MINI: the dealers' choice

MINI: the dealers' choice


Latest award for MINI confirms its unique appeal as MINI John Cooper Works revs
up for its UK début at ExCeL

With over 1.1 million cars sold worldwide since launch in 2001, the best
residual values in the car market*, record sales**, a dedicated dealer network
and now in its eighth year of production, MINI has been presented with Motor
Trader's Car Franchise of the Year award. The judging panel of Ray Hutton
(CoTY/Sunday Times), Louise Wallis (RMIF NFDA), Toby Procter (Trend Tracker),
Ken Rogers (Fleet World), Mike Moran (Automotive Partnership) and Richard Bost
(consultant) made MINI its most sought after car brand for UK dealers at the
annual Motor Trader awards night, Wednesday 16 July.

The Car Franchise of the Year Award is presented to the car manufacturer who
has, according to the panel, "excelled in terms of producing new models,
successfully marketing them and building close relationships with its dealer
network. These factors make the brand a must-have franchise for dealers."

The win acknowledges not only desirability of the franchise amongst dealers,
but also sales success and product quality - key indicators of customer
desirability.

Andy Hearn, General Manager at MINI UK said: "This is an important award for us
as it highlights the great relationship between MINI and our dealers in the UK
at a time when we're strengthening the network. Our MINI Dealers have invested
massively in their franchises, and that commitment is paying dividends both for
their business and the customers' experience."


Curtis Hutchinson, Editor of Motor Trader stated: "The brand's extraordinary
success since it launched in 2001 has seen it become a valued and admired
franchise throughout the motor trade. The judges also praised the success of
its popular 'tlc' extended warranty package and the success of its used car
business, while also recognising its excellent latest generation models."

MINI's great investment

By the end of 2008, the MINI dealer network will have invested a total of
£57.1 million over a two-year period, with a further investment of £12.4
million due in 2009. This significant investment from the network underlines
the commitment MINI has shown to deliver a product range which will stand the
test of time.

By the end of September 2008, the MINI UK Dealer network will span 148
dedicated showroom sites. Customers visiting the showrooms can expect to see
dedicated personnel and services which go to give MINI customers a unique
experience.

June 2008 saw record sales through the MINI dealer network - totalling 5,290
registrations: an increase of 23 percent on June 2007 (and going against the
grain compared to total industry volume which is back six per cent year on
year). MINI Cooper D Clubman has wooed drivers with its award winning
MINIMALISM technology benefits, which include its low emissions (109g/km CO2)
and great fuel economy (combined consumption of 68.9 mpg).

Having recently been awarded a number of accolades (including What Car? 'Green
Award', Parkers 'Slowest Depreciating Car', Fleet News 'Best Small Car' and
British Insurance Car Security Awards in the City/Supermini category to name
but a few), new MINI drivers can be reassured that they have made the right
choice given growing concerns regarding the environment and affordability.

The new 211 hp MINI John Cooper Works

A new model arrives at the award winning dealerships next week - the MINI John
Cooper Works goes on sale on 22 July. As MINI's first unlimited production
John Cooper Works model, it pushes out 211 hp, 280 Nm of torque (with
Overboost), 0-62 mph in 6.5 seconds* and has a dynamic aerodynamic body kit.

The John Cooper Works brand name has been synonymous with MINI for over
40 years, and now that BMW Group owns the name, it will go on from strength to
strength. Priced at £20,995, the MINI John Cooper Works will be first to
launch, followed by the Clubman in early 2009 (price tbc).

Initial press feedback has been incredibly positive:

Autocar referred to it as: "The hottest version of the new age MINI so far."
WhatCar? Claim: "As hot hatches go, it's hotter than a blacksmith's armpit."
The Daily Telegraph's Honest John declares "...the 211PS John Cooper Works is a
little monster." He continues: "The upside is they have managed to do all
this, yet still certificate the car at 165g/km CO2 and 40.9 mpg combined. So
the fun doesn't hit you in the pocket in running costs."

MINI goes back to university

The MINI John Cooper Works model makes its UK début at the British
International Motor Show on 22 July. Set on a university-themed stand, the
first MINI John Cooper Works customer will be handed the keys to their 211 hp
car. Other areas of the MINIVERSITY stand include the Institute of MINIMALISM
- an area dedicated to MINI's equivalent of Efficient Dynamics; The Union - a
meeting place for MINI Owners; the Faculty of Engineering - an area for
personalisation and discovery of MINI's production facilities in the UK.

A number of key senior people will be available for interview on Press Day,
including:

Johann Schopp - Chief Engineer of the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine
currently found in the MINI Cooper S and MINI John Cooper Works
Emma Lowndes - Marketing Manager, MINI UK
Lee Connolly - Product and Planning Manager, MINI UK
Trevor Smithers - National Sales Manager, MINI UK
Dan Pulleyn - Used Car Development Manager, MINI UK

* Parkers recently crowned MINI with its 'Slowest Depreciating Car' award
** June 2008 saw record sales compared to June 2007

Ends.