MINI CONVERTIBLE MAKES WORLD DEBUT AT NAIAS 2009

Electric MINI E shares center stage: Driving pleasure without emissions.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - MINI introduces the next generation of its
celebrated four-seat convertible at the North American International
Auto Show in Detroit. Joining the 2009 MINI Convertibles on the show
floor is the MINI E, the first electric car deployed by a manufacturer
of premium automobiles for private use in daily traffic. The new 2009
MINI Convertible embodies the thrill of open-air motoring in
unmistakably MINI style. Raising the high standard set by its
predecessor, the new MINI Convertible features improvements in design,
quality, handling, performance, efficiency and functionality. The first
MINI Convertibles will be delivered March 28, 2009. Design cues
clearly link the new convertible to the MINI family, while the
evolutionary design maintains the appeal of the first generation. A
sliding roof allows the driver to automatically open and close the soft
top while the car travels up to 20 miles per hour. The
"Openometer" records the time spent travelling with the roof
down. Central safety electronics activate a new electromechanically
operated rollover bar in the event of a rollover. The innovative safety
bar allows for optimum visibility to the rear and sides while the MINI
avoids rollovers via run-flat tires, tire pressure monitoring and a
sophisticated driving stability system. An optional loading storage
system between the luggage and passenger compartments expands cargo
space. The easy-load system includes: an expanded luggage compartment
opening, seat backrests that can be folded down and locked into
position, and a pivoting, two-position shelf for packages. A new
generation of four-cylinder gasoline engines feature 1.6-liter engines.
The MINI Cooper Convertible produces 118 horsepower from its naturally
aspirated version with variable valve management; the MINI Cooper S
Convertible delivers 172 hp with the help of a Twin-Scroll turbocharger
and direct fuel injection. Both engine variants are equipped with
technical features that maximize fuel economy and minimize emissions.
The suggested retail price for the MINI Cooper Convertible is $24,550,
and for the MINI Cooper S Convertible, $27,450 including $650
destination and handling charge. MINI E: Agility without emissions
The MINI E provides the agility and handling of a MINI Cooper yet is
powered by a 204 horsepower electric motor fed by a high-performance
rechargeable lithium-ion battery capable of more than 150 miles. Power
transfers to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox nearly
without a sound and entirely free of emissions. The MINI E's electric
drivetrain produces seamless acceleration to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds. Top
speed is electronically limited to 95 mph. With a suspension designed
particularly for the MINI E and an even weight distribution, the MINI E
offers the spirited driving pleasure of a true MINI. During the first
quarter of this year, the MINI E will become available to select
private and corporate customers as part of a pilot project in
California, New York and New Jersey. By introducing the MINI E, the BMW
Group is underscoring its resolve to reduce energy consumption and
emissions. Putting some 500 cars on the road under real daily traffic
conditions will give BMW Group valuable know-how, which will be
factored into the engineering of mass-produced vehicles. The BMW Group
aims to start series production of all-electric vehicles over the
medium term. Based on the current MINI, the car will initially be
available as a two-seater. The back-seat space is reserved for the
lithium-ion battery. It can be plugged into all standard power outlets.
Its charge time is strongly dependent on the voltage and amperage of
the electricity flowing through the grid. In the USA, users can
recharge a battery that has been completely drained within a very short
period of time using a wall box that will be installed in the customer's
garage to enable higher amperage. Wall boxes fully recharge batteries
after a mere two-and-a-half hours. MINI E customers will join forces
with BMW Group experts to assist in the project's scientific
evaluation. The cars will change hands based on a one-year lease with
an extension option. Monthly lease installments will cover any required
technical service including all necessary maintenance and the
replacement of wear parts. At the end of the lease, all of the
automobiles belonging to the project will be returned to the BMW
Group's engineering fleet where they will be subjected to comparative tests.