MINI Cooper Named Top 10 Green Car by Kelley Blue Book

Official Release: For the third year in a row, MINI is honored to be named as one of the Top 10 Green Cars for 2010 by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. The MINI Cooper has been named to the list every year since its inception in 2008, a nod to the brand’s commitment to being environmentally friendly.

“MINI drives support a sustainable economy – they take the resources they need and leave some for the next generation,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President, MINI USA. “The original Mini was born during an oil crisis, and we work to remain true to the original MINI brand values in every vehicle we build today. We are honored to be named by kbb.com as a 2010 Top 10 Green Car, and are grateful for their recognition of our commitment to the environment.”

According to kbb.com, in being considered for the green Top 10, each vehicle was required to offer fuel economy and CO2 emissions superior to the bulk of vehicles in its class, and at the same time provide all the safety, creature comforts and driving enjoyment that would make it pleasant to own. In talking about the MINI Cooper being named to the list, the kbb.com editors said, “The famously responsive and eager little MINI Cooper is roomier and more livable than many imagine, and just as fun as anyone could expect. The fact that it also delivers impeccable fuel economy is simply the cherry on top of one of our favorite automotive sundaes.”

MINI, along with BMW Group as a whole, is committed to minimizing the automotive industry’s effect on the environment. This overall effort by MINI, known as MINIMALISM, can be witnessed in everything from current vehicle and engine designs, to manufacturing processes and active research about alternative energy. MINI vehicles achieve a fuel economy rating of up to 37 mpg (highway) while delivering a fun driving experience with sporty engine performance and responsive, go-kart handling. As the brand grows, the promise of combined fuel efficiency and driving fun will remain. In fact, MINI’s newest vehicle, the MINI Countryman, will be available to US customers in February 2011 and is expected to offer the best fuel economy in its segment. For more information about the 2010 Top 10 Green Cars from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, visit www.kbb.com/GreenCars2010.