01/09/06

NOW EVEN MORE MINIS:
New Production Model Confirmed At North American International Auto Show - Inspired by Traveller Concept Shown in Detroit

Detroit, MI, January 9, 2006… “We will be enhancing the MINI family with a further model.” With these words Dr. Michael Ganal, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG and responsible for Sales and Marketing, today confirmed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit that the family of sporty little cars from England is about to grow yet again.

The new MINI model will offer increased interior space and increased functionality in order to appeal to the distinctively experience-oriented and active MINI customer. The new car will take its inspiration from the MINI Detroit design concept shown at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Although it has yet to be defined which of the unique ideas and design features presented on the concept will be implemented for series production, Dr. Michael Ganal in his speech at the NAIAS stated a time frame of three years for the realization of the new MINI model.

Unique Design, Driving Fun and Individualization.
Like MINI’s hard-top and convertible models, the new model will display all the essential MINI characteristics – unique design, pure driving fun and individualization in a premium small car. These core MINI traits will be strengthened with smart solutions for additional utility space and even greater functionality, an idea which will appeal particularly to an active target group. The additional model will expand MINI’s product offering and promote the continued success of the MINI brand. To date, more than 700,000 units of the current MINI models have been sold, and for the first time within one year, over 200,000 units were produced in 2005.

Inspiration From the 1960 Mini Traveller
The inspiration for the MINI Traveller Concept in Detroit and the upcoming production model extends back to the swinging sixties, when Mini first caused a sensation on the road and the racetrack. With a longer wheelbase, slightly raised roofline, sliding side windows and split doors at the rear these new Mini models went on sale from the autumn of 1960 as the Mini Traveller, the Mini Countryman and later also the Mini Clubman Estate. With the increased utility and room for gear, these models were popular as an agile and stylish companion for extended trips and spontaneous leisure activities.

MINI in the US
MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC which has been present in the United States since 1975. ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the ROLLS-ROYCE brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 Roadster and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 340 BMW passenger car centers, 327 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 148 BMW motorcycle retailers, 80 MINI passenger car dealers, and 25 ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.