Small emissions once again make MINI a big winner

Fleet News has become the latest media outlet to nominate MINI as a green
winner. In the publication's 20th Annual Awards ceremony, MINI was named Best
Small Car 2008 thanks to the introduction of new fuel-saving technologies and
amazingly strong residual values.

Cost-conscious, practical and desirable motoring topped the awards criteria.
The Fleet News panel* cited the new Clubman model as key to the appeal of MINI
for business car drivers, with one judge claiming: "There is no other car in
the sector that drivers would like to have more."

MINI's new range of Hatch and Clubman models shot to prominence in 2007 thanks
to technologies based on BMW's EfficientDynamics systems. With carbon
emissions-based taxation a key factor in this week's Budget announcement, many
MINI owners could now actually find themselves in a stronger financial
position.

Emitting just 104 and 109g/km C02 respectively, the MINI Cooper D Hatch and
Clubman models will be exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty as of 01 April 2009
under the Budget ruling. This follows earlier news from Transport for London
that from October 2008, cars emitting less than 120g/km C02 will be exempt from
congestion charging.

Company car tax thresholds have also been revised and the Cooper D derivatives
are again winners, thanks to the income tax rate cut and reduced 13 per cent
taxation on diesel cars emitting less than 120g/km C02.

The Fleet News Environmental Award was claimed by BMW Group. This award
recognises the fleet industry's commitment to reducing its impact on the
environment. EfficientDynamics developments, available across BMW and MINI
products, positioned BMW Group as the clear winner in a hard-fought category.

22 BMW derivatives and 5 MINI models now emit less than 140g/km C02. From
April 2009 every one of these sub-140g/km cars will fall in to VED band E or
lower, meaning owners will then pay a maximum of £115 for their annual road
fund licence.

Ends.

Notes to Editors:
*Fleet News panel of judges:
Martyn Moore, editor, Fleet News
Julian Kirk, deputy editor, Fleet News
Simon Harris, consumer editor, Parker's
Steve Moody, contributor, Fleet News
Martin Ward, manufacturer relationships manager, CAP
Steve West, head of vehicle purchasing, LeasePlan
Jason King, forecasting editor, EurotaxGlass's
David Kershaw, operations director, Lloyds TSB Autolease
Steve Jones, pricing manager, Lex