Mini Cooper's big ride; Race is on to fill brisk demand for the anti-Hummer.(News)(BMW's tiny compact car growing in popularity)

Crain's Chicago Business, April, 2003 by Slania, John T.

Byline: JOHN T. SLANIA In a nation overrun by sport utility vehicles, it takes a certain kind of person to drive the smallest car on the road. Victoria Landau is one of those intrepid individuals. She owns a Mini Cooper, the tiny car that's a common sight on British roadways but is only now starting to get noticed on Chicago-area streets.

``You really do stand out from the crowd when you drive a Mini,'' says Ms. Landau, 30, who owns a navy blue model with a black roof. ``I get dirty looks from people in Hummers. But then, some people roll down their windows and say, `What is that? It's so cute.' '' The range of reactions has been typical from the moment BMW Group of Germany introduced the Mini in the U.S. in March 2002. With a retro feel that brings...

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