MINI is a British automotive brand that is owned by the BMW Group. The brand was founded in 1959 by the British Motor Corporation (BMC), and it is known for producing small, stylish, and fun-to-drive cars.

The first MINI model, the MINI Cooper, was introduced in 1959 and became an immediate success. The car was powered by a small, fuel-efficient engine, and it was designed to be agile and maneuverable. In the 1960s, MINI released a number of other models, including the MINI Cooper S, a high-performance version of the Cooper, and the MINI Clubman, a station wagon.

In the 1970s, MINI faced financial difficulties and was sold to the British Leyland Motor Corporation. In the 1980s, the brand was acquired by the Rover Group, and in the 1990s, it was purchased by the BMW Group.

Since being acquired by BMW, MINI has continued to produce small, stylish, and fun-to-drive cars, including the MINI Cooper, the MINI Clubman, and the MINI Countryman, a small SUV. Today, MINI is known for its focus on design and driving pleasure, and its cars are popular with buyers around the world.