MINI NAMED EUROPEAN CAR OF THE CENTURY

Mini fans the world over are celebrating that the little car has been voted the
highest placed European car by 130 of the world's leading journalists in the
'Car of the Century' awards at a glittering bash in Las Vegas.

Coming runner-up in the overall competition only to the grandfather of modern
car manufacture - the Model T, Mini was recognized for the way the it changed
the face of motoring with its radical transverse engine layout, astonishing
packaging and remarkable handling.

Fred van der Vlught, Chairman of the Car of the Century organisation said,
"There was stiff competition for the title and it was a close race indeed. We
were not sure of the winner until one hour before the awards as the votes were
still coming in. I am delighted that Mini has been acknowledged in this way.
It is very worthy of its placing."

This highest accolade caps Mini's 40th birthday year in style and demonstrated
that the best things really do come in small packages. Attending the event was
Jack Daniels Chief Engineer of the original design team. Mr Daniels, 87, said,
"This is a tremendous tribute to the car, the very talented design team which
created the car forty years ago and all those involved with it to this day."

History of the Mini
Originally conceived by innovator Alec Issigonis, the Mini was intended to be
the smallest possible car that would still accommodate four adults and luggage
-- measuring approximately 10 feet long, 4 feet high and 4 feet wide. A chassis
designer by background, Issigonis realized that he would need to use very
small, 10-inch wheels and all independent suspension, which was rare in the UK
at the time. However, the truly brilliant solution was to employ a transverse
engine, driving the front wheels via a gear box and final drive built into the
sump of the engine -- a concept that had never been tried before.

The Mini is one of the world's best-selling cars with 5.3 million produced to
date. The Mini was launched on August 26, 1959 by the British Motor
Corporation (BMC) in response to fuel rationing introduced with the Suez
crisis. The Mini soon developed a style all its own and was the inspiration
behind the naming of the famed mini skirt by Sixties fashion designer Mary
Quant. Since 1994, the Mini brand has been part of the BMW Group portfolio.
"It is important to note that the Mini is not just a fashionable mode of
transportation for the urban lifestyle, but also a true performance vehicle,"
explains Hendrik von Kuenheim, President and CEO of BMW's Canadian operations.
"It has, afterall, won the Monte Carlo Rally three times."

Celebrities that who have owned Minis include: Peter Sellers, Peter Ustinov,
Sir Paul McCartney, Natalie Imbruglia, Ringo Starr, David Bowie and Kate Moss.

The new, all redesigned MINI will enter the Canadian market in the first half
of the year 2001.
-30-