Whitby, Ontario - In the wake of skyrocketing gas prices, Mini Canada has experienced a record number of visits to its web sites and a significant increase in Canadian sales, reports the automaker.

Mini’s 621 vehicle sales last month increased 50 per cent compared to June last year, and the company saw a 69 per cent increase in web traffic on its dealer web sites and a 41 per cent increase in visits to Mini.ca in June compared to the previous year.

This year, Natural Resources Canada presented the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper Clubman with the award for the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the subcompact class.

“Customers are telling us that they want a fuel efficient vehicle, but they don’t want to sacrifice premium equipment or driving excitement,” said Stephen McDonnell, Director, Mini Canada.

The Cooper and Cooper Clubman with manual transmissions both qualify for a $1,000 ecoAUTO rebate from the Government of Canada. They both have a combined fuel economy rating of 6.3 L/100 km.

In the first half of 2008, which included the launch of the new Clubman, Mini sales have increased 24 per cent to
2,351 units over the same period last year, setting a new June year-to-date record. Interest in Pre-Owned Mini vehicles is also on the rise. Year-to-date, total Mini Pre-Owned sales are up 43.7 per cent, compared to the same period last year.