The MINI Invasion Powered by Virgin Mobile to "invade" Toronto on August 29

MINI Canada and Virgin Mobile team up for massive Toronto rally and post-rally party at Polson Pier.

RICHMOND HILL, Aug. 24 /CNW/ - MINI Canada and Virgin Mobile Canada will join forces in creating an unforgettable one-day experience for MINI drivers and Virgin Mobile Members.  Last year, MINI turned 50 with over 500 vehicles in attendance, this year we expect to double that number!

On Sunday, August 29^th MINI fanatics will unite with local Toronto area MINI Retailers to participate in a MINI rally starting at 1pm.  The rally will take place across the Greater Toronto Area, engaging legions of rabid MINI owners in 15 unique challenges with a MINI twist.

Polson Pier will be the finish line and host-site for post-rally entertainment which will begin at 6pm.  Located directly across from the Sound Academy at Polson Pier, the After Rally Party will include interactive games, the GTA MINI Design Challenge, Human foosball arena,  the Virgin Mobile Double Decker bus complete with a live DJ, and BBQ with a portion of funds raised supporting Virgin Mobile's Re*Generation, a program in partnership with Virgin Unite dedicated to helping at-risk and homeless youth. The event will also feature the Canadian debut of forthcoming new MINI models: the MINI Countryman and MINI ONE, and an appearance by the all-electric, zero-emissions MINI E.  

Evening entertainment will consist of a live concert for those 19+ presented by Virgin Mobile featuring the 80's Ska phenomenon The English Beat. The band amassed a cult-like following and had a string of chart singles in 1980, 1981 and 1982 including "Mirror in the Bathroom", "Too Nice To Talk To" and "Can't Get Used To Losing You".

The MINI Invasion Powered By Virgin Mobile welcomes the support of event sponsors including PUMA, ION Magazine, ZipCar, Sirius Canada, Continental Tire, MINI Financial Services, MINI Genuine Accessories and more!  The event is coordinated by InField Marketing.

For more information and to RSVP please visit www.MINIinvasion.com.

About BMW Group
BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 41 BMW automobile retail centres, 19 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 26 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

About Virgin Mobile and Virgin Re*Generation
Virgin Mobile Canada is Canada's #1 mobile youth company delivering the hottest phones on the hottest HSPA+ network.  Virgin Mobile Members also get access to must-see events, global roaming and award-winning customer service. J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Canadian Wireless Customer Satisfaction Study has awarded Virgin Mobile "Highest in Customer Satisfaction With Prepaid Wireless Service, Five Years in a Row"1 and it has ranked Virgin Mobile "Highest in Customer Satisfaction With Postpaid Wireless Service"2. 91% of customers would also recommend Virgin Mobile to a friend.

The Virgin Mobile group of companies has attracted more than 15 million customers worldwide.  Virgin Mobile phones are available at more than 4,000 locations nationally including The Source, Virgin Mobile retail locations and additional retail partners. Virgin Mobile products can also be purchased online at www.virginmobile.ca or by calling 1-888-999-2321. Get personal with Virgin Mobile Canada on Facebook at facebook.com/virginmobilecan and Twitter at twitter.com/virginmobilecan.

About InField Marketing Group
InField Marketing Group (InField) is an Experiential Marketing Agency that, for the last fifteen years, has developed a specialty of assisting clients in bringing their brands and events to life. The success of InField comes from their understanding that flawless execution of any program requires an investment in superior personnel - 1000 trained and experienced InFielders are located coast to coast and in every major market.

For further information:

Barb Pitblado, Director, Corporate Communications
BMW Group Canada
905-428-5005 / [email protected] 

Rob Dexter, Product and Technology Specialist
BMW Group Canada  
905-428-5447 / [email protected]