Friday, June 11, 2010

Porsche declines MINI's challenge


Porsche has deigned to formally reply to MINI's challenge. In an open letter that was sent by Detlev Von Platen, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America (available in full below), the automotive company has declined on grounds that:

“Porsche doesn’t race for fame, stunts or publicity. We race to challenge ourselves; we race to push sports car technology; we race to translate every win on the track to our cars on the road.”

Von Platen also took the opportunity to remind MINI about its tradition and continued commitment to winning major racing events:

“While your challenge seems like a fun and lighthearted campaign, we’ll stick to racing the way we have over the decades. We welcome you at Sebring, Le Mans, Daytona or any other sanctioned race where there is more at stake than T-shirts and valet parking spaces.”

To highlight this, Von Platen included a link to a Porsche advertisement that showcases its racing pedigree (http://tinyurl.com/37xdjqx).

So unfortunately boys and girls, there isn't going to be a the MINI v Porsche grudge match. I have no doubts that MINI will hit back some new witty marketing remark and capitalise on Porsche's response to it's challenge. Let the battle of wits begin!

[Source: Ausmotive and Autoblog]

Dear Jim,

Imagine our surprise to discover our former employee, now the head of Mini, has challenged us to a head-to-head race. As you surely know, Porsche has a long history of racing success, with more than 28,000 wins over the last 60 years. In our early days, we pitted ourselves against the giants, so we’ve been in your shoes.

But as you also know, Porsche doesn’t race for fame, stunts or publicity. We race to challenge ourselves; we race to push sports car technology; we race to translate every win on the track to our cars on the road. If you need a reminder of our intent, please take a look at this short video: http://tinyurl.com/37xdjqx

While your challenge seems like a fun and lighthearted campaign, we’ll stick to racing the way we have over the decades. We welcome you at Sebring, Le Mans, Daytona or any other sanctioned race where there is more at stake than T-shirts and valet parking spaces. We also invite you to any of the thousands of tracks around the world where Porsche owners compete each weekend.

Good luck with your race at Road Atlanta on June 21; we hope you enjoy the day.

Sincerely,

Detlev Von Platen President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America

1 comment:

Bill Cowley said...

While this is not surprising, it's a bit of a let down. I was really hoping for the race. I even signed the petition (http://www.facebook.com/MINIUSA?v=app_122731241101196&ref=ts) and I never sign petitions.

Mini has to fire back at Porsche. This can't be over. TV is in reruns and I need something to entertain me for the summer. Come on, Mini.