Autocar names MINI Car Manufacturer of the Year

Autocar magazine has named MINI Car Manufacturer of the Year 2005 at its annual
award ceremony held in London on Monday 14th November 2005.

Presenting the award, Autocar editor Rob Aherne said: "MINI has been a towering
success every week of every year of its short life. The cars, which began
production in 2001, have brilliantly echoed the appeal of the Issigonis
original, while offering buyers a thoroughly modern design."

The MINI Plant has achieved a reputation for production efficiency by managing
to build its 500,000th vehicle nearly two years ahead of schedule. The Oxford
plant employs 4,500 staff.

Dr Anton Heiss, Managing Director of BMW Group Plant Oxford, said: "Winning the
Autocar award for Manufacturer of the year is an enormous compliment to MINI
and the associates working at BMW Group Plant Oxford."

"We're delighted to receive such recognition for consistent excellence in the
manufacturing of one of Britain's best-loved cars. The real winners of this
are Plant Oxford's associates and it's thanks to their hard work, flexibility
and commitment to quality that we're here today."

Autocar editor Rob Aherne said: "Sales in the UK now exceed 170,000 units, and
MINI makes an important contribution to the British economy by exporting to 70
markets worldwide. These British-built products have also made a huge impact in
the notoriously difficult United States market."

The MINI success looks to continue with the impressive unveiling of the MINI
Traveller concept at this year's Frankfurt Motorshow.

"The MINI's achievement is exceptionally well-founded and long-lasting and this
is why it stands head and shoulders above other car makers in the industry. It
is a thoroughly well deserved winner," said Aherne.

Runners-up in the Autocar Car Manufacturer of the Year award were Vauxhall,
Bentley and Kia.

Ends.