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January 16, 2003
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This Week:

• Volkswagen Touran world première in Wolfsburg

• Chrysler Announces Pricing for All-New 2004 Pacifica

• Ford Motor Captures Majority Of Autoweek Editors' Choice Awards

• Lexus Introduces New RX 330 Luxury Utility Vehicle For 2004 

• GM Reveals Fuel-Efficient Military Truck To Army

• Sirius Satellite Radio Now Available In BMW 3 Series, 5 Series And X5

• smart city-coupé and smart cabrio in model year 2003 

• Fred Schwab ceases leadership at Porsche Cars North America

• MINI Sweeps Bevy Of Awards To Start 2003

• Edward C. Ohlin Named "Presidente Ejecutivo" Of Toyota Motor Sales De Mexico And Vice President, Mexico Operations, For Toyota Motor Sales USA

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MINI Sweeps Bevy Of Awards To Start 2003
 

Small Car Rates Big With Press and Public Alike Woodcliff Lake, NJ. - MINI, the shortest car on American roads, has collected an impressively long list of awards in the first weeks of 2003. During the kick-off week of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MI., MINI won no less than 5 significant awards. '2003 North American Car of the Year' MINI received this prestigious award from a group of 50 full-time automotive journalists from Canada and the United States. This independent award recognizes the most outstanding vehicle of the year based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

'Women in Automotive Journalism - Top New Vehicle for 2003'

A panel of the top 50 professional women automotive journalists selected MINI as "Top New Vehicle for 2003" based on their evaluation of all the latest vehicles launched. MINI's handling, performance and style helped capture the award.

'Ward's 10 Best Engine'

For 2003, Ward's Auto World Magazine awarded the supercharged 1.6 liter 4 cylinder engine in the MINI Cooper S a top spot among the 10 best engines. The editors from Ward's Communications evaluated a multitude of car and truck engines and scored crucial engine characteristics of power, torque, noise, vibration & harshness (NVH), technical relevance and basic comparative numbers. The MINI Cooper S engine came out a winner due to its blend of performance power and efficiency.

'AWRT Class of 2003, Most Likely to Succeed - Car of the Year award'

MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S took home top honors as AWRT's Car of the Year and also 'Classic - most likely to be remembered' and 'Personality of the year'. American Woman Road and Travel assembled a panel of 12 men and women automotive journalists. The jurors selected MINI as tops from 12 criteria, including its appeal to men and women, style, performance, and fun factor, to name a few.

Automotive News - Marketer of the Year'

In a competitive market dominated by SUVs, the editors of Automotive News recognized MINI, under the leadership of general manager, Jack Pitney, for its outstanding job in launching the car and the brand in the U.S. market. Automotive News points out that an innovative campaign and stronger than expected sales are a testament to a job well done.

In the past months MINI has been decorated with other significant accolades including:

• 'Strategic Vision - Highest overall Score in Total Value Index, 2002'

• 'J.D. Power - APEAL Study - Most Appealing Compact Car'

• 'Edmunds.Com - Editor's Most Wanted Coupe Under 25K'

• 'Strategic Vision Total Delight Index - Small, Specialty Car under $25K'

• 'Consumers Digest - Best Buy'

• 'Grass Roots Motorsports - Editor's Choice Award'

• 'European Car - Grand Prix Award'

• 'NHTSA - 4-star Crash Rating in Class'

• 'IIHS - Best Pick, 40 mph frontal crash'

• Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) - Highest Residual Value Award

(January 13, 2003)