# Human Powered Mini Cooper Beijing Olympic Mini Rickshaw By Ayman | Published 2008-08-14 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-cooper-beijing-olympic-2008-rickshaw References: [chineselives.info](http://www.chineselives.info/2008/08/13/a-human-powered-mini-cooper/) & [en.autos.sympatico.msn](http://en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/news/article.aspx?cp-documentid=9245120) I absolutely love this! Mini is capitalizing on the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games with a unique hybrid of half Cooper Clubman, half rickshaw. A fleet of this human-powered sexy beast is currently serving both locals and tourists around the city of Beijing, China. I think this is a stroke of genius. First of all, this unusual approach is getting Mini a ton of free press. Second, the Mini-rickshaw is so cute, it’s hard to resist a ride, even if you do not need one. Mini has wisely splurged with full-featured models that flaunt glass sunroof, leather interior, luxury amenities and even traditional Chinese brass ornamentation. Getting people inside this unique Mini exposes them first hand to its cuteness. I am sure that tourists will automatically associate the Mini brand with a fun little ride and a good time they had during the Beijing Olympics. Absolute genius! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Hybrid Transportation:** The human-powered Mini Cooper demonstrates the potential for combining traditional and modern forms of transportation. - **Experiential Marketing:** Mini's cute and unique Mini-rickshaw serves as a powerful tool for creating memorable experiences and brand associations. - **Cultural Fusion:** The incorporation of traditional Chinese ornamentation in the Mini-rickshaw showcases the trend of blending cultural elements with modern designs. ### Who This Affects Most - **Automotive:** The human-powered Mini Cooper presents an opportunity for automakers to explore innovative ways of combining traditional and eco-friendly modes of transportation. - **Tourism:** The Mini-rickshaw's appealing design and association with memorable experiences can disrupt the tourism industry by offering unique and fun transportation options for tourists. - **Marketing and Advertising:** The Mini-rickshaw's experiential approach underscores the potential for brands to create lasting impressions and emotional connections with customers through unconventional marketing strategies. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Spaceship-Like Mini Sedans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-concept-aceman.md) - [Reimagined Compact EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-ev.md) - [Compact Classically Inspired Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-spaceman-hatchback.md) - [All-Electric Tiny Crossover Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-aceman.md) - [Yellow Camouflage Electric Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-Mini-Countryman-SUV.md) - [Electric Engine Upgrading Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-recharged-project.md) - [Automaker Brand E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e-bike-1.md) - [Cutely Compact Commuter Mopeds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-bike.md) - [Surf and Track Hatchbacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-and-deus-ex-machin.md)