In business, it’s sometimes good to have an enemy, or to occasionally pick a fight with the competition. For example, just look at the highly enjoyable back-and-forth between Audi and BMW billboards.
Well, the small and cute Mini brand has decided that it wants to pick a fight too – with Porsche. Recently, Mini USA’s president, and former Porsche executive, Jim McDowell challenged Porsche to a formal race, where the Cooper S would take on the 911 Carrera S at the Road Atlanta racetrack.
Porsche quickly declined to take part in the showdown, stating that Porsche would “stick to racing the way we have over the decades.” According to Dealer Los Angeles, Porsche did however welcome Mini to attend any sanctioned race where “there is more at stake than t-shirts and valet parking spaces.”
Mini wasn’t about to let this race end there. McDowell has issued yet another message to Porsche Cars North America CEO Detlev Von Platen. In his latest message, he said that he would be willing to raise the stakes of the race and offer prizes such as Justin Bieber concert tickets, a lifetime membership to the Salami Of The Month club, or even a slightly used home gym, among other tantalizing trophies.
The proposed race day is June 21, but Porsche has still not committed to showing up. In the meantime, Mini continues to pester the company and has reportedly flown a banner plane over Porsche’s Atlanta-based headquarters with a message reading: “Dear Porsche, Bring it. Love, Mini.” Porsche Greensboro puts its money on Porsche.
For the latest on the Mini vs Porsche race, and to sign the petition to help make it happen, see Mini’s official Facebook page.
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