 110 countries. Mini’s signature minimal overhangs and near-equal wheelbase-to-body-width ratio contribute to its agile handling characteristics cherished by driving enthusiasts.