MINI Countryman named ‘Best Crossover of 2011’ in the Parkers’ New Car Awards

MINI Countryman named ‘Best Crossover of 2011’ in the Parkers’ New Car Awards

MINI’s newest additional to its ever growing family has just scooped its first award. The MINI One D Countryman has been named ‘Best Crossover of 2011’ by car buyers guide Parkers.

Since it went on sale in September 2010, MINI Countryman has seen orders in excess of 5,600, with the Cooper D model being the most popular this year. In 2011 MINI Countryman already accounts for almost 30% of all MINI sales in the UK.

The MINI Countryman offers an unbeatable mix of MINI’s unique driving experience, low running costs, class leading residual values and bench mark CO2 emissions, and couples it with all of the practicality of a crossover vehicle.

Jochen Goller, Director MINI UK said, “We are delighted to receive this award, it is a prestigious endorsement for the MINI Countryman. The extra space and ALL4 option break new ground in MINI’s 51 year heritage.  With Countryman prices starting at £16,340 OTR and a very high standard specification, we have introduced more MINI piquancy into the crossover market.”

Commenting on the Crossover Award, Kieren Puffett, editor of Parkers says, 'The MINI One D Countryman won the Parkers' New Car Awards 2011 Crossover category because it carries the traits of the MINI including fun handling and mixes in four-wheel drive and a huge dose of practicality thanks to the Countryman's larger size. It also makes a major impact when it comes to costs. The low entry-level prices and excellent residual values mean the Countryman offers tremendous value for money. Thanks to the 1.6-litre diesel engine running costs are also low with a claimed average of 64mpg and road tax that costs just £30. It is a hugely competitive package and is clear to see why the MINI One D Countryman is the Crossover that makes the car buyer's cash go the furthest.'

To find out more about the award and MINI Countryman visit the awards website here http://www.parkersnewcarawards.co.uk/.

Ends

The BMW Group

With its three brands – BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce – the BMW Group is one of the world’s most successful premium manufacturers of cars and motorcycles. It operates internationally with 24 production sites in 13 countries and a global sales network with representation in more than 140 countries.

During the financial year 2010, the BMW Group sold 1.46 million cars and more than 110,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for 2010 was euro 4.8 billion on revenues amounting to euro 60.5 billion. At 31 December 2010, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 95,500 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last six years.

For further information please contact:

Sarah Heaney                  MINI Media Relations Manager
Tel:  01344 480110        Email: Sarah.Heaney@mini.co.uk

Wieland Bruch                 Product Communications Manager

Tel: 01344 480113         Email: Wieland.Bruch@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs                 Corporate Communications Director

Tel:  01344 480109        Email:  Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

Media website:                     www.press.bmwgroup.co.uk
Customer website:               www.mini.co.uk