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MINI CELEBRATES 500,000 VEHICLES SOLD IN AMERICA



Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey – April 2, 2013... It's official: MINI has sold its 500,000th vehicle in America. A few days after the 11-year anniversary of its launch in the U.S, and the introduction of the all-new MINI Paceman (the seventh model in the lineup), MINI USA welcomes its 500,000th new car owner.



"This milestone is an incredible achievement for MINI, and we're proud to have so many Motorers as part of the MINI family," said Jim McDowell, Vice President – MINI USA. "11 years ago, doubters said a small car could not succeed here, but MINI proved that small could be premium, fun to drive and have real character, creating a whole new segment that has grown significantly in the years since then."



MINI has increased its U.S. sales from 24,590 units in 2002, to 66,123 units in 2012. Moving into the first part of 2013, the brand continues to grow its portfolio, which now includes: Hardtop, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe, Roadster and Paceman. The dealer network also continues to expand with 116 dealerships currently open, and plans for a total of approximately 130 facilities by the end of 2013 (including operating facilities and those signed and under construction).



"The most important contributor to MINI's success here in the U.S. is the MINI Community," said McDowell. "They are so passionate and engaged that we constantly ask ourselves whether a decision is in their best interest... We work hard to maintain a special relationship with the Community, delivering unique experiences, cherished memories and a true feeling of being part of a family."



MINI in the US



MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC, located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and includes the marketing and sales organizations for the MINI brand. The MINI USA sales organization is represented in the U.S. through a network of 116 MINI passenger car dealers in 38 states. MINI USA began selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtops. Since then, the MINI Brand in the U.S. has grown to encompass a model range of seven unique vehicles.