Peninsula Hong Kong adds Mini Coopers to hotel fleet

HONG KONG - December, 18... On 11 December 2009, The Peninsula Hong Kong celebrated its 81st anniversary with the addition of two new MINI Cooper S Clubman vehicles to the hotel’s existing fleet of fourteen Rolls-Royce Extended Wheelbase Phantoms and one 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II. The big idea of going small not only enhances the guest experience, but also reflects the legendary Grande Dame’s youthful spirit as she enters her ninth decade.

Offered as a complimentary amenity to suite guests, the high performance head turners will be a treat for those looking for some motoring thrills as they are whisked away for a fun shopping spree.

With an existing close partnership with Rolls-Royce – a relationship which started in 1970 with the hotel’s first order of seven Silver Shadows – The Peninsula Hong Kong has once again collaborated with BMW, to bring in its other popular brand, MINI, to the hotel. The Peninsula’s order is the first time that MINI has custom-made a bespoke car – similar to the hotel’s Rolls-Royce fleet with over 200 customised features exclusive to The Peninsula, the personalisation process of these compact, yet dynamic, vehicles took over two years to perfect.

Taking into consideration the specific requirements of the hotel and its guests, MINI engineers and designers worked closely with The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited and Martin Oxley, The Peninsula’s Fleet Vehicle Manager, to develop a number of dedicated features. These include a custom-illuminated Peninsula logo on door entry sills, leather finishing to match the existing Rolls-Royce interiors, and the signature Peninsula Green colour that adorns every vehicle in the hotel’s transport fleet. Each car is also specially fitted with a tailor-made rooftop box, a mini-fridge, and an iPhone to add to guests’ comfort and convenience. While The Peninsula Hong Kong celebrates its 81st birthday this year, the MINI brand itself is celebrating two notable anniversaries in 2009 – the iconic MINI was first produced in 1959, while the MINI Clubman was launched in 1969.

The Peninsula’s two MINIs were unveiled by Sir Michael and Mr Gert Hildebrand, General Manager MINI Design, when they were driven by stylishly clad chauffeuses out of two larger-than-life toy boxes, reminiscent of the much-loved range of Matchbox® cars dating from the 1950s. The two guests of honour were then joined by three representatives from The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited: Mr Clement Kwok (Chief Executive Officer), Mr Neil Galloway (Chief Financial Officer) and Mr Peter Borer (Chief Operating Officer), together with Ms Rainy Chan, General Manager of The Peninsula Hong Kong.

In his speech, Sir Michael announced, “In keeping with The Peninsula’s Rolls-Royce fleet, they will quite simply add further inspiration to our unsurpassed levels of luxury and service.”

The Peninsula MINI Clubman Specifics:

• Exterior finished in Peninsula Green
• The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited crest on both doors
• Illuminated Peninsula logo on door entry sills
• iPod/iPhone connection in front and rear for guest use
• Mounted rooftop box to carry guests’ shopping, incorporating The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited crest on front and rear, trimmed in Green Everflex leatherette and printed with Peninsula logo
• Filler cap painted in Peninsula Green
• Rear door handles painted in Peninsula Green
• Windscreen pillars painted in Peninsula Green
• Roof rails
• Mini fridge in rear for refreshments & cold towels
• Run-flat tyres