Autocar RSS Feed: Mini to increase personalisation via the use of 3D printing

Autocar RSS Feed Welcome to nirvana for car enthusiasts. You have just entered the online home of the world's oldest car magazine, and the only place on the internet where you can find Autocar's unique mix of up-to-the-minute news, red hot car reviews, conclusive road test verdicts, and a lot more besides.

Mini to increase personalisation via the use of 3D printing Dec 26th 2017, 23:05 From 2018, Mini owners will be able to design their own exterior and interior trim components via an online configurator The technology will allow customers to have custom sill plates, puddle lights and dashboard trim Mini is turning to 3D printing technology to offer its customers a wider range of personalisation options. From 2018 onwards new and existing Mini owners will be able to design their own exterior and interior trim components via a dedicated online configurator. "Individualisation has always been a big topic with Mini," said Thomas Schmitz, product manager of Mini Yours Customised. "Now we want to take individualisation to the next level." The upgrade package includes 3D-printed side indicator inlays and dashboard trim, as well as personalised sill plates and LED puddle lights. The indicator inlays and dashboard facia come in one of five colours and can display text, simple images and textured patterns, or one of a small selection of cityscapes. Using a laser etching technique, meanwhile, the illuminated sill plates can present text in the owner's handwriting, basic graphics and even star constellations. Additionally, when the doors are opened, the puddle lights project personalised text onto the ground. The components, which are designed to be fitted at home, will be manufactured in Munich, with Mini anticipating a four-week lead time once the designs have been submitted. Each component is subject to the same BMW Group crash and durability tests as any other item of trim. Given the cost and complexity of 3D printing, Mini teamed up with computing giant Hewlett Packard to refine the process. UK pricing is yet to be confirmed but European customers will pay €40 (around £35) for a pair of personalised puddle lights and €140 (£124) for the dashboard facia. Related stories:  Mini GP review Mini Cooper S Works review Mini Countryman review

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. By using Blogtrottr, you agree to our polices, terms and conditions. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions.