MINI MotoringGear(TM) Shifts Functional Fashion into High Gear

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., March 26 -- Functional fashion shifts into high gear this spring, as MINI MotoringGear(TM) speeds into the fast lane with sporty, original apparel and an accessories collection designed to support the motoring lifestyle of a whole new automotive market niche. MINI MotoringGear(TM) draws upon the signature two-tone color scheme of the MINI Cooper to inspire the collection's color palate and integrates the functional design cues from the MINI Cooper, the small yet powerful vehicle that returns to the U.S. market on March 22, 2002.

The new gear and accessories collection reflects the same zest for active, spontaneous living that MINI embraces. The cheeky collection features Monte Carlo Rally inspired graphics and boasts color blocks and piping that echo the vehicle's contrasting two-tone paint. The collection brings alive the MINI communication claim - ``LET'S MOTOR,'' and is designed for all sorts of motoring adventure activities, including a two-day reversible t-shirt and reversible bucket hats for those times when you find yourself motoring a little longer than expected. The collection also features a padded elbow shirt designed to alleviate elbow discomfort as a result of resting your arm out of the window while motoring.

MINI's roots extend back to 1959 when the first Classic Mini rolled off the assembly line in England. The Classic Mini became an iconic legend in Europe through its motorsport success and pop culture status. Many famous people, including Ringo Starr, David Bowie and Steve McQueen, were big fans of the Mini. In the '60s, London fashion designer Mary Quant reputedly named the ``mini skirt'' after this legendary vehicle, but this new gear collection is a far cry from just a one-item inspiration. The design team brought its motoring expertise to this collection, producing comfortable and functional gear at affordable prices.

FROM THE MINI MOTORINGGEAR(TM) COLLECTION SUNTAN TEE, $52 - Designed so the driver and passengers can enjoy the sun while motoring. This 100% cotton jersey features zip-off sleeves, allowing motorers to catch a tan and wear the shirt in seven different ways depending on the sunshine-o-meter. CHAMOIS JACKET, $175 - Supple, synthetic chamois sleeves look great on the jacket, but zip off for detailing duty, leaving a vest that's road ready. RALLY SHIRT, $52 - Long sleeve, cotton blend performance shirt with profile leather patch on left elbow. Why the left elbow? To alleviate any elbow discomfort the driver might experience as a result of resting your arm out of the window while motoring. Reflective MINI patch on back of neck. THIRTY-SEVEN TEE, $24 - Celebrating the Classic Mini's 1964 Monte Carlo Rally winning number, this slim fit 100% cotton jersey features a two-color flock print graphic. BONNET STRIPE MOTORING TOTES, $52 - Sporty, over-the-shoulder canvas tote with signature MINI colors reminiscent of the MINI Cooper S' bonnet stripes. MINI CUCKOO CLOCK, $85 - On the hour, a mini MINI Cooper pops out instead of a cuckoo, to the sound of a real MINI Cooper engine. At night, a light sensor deactivates the hourly "chime" automatically. A silver toned housing surrounds a MINI speedometer clock face design. REMOTE CONTROL MINI, $110 - This highly detailed model is a "must-have." 1:12 scale turbo action MINI motors up to 9 MPH with a 50-foot range, with remote control steering (at 27 or 40Hz) and a rechargeable battery that last 20 minutes.

MINI is a division of BMW of North America, LLC. MINI MotoringGear(TM) is available online at http://www.miniusa.com and at MINI dealerships. To order a MINI MotoringGear(TM) catalog, call 866-647-MINI (6464) or visit http://www.miniusa.com for a MINI dealer locator.

BMW Group in America

BMW of North America has been present in the United States since 1975. Since then, the BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales and financial service organizations for the BMW and MINI brands; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; DESIGNWORKS/USA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. The BMW Group is represented in the U.S. through a network of 340 car, 327 Sports Activity Vehicle and 148 motorcycle retailers. BMW US Holding Corp., the Group's headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at http://www.bmwusa.com , http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com and http://www.miniusa.com .