MINI Top's in Residual Value Research - Highest Projected Resale Value in Compact Car Segment

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - December 8th, 2004... Automotive Lease Guide has awarded MINI a top spot in their annual 2005 Residual Value Awards for the third year in a row. With the highest projected resale value in the compact car segment, the 2005 MINI Cooper is predicted to retain 61% percent of its value at the end of a 36-month lease according to the ALG November/December 2004 Residuals Percentage Guide.

"MINI offers and ideal blend of fun, substance and value, making our cars desirable not only for the first owner, but for the second and third as well." says Jack Pitney, vice president, MINI USA, "This award from ALG points to our strategy to keep MINI sales consistent over the long-term, benefiting MINI owners, whether they choose a new or pre-owned MINI."

Residual Value Award winners are selected from over 1,100 vehicles in 12 vehicle segments and are presented annually to those vehicles that retain the greatest forecasted value. MINI's unique combination of personality, engineering and driving exhilaration were all factors in ALG's decision.