First MINI Cooper in the Middle East in Online Auction.

Launch of www.MINI-me.com offers chance to own first MINI. BMW Group
Middle East announced a one-time exciting opportunity to own the first
MINI Cooper in the region, several months ahead of the car's launch,
through an online auction on MINI's new website in the Middle East,
www.MINI-me.com. Not only do online-bidders stand the chance of driving
away in the first MINI in the Middle East and winning an all-expenses
paid visit to the UK MINI manufacturing plant, but all proceeds of the
auction will be donated to the charity of the highest bidder's choice.
Robert Bailey-McEwan, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East, said,
"We are delighted that the first MINI to arrive in the Middle East
will provide not only driving pleasure for its owner, but will also
benefit a charitable cause. MINI has generated phenomenal excitement
around the world, and the Middle East launch activities will continue
continue the trend." Starting at US$ 9,000, half the retail price
of the all-new MINI, the online auction will open for bidding on
Tuesday, 11th October at 14:00 GMT and close on November 10th. The
final winning bid will be announced on the last day of the Middle East
International Motor Show on November 12th. The online auction marks
the launch of the www.MINI-me.com, a unique website that embodies the
brand values of one of world's most loved cars and offers MINI fans in
the Middle East a trend-setting lifestyle home in cyberspace. "The
new MINI web portal, designed exclusively for our region, incorporates
all the trend-setting characteristics of this exciting new car in a
lifestyle website that includes fashion, music, food, sports, gadgets,
films and travel. Not only a name that is recognised globally, MINI has
become another word for whatever is new and innovative," said
Bailey-McEwan. The website, which aims to appeal in content to the
individuals that fit the profile of a potential MINI owner, is
feature-rich, easily navigable, interactive and up-to-date. MINI ME
section covers a diverse range of topics and interests on lifestyle.
MINI TUNE invites surfers to listen and vote for their favourite Arabic
and Western soundtrack, and a virtual tour of the MINI is available on
PLANET MINI. Members can also use www.MINI-me.com the web portal to: -
access and respond to their e-mails from anywhere in the world - create
voice mail attachments by simply pressing a button and recording their
message - chat live with friends - mini messenger that allows you to
share files and other information with a select group of friends.
www.MINI-me.com contains a number of select features in Arabic, with the
website even providing an Arabic keyboard for those members composing
Arabic e-mails with an English keyboard. "The new MINI is a car
for people with a passion for life, and the new MINI website is an
extension of that," said Bailey-McEwan. "www.MINI-me.com will
be a place where people can roam free with thoughts and exchange ideas,
a home for MINI enthusiasts across the Middle East."