Official MINI USA Press Release: MINI took home two honors in Kelley Blue Book’s “2008 Best Resale Value Awards”. MINI was awarded a top spot with “Best Resale Value” in the Convertible category. In addition, the MINI Cooper has been named an overall Top 10 in “Best Resale Value”. The MINI Cooper is the only vehicle to consistently be on Kelley Blue Book’s Top 10 Best Resale Value list every year since 2003.

Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards honor vehicles expected to retain the greatest proportion of their original retail price after five years of ownership. Depreciation often is the greatest expense incurred by drivers during the first five years of vehicle ownership, but according to Kelley Blue Book, shoppers who purchase the 2008 MINI Cooper are projected to obtain greater resale value down the road.

“We are overjoyed to receive this recognition from Kelley Blue Book for the MINI,” noted Jim McDowell, Vice President, MINI USA. “We are committed to offering our owners outstanding value in areas of performance, safety and fun. The overwhelming enthusiasm MINI owners have for their car is a testament to our commitment and we see strong resale value as an important indicator of our efforts.”

“As a testament to MINI’s unwavering appeal, both the hatchback and convertible versions shine yet again in this year’s Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “Without a doubt, the expressive and fun MINI remains a resale champion.”

Kelley Blue Book’s 2008 Best Resale Value Awards are based on values from the November/December 2007 Kelley Blue Book? Residual Value Guide, researched by an expert staff of automotive market analysts. While the company’s Residual Value Guide has been published since 1981, Kelley Blue Book established its annual Best Resale Value Awards in 2003. Each year, Kelley Blue Book announces its Best Resale Value Awards by vehicle category, the Top 10 models, and best overall brand.