MINI took home three honors in Kelley Blue Book’s “2006 Best Resale Value Awards”. MINI was named “Best Brand”, tying with the BMW brand, its sibling in the BMW Group. The MINI Cooper was also bestowed two accolades; “Best Resale Value” in the Hatchback category and a top 10 winner overall.

“The MINI Cooper is one of those rare cars that seems like it should be more expensive than it is,” said Jack R. Nerad, editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book. “Its exterior and interior are modern takes on classic themes, while under the skin it exemplifies the technical sophistication and regard for sheer driving enjoyment that characterizes its parent company”

“We are very pleased to receive this recognition from Kelley Blue Book for both the MINI and BMW brands,” noted Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW of North America, LLC. “We are very committed to offering our owners outstanding value. This includes not only performance, safety and luxury but low cost of ownership as well. The overwhelming enthusiasm MINI owners have for their cars is a testament of our commitment. We see strong resale value as an important gauge of our efforts.”

Kelley Blue Book’s resale values are projections based on current vehicle data, market conditions for each vehicle, competition in segment, expectations of the future economy and the combined experience of Kelley Blue Book’s team of market and pricing analysts. Values reflect projected future wholesale pricing for clean, reconditioned vehicles at the end of a five-year lease period.

(From MINI USA PR)