MINI dealers invest millions...and Robert Stern wins 'Dealerof the Year'

In 2006, MINI dealers invested £21 million in expanding or moving premises to
meet the growing MINI range and offer customers more choices in the showroom,
rather than just the brochure.

MINI dealership Robert Stern moved to new premises in 2005 after an investment
of £1.5 million. In the same year, the Worcester dealer was crowned 'Dealer of
the Year'. Successive titles have now been achieved with Robert Stern being
named 'MINI Dealer of the Year 2006'.

All 150 MINI dealerships were judged on a variety of performance indicators
including new and used sales. Once again, Robert Stern proved the most
successful at all-round business excellence throughout 2006 combined with
exemplary customer service.

Andy Hearn, MINI UK General Manager, said: "To win this once is a tremendous
achievement, to win it two years in succession is remarkable and shows the
results of hard work, passion and commitment in providing the best customer
experience. My congratulations to Robert Stern and his team.

"This level of commitment is reflected across the dealer network with an
investment figure close to £40 million in the last two years. Dedicated MINI
dealerships means the ability to show more of the huge choice of models,
options and accessories at the dealership, including MINI Cherished models."

Colin Capewell, Robert Stern Dealer Principal, said: "We're incredibly proud to
receive this award for a second year running and my thanks go to our fantastic
MINI team for making this happen. Our business has developed dramatically over
the past two years and it is a credit to Robert and Deborah Stern, and of
course our staff that we have been recognised by MINI UK for this. We also
give our thanks to customers both existing and new. Without their support and
loyalty in our first two years in Worcester, achieving this title would have
been so much tougher."

Over 6000 MINI Coopers and MINI Cooper S are now on the road since the launch
date of 18 November 2006. This April, the MINI One and MINI Cooper D will go on
sale, starting from £11,595.

Seven regional winners were also announced: Dick Lovett of Bristol, Chandlers
in Brighton, Sytner of Solihull, Fairfield in Southend, Bateman in Langdale,
Preston Hall of Stockton-on-Tees, and Harry Fairbairn in Irvine.

Ends.