The Super Shoe by MINI and PUMA

Munich/Herzogenaurach. MINI has been looking for an answer to the question of
how comfort, design and driving pleasure can be experienced in a new way. The
answer is a partnership with PUMA. As a result, the automobile brand and sports
article company have entered into an unusual, international cooperation: The
innovative driver's shoe is called MINI Motion and combines the design
competence of MINI and the longstanding know-how of PUMA.

The functional shoe has been developed under the slogan of "driving pleasure".
Its special feature is a two-in-one solution. It consists of a light inner shoe
and sturdy outer shoe made of high-quality leather. Whilst the outer shoe
prevents pressure spots from developing, thanks to its striking asymmetrical
surface - e.g. when changing foot between the accelerator pedal, brake and
clutch, the soft inner shoe is particularly suitable for driving long distances
because of its protective rubber sole. The visual design of the MINI Motion is
modelled on the successful PUMA motorsports shoe line. A large velcro fastener
provides support across the instep of the foot. The flat outer sole, with its
perfect profile, reproduces the natural shape of the foot and thereby ensures
optimal stability. Discreet details such as the geometric stitching and the
PUMA design logo with contrasting colours give the shoe a classical look.

The MINI Motion shoe comes in grey and charcoal grey and can be obtained in the
PUMA Concept Store on the Frankfurter Zeil at a price of 150 Euros. The
quantity and sales period are limited: fashion-conscious drivers, sneaker
lovers and visitors to the International Motor Show (IAA Frankfurt, 11th - 21st
September 2003) will only be able to purchase the shoe there from 8th until
26th September. A mere 2,000 pairs have been designated for the retail market
worldwide; 350 are for the European market.

MINI and PUMA will be displaying a vehicle especially designed for this
cooperation in front of the PUMA Concept Store in Frankfurt from 8th until 26th
September. The interior trim of the vehicle (seat covers, controls, steering
wheel and floor mats) adopts the current and future materials from the PUMA
shoe design. The grey and yellow shades used reflect the typical two-tone
design of MINI and are also oriented towards the colour design of the MINI
Motion shoe. This special kind of MINI is a design experiment, in which the
interior trim of a car is designed with materials normally used in other areas.
Capturing the continuity of motion, the PUMA formstrip originates from the
front tyre's point of origin and extends along the side of the vehicle. The
tonal detailing of the formstrip as well as the leaping PUMA cat offer a subtle
cue to PUMA's signature look.

This vehicle will be stopping over at two other places in Europe: at the PUMA
Stores in Milan and London. The MINI Motion shoe will also be available there
for about two weeks. After this trip, the vehicle will be displayed as an
exhibit at the MINI Heritage Center in Oxford. A further automobile of this
kind will be doing the rounds at the PUMA Flagship-Stores in the U.S. visiting
New York, San Francisco, Santa Monica and Santa Barbara.