MINI Press Conference: Auto Shanghai 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen -

It is a real pleasure to be in Shanghai again.

This energetic metropolis is the perfect setting for MINI.
Shanghai combines - in a very exciting way - tradition with trends, growth, and
a fresh spirit - an environment which perfectly matches MINI!

No other brand exhibits the attributes and essence of a modern urban lifestyle
like MINI. With the new MINI Convertible we have the latest edition of an
absolute winner. We sold more than 164,000 units of the previous model since
its launch in 2004.

The MINI Convertible has far exceeded our expectations - and those of our
customers.

And the new MINI Convertible not only looks great, it also comes with an array
of advances in design and functionality.

One of the most noticeable revisions is that we've retracted the one-piece
rollover bar. It now deploys automatically only if needed - within 150
milliseconds.
This design advancement allows for even better rear visibility.

MINI also means clever functionality - therefore we have expanded the boot
capacity by five litres to 125 litres roof-open and 170 litres roof-up.

The folding mechanism of the rear seats has been revised, allowing up to 660
litres of total through-loading space. This means 55 litres more than before
and significantly more than other vehicle of this size.

Here in China - we offer two engine options on the Convertible:
• MINI Cooper with 120 horsepower;
• MINI Cooper S with 175 horsepower.

The high-performance MINI Cooper S Convertible is the sportiest version of this
car for MINI fans here in China. It accelerates from zero-to-one hundred in 7.7
seconds and has a top speed of 217 kilometres per hour.

It is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine with Twin-Scroll turbocharger
and direct fuel injection. This engine currently holds the title of
International Engine of the Year in the 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre category.

The MINI Cooper version is not only sporty - it is also a leader in fuel
economy and emission levels. It is fitted with a four-cylinder petrol engine
with fully variable valve management, using BMW VALVETRONIC technology. Fuel
consumption of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres and a CO2 rating of 165 grams per
kilometre speak for themselves.

Without question, the new MINI Convertible offers the features and qualities
that make MINI so unique. And the new MINI Convertible is always open for a
truly exciting driving experience!

After 50 years, how has the MINI remained so young?

When MINI came under the BMW Group in 1994, it was decided to take up the
tradition and to continue the unique history of the charismatic icon.
"From the original to the original" - was the philosophy right from the start
in designing the New MINI.

Its launch in 2001 marked the beginning of a new success story.
Since then:
- we have sold over 1.4 million MINI cars
- MINI is now available in 80 markets
- and there are around 1,300 certified MINI dealers worldwide.

Also in China we have many MINI fans. Since the launch of the MINI here in
2002, we have had continual growth. Last year we had a record increase of 43
percent in sales.

Why has the New MINI been so successful, here and worldwide?
Quite simply, because we have consistently focused upon making MINI a genuine
premium brand.

We have achieved this through creating outstanding product substance -
respecting tradition, and at the same time - meeting the demands of today's
customers.

Perhaps one of the best examples is MINI's unique design - which still
maintains the character of the charismatic "icon".

We have also enhanced the signature "go-cart" feeling in the MINI - as well as
offering a wide range of customization options which allow for the
individuality of each vehicle.

Also, we understood how important it was for the MINI family to grow - which
now includes models such as the Convertible, the Clubman and still to come - a
MINI Crossover.

I am excited to present to you today the Asian premiere of the MINI Crossover
Concept. The MINI Crossover Concept will redefine mobility for the small
vehicle segment.

This concept demonstrates just how possible it is to offer comfort and
spaciousness in a small premium vehicle.

Its unique features include four individually adjustable, single seats and a
full range of storage options both inside and outside.

This car, with a length of over four metres, is designed to be a trend-setting
travel companion.

The MINI Crossover Concept is a perfect example of one of our philosophies at
MINI - to look ahead and to consider completely new ideas and technologies.

Some of you may have seen the MINI E in action in Los Angeles.

The fully electric-powered MINI produces zero emissions - which is especially
ideal for driving in megacities.

The MINI E is the first result of project i - a dedicated unit at the BMW Group
which develops solutions for sustainable individual mobility.

As part of a pilot project - there are well over 500 MINI E vehicles being
tested in everyday urban driving in the United States, Germany and soon in the
UK.

Our customers' feedback will assist us in gaining valuable know-how and
experience with electric-powered vehicles.

The pilot vehicle offers customers a range of 250 kilometres, which would
enable people living in large cities all around the world to commute to work -
in a way that is both environmentally-friendly and efficient.

These new products and technologies prove that MINI is well and thriving.

MINI continues to excite us with its unique appearances and customer activities
around the world. Where there's action, there's MINI.

Highlights in China last year included a specially-created MINI Rickshaw at the
2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. And MINI also provided Beijing with a winter
sensation - the largest Christmas tree in Asia.

To celebrate MINI's 50th birthday you are all invited to come and join us from
22nd May in Silverstone, UK, at the third MINI United Festival. You can
register for this event at www.miniunited.com. There will also be a series of
activities throughout China to celebrate this special birthday year for MINI.

I hope you have a great time here today. Thank you for your attention. Let's
MINI!