MINI technology iPAQs a punch

Since its launch in July 2001, MINI has raised the game within the small car
market for driving dynamics, style and desirability. From 2003, technology will
be added to that list with the opportunity for owners to integrate a
pocket-sized PC into the car's electronic systems.

MINI will be offering a fully-integrated portable Personal Digital Assistant
(PDA) in the form of the iPAQ pocket PC from Compaq. The hand-held PDA slots
into a bracket on the dashboard above the speedo and features up to four
inter-connected systems that download information digitally. When not in the
MINI, the PDA can be connected to a desk-top PC allowing any relevant
information to be up- or down-loaded.

The four systems are Navigation, Telephone/SMS, MINI Assist/MINI Online and
Entertainment and each can be customised to the MINI owner's requirements.
Integrating all four systems offers features including navigation, traffic
news, text messages, e-mail, an address book, news, entertainment information,
links to the emergency services and weather. Additional hardware and software
offers the opportunity to download MP-3 music files and convert the PDA into a
mobile 'phone or digital camera.

Navigation uses satellite positioning (GPS) to download maps Europe-wide. The
maps are scaled up and voice commands issued at junctions, and if the driver
deviates from the route, or a traffic jam is anticipated, alternative routes
are supplied.

Telephone/SMS integrates with a hands-free telephone kit. The PDA system works
as a 'Yellow Pages' style database and can send and receive calls and text
messages via the hands-free kit. Messages can also be written on the PDA
outside the car then sent via the 'phone when the PDA is re-connected in the
MINI.

MINI Assist can pinpoint the car's location to the emergency services if
involved in, or passing the scene of, an accident. It can also give out traffic
information, advise on avoiding delays and connect MINI occupants with a call
centre that can locate hotels, restaurants, cinemas and other recreational
destinations.

MINI Online is a mobile internet portal that includes e-mail, address book,
'phone book and details on parking information, yellow pages, news (sport,
business, politics), share prices, city guides, travel information, cinema,
weather, 24 hour chemists and a three-dimensional view of the car's location.
All information received can be transferred to the Telephone/SMS and Navigation
systems.
The Entertainment module can download MP-3 files, which play back through the
standard stereo system.

The beauty of this state-of-the-art technology is that all functions are
inter-connected. Therefore, a car's occupants can receive a text from a friend
via Telephone/SMS, or an e-mail via MINI Online, requesting to meet at a
restaurant. This can then be forwarded to a PDA service operator. The operator
can then locate a venue and book a table, inputting the destination into the
MINI's navigation system, which directs the driver to the restaurant. The car's
occupants can then reply to the text or e-mail confirming the meeting venue.
Alternatively, the MINI occupants can locate and book their own choice of venue
via MINI Assist.

On a more serious level, if the MINI is involved in an accident an automatic
emergency call is sent to the MINI Assist call centre if the airbags are
triggered. A call centre operator would then attempt to contact the driver and
if the call is not returned, send an ambulance to the location of the accident.
Similarly, the MINI driver can press an emergency button if he/she sees an
accident and the exact location is then communicated to the emergency services.

The Navigation, Telephone/SMS and Entertainment systems described will be
launched on the PDA in Germany in autumn 2002 followed by MINI Assist/MINI
Online in March 2003. The UK is aiming to launch a similar system in spring
2003. Prices are yet to be announced.
-Ends-