SPEECH BY DR. MICHAEL GANAL, MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF BMW AG, MINI PRESS CONFERENCE, FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW 2007

Ladies and Gentlemen -
Welcome to the MINI stand at the Frankfurt International Motor Show!
In a few moments, our MINI world premiere will pass the spot where I am
standing right now. This set-up will give you a perfect view of the new MINI,
from all angles. However, it also forces me to turn my back on some of you.
Please accept my apologies for doing so.
Even though this may remind you of a catwalk, I would like to emphasize: We are
not staging a fashion show here. Our highlights offer great design as well -
but the big difference is that MINI is a long-term success and not just a
one-season wonder.
To prove this, just look at the plain facts: Since 2001, we have delivered a
total of 1,060,000 MINIs.
The new, second MINI generation has also had a great start. Between January and
August 2007, we sold more than 141,000 MINIs worldwide - over 9 per cent more
than during the same period last year. Overall, we expect to deliver more than
220,000 MINI vehicles to customers this year. We are talking about a
considerable improvement from our 2005 retail record.
This means: MINI is making more and more fans and friends. Our premium small
cars can be found on the roads of over 70 countries. So you see, MINI is a real
global player. By the way, Germany is the third most important market for our
icon brand, following Great Britain and the US.
All around the world, MINI is the premium small car for fans of authentic
modern design. It is the car for people with an unconventional lifestyle. For
those who want to be up-to-date. The new MINI models offer innovative solutions
for the integration of state-of-the-art mobile devices. MINI represents maximum
driving pleasure in the urban jungle.
But with MINI, driving pleasure and responsible behavior do not collide: All
new second-generation MINI models offer higher performance at lower fuel
consumption. This means that carbon emissions have been reduced substantially -
not only for the diesel models, but also for the majority of the new MINI
models. All except the two largest engines available - run below the current
emission limit of 140 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
The current MINI line-up allows drivers to enjoy the full potential of
environmentally friendly driving: The new MINI Cooper D uses only 3.9 liters
per 100 kilometers - at 110 horsepower and a zero-to-a hundred time of 9.9
seconds. The MINI Cooper D emits a mere 104 grams of CO2 per kilometer, making
this car the benchmark in its performance class. It is a matter of course that
all our diesel models are standard fitted with a diesel particle filter.
MINI does not waste time on developing niche models that can be celebrated as
eco trendsetters. The new series models of the second MINI generation offer a
highly efficient powertrain technology that lowers fuel consumption and thus
carbon emissions. Fuel consumption is reduced thanks to, for example, the
automatic engine start/stop function. And brake energy recovery. And shift
point control.
But that's not all: We have applied a whole package of measures to reduce fuel
consumption. And I can assure you: We have not made any compromises regarding
comfort and safety features. Six airbags and five NCAP stars in the test are
proof of this.
Let me emphasize another point: This is not some futuristic dream. The new MINI
models can be ordered at the dealerships from today. All models presented here
are series models. We are not exhibiting any "green" concept cars to make a
statement about our environmental intentions.
Our strategy is clear: We want to reduce fuel consumption across our entire
model portfolio. Because this is the only way to really help the environment.
Complementing a model line-up by one single eco vehicle sold in low numbers -
as some other manufacturers do - is plain window-dressing. The positive effect
for the environment is close to zero.
So let me now tell you a bit about the future at MINI.
You all know that we are planning to expand the MINI family further. I am going
to present a new member in a few minutes. If you look closely, you can actually
see its silhouette behind the curtain.
It is a vehicle that will look familiar to most of you - two years ago, we
showed its concept study here at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.
On the one hand, the current series vehicle is typical MINI: The go-kart
feeling and the design elements speak for themselves.
On the other hand, it is a totally different car: Second-to-none in its class,
it is the modern interpretation of a classic "shooting brake" - a car that
combines elements of a coupe and a hatchback.
To this end, we developed a new chassis technology specifically aligned with
this type of vehicle.
Our world premiere has exceptional doors you won't find with any other vehicle.
The split door in the rear facilitates loading and unloading. And the "club
door" on the right makes it easier for rear-seat passengers to get into the
car.
Moreover, this MINI is extremely versatile: When you fold down the rear seat,
luggage space rises to almost 1,000 liters.
Despite the fact that this MINI is less than four meters long - definitely
still the size of a small car.
To make a long story short: The new MINI is again a true MINI. It represents a
timely interpretation of a past Mini classic. It is an exceptional car - with
extravagant design features and further improvements in functionality. Its
options to personalize the interior and the exterior are unique.
And I can promise you: Whatever we have in the pipeline for MINI - it will be
as individualistic and extravagant as the vehicle we are presenting today!
But let's move on to our world premiere. This is the new MINI due to arrive at
the German dealerships in mid-November.

I hope you will enjoy your first impression! Thank you for your attention. And
now, please welcome the MINI Clubman!
This is the new MINI Clubman! This is versatility second-to-none in this class.
We are going to launch the MINI Clubman with three different engines: as MINI
Cooper Clubman, MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper D Clubman.