Mini is allowing customers in the UK to personalise their vehicles via 3D printing, customising the dashboard, door sills and even the door projectors.
MINI HAS announced UK customers will be able to personalise their vehicle via 3D printing, but only during 2018.
In a statement, Mini said: “Using a new online store, customers will be able to transform their MINI into a uniquely personalised special by designing their own exclusive items. The MINI Yours Customised product range will include the indicator inlays known as side scuttles, trims for the interior passenger side, LED door sills and LED door projectors”.
The 3D printed products will be able to be removed for re-sale with delivery of the parts taking a few weeks. The initiative is a partnership between BMW Group, Hewlett-Packard Inc., Carbon Inc. and EOS GmbH.
The upgrades include Mini side scuttles which are 3D printed and then painted in a colour shade selected by the customer from a choice of Aspen White matt, Chili Red matt, Jet Black matt, Melting Silver matt or White Silver matt. A choice of scalable surface finishes and patterns are available alongside four icon designs and a text entry field for an added personal message. It is possible to produce the side scuttle with different designs for the left and right side of the vehicle – for example the name of the driver and passenger.
On the inside, Mini owners can have the passenger-side dash customised via 3D printing. There are also illuminated door trims which can be customised to feature a name, message or even the owners signature. And, if you want to take it a step further the door projectors can be customised to project a unique pattern or colour with the customer’s name, their signature or a message. And, you can have a different one for the driver’s and passenger’s side. The only prerequisite of this addition is that the vehicle must already be wired with door projectors.
If it works, it’s genius! If it doesn’t, it’s stupid. I think the novelty will quickly wear off, although female vehicle owners may be more enthused that their male counterparts.