To raise money for charity, it’s on a UK tour.
Mini celebrates the holiday season by wrapping a Mini Electric (also known as the SE in the US), in 2,000 smart LED lights. This bright machine will be touring the UK for five weeks to raise funds for charities MS Trust, Duchenne UK and the Alzheimer’s Society. The journey begins on November 25.
Nicholas Martin, the project creator, is decorating a Mini for Christmas. He received support from the automaker, Festive Lights and Twinkly, an Italian smart lighting company.
“I am so grateful for all the support and help this year. The Mini Electric makes it even more fun to drive. It also means that all my tours are environmentally-friendly. I also love the Twinkly lights, which can be controlled via an app. They have amazing animated animations and give the car a little extra magic. Martin stated that he is excited to be out on the road spreading Festive Mini spirit and raising money for the three charities.
Martin’s complete itinerary for his stops in the UK can be found on the charity site. If someone hosts a holiday event, they can contact Martin to schedule Martin’s Mini visit.
Martin has been lighting Minis for many years. In 2019, he added more lighting to the vehicle and asked a Bracknell resident if he could take it to surprise an 11 year-old boy with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Martin expanded the possibilities for 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic compelled the cancellation of many tree-lighting ceremonies. To cheer people up, he drove an illuminated Mini. He also raised PS5,000 to support the MS Trust, Duchenne UK and Duchenne USA.
The Mini SE was introduced in the US in March 2020. It is available in showrooms starting at $30,750. The front-mounted electric motor produces 181 horsepower (130 kilowatts) as well as 199 pound-feet (227 Newton-meters) of torque. The EPA-estimated range is just 110 miles (177 km). It can reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in 6.9 seconds, and has a top speed at 93 mph (150 km/h).