EXTRAORDINARY ELLIE DRIVEN TO BE THE BEST

Double Paralympic gold medallist, Ellie Simmonds MBE, has added to her preparations for London 2012 by learning to drive in her specially adapted MINI One Hatch which she received as part of MINI’s commitment to be the biggest fan of ParalympicsGB and TeamGB.

The 17-year old, who is originally from Walsall, spends weekdays training in Swansea and a considerable amount of time travelling between the two. She’s looking forward to gaining the greater independence it will offer:

“I’m really enjoying being out on the road and my MINI is perfect – I can’t wait to pass my test! It will be really great to be able to drive myself around and the support is really helping me to do that.”

To allow Ellie to make the most of her new car, the MINI’s interior has been redesigned to feature a false floor in the driver’s foot well and pedal extensions.

Ellie’s car is just one of a number that BMW will be adapting as part of its role as the Official Automotive Partner of London 2012. Various cars will be adapted to the requirements of disabled volunteers with modifications including push-pull hand controls for brake and accelerator, left-foot throttles and steering balls all in the process of being installed.

BMW was chosen by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) as the Official Automotive Partner to London 2012. As part of the partnership, BMW will supply a range of Efficient Dynamic diesel cars, hybrids and electric vehicles, achieving average CO2 emissions below the LOCOG target of 120g/km, as well as bicycles and motorcycles.

To find out more about our performance team and to view the athletes’ performance moments visit www.bmw.co.uk/London2012.

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 seven years.

For further information please contact:

Toan Ravenscroft                freud communications

Tel: 02030 036 684            Email: Toan.Ravenscroft@freud.com

Michelle Roberts                 Corporate Communications Manager London 2012

Tel: 01344 480 719            Email: Michelle.Roberts@bmw.co.uk

MINI Press Office Contacts:

 Jemma Chalcroft                           MINI Media Relations Executive

Tel: 01344 480739         Email: Jemma.Chalcroft@mini.co.uk

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

 Wieland Bruch                 Corporate 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
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