Planning on attending the Olympics in Beijing this summer? If so, prepare yourself for a slight alteration to one of China’s more unique methods of transportation.

Mini, looking to spread a little goodwill and attract some press in the process, has created a fleet of half Cooper Clubman, half rickshaw people movers to taxi locals and tourists around the city during the Summer Olympics.

The pedal-powered contraptions are certainly turning heads, or so says China Car Times, although you’ve got to wonder just how low the gearing is in order for one person to pull its overall weight, not to mention all the passengers.

Take special note that these aren’t stripped down Clubmans either, but rather each is well-featured in back at least, with a glass sunroof, leather interior, other luxury amenities and traditional Chinese brass ornamentation.

Why the need for such an odd promotion? Well, not only is this story getting international coverage, which is good for the brand’s fun-loving image in more established markets, but Mini is introducing its new Clubman to China this month, and this publicity stunt will do more to spread the word than a pricy television ad ever could.

I’d soon have Olympic size legs, but I think I’ll stick with the one I have. It comes with a Goddess.

Speaking of the Olympics. I was thinking if they froze that swimming pool, we Canadians would have won a shit-load of medals.

HHNT

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