MINI - Taking Design Beyond the Roads With the Hatchback

LONDON--August 2, 2012:

A powerful new alliance between the motoring and fashion industry

Driving a MINI has long been a statement for motorists who want to stand out from the crowd, but now the car manufacturer has teamed up with an iconic fashion label to share its design principles.

The company that makes the most famous small hatchback cars [Mini Hatch] in the world has teamed up with sports lifestyle brand, PUMA, to seal a partnership that will deliver a new range of fashion must-haves.

A dynamic collection of sleek and sporty contemporary clothing, shoes and accessories will be available from September 2012, to be known as MINI by PUMA.

The collection, which brings together the two innovative brands, will combine MINI's mastery in creatively using space and PUMA's strengths in designing clothing and accessories - showcasing both companies' talents in functionality, performance and design.

"In PUMA we have found an ideal partner that shares our enthusiasm for a sporty, urban look and lifestyle, has a worldwide presence and, like MINI, appeals to young, open-minded target groups", said Dr Thomas Goerdt, director of Lifestyle Collections at MINI.

Inspired by the United Kingdom - home of the MINI, with the car even making an appearance in the Olympic opening ceremony - the collection features British imagery like the Union Jack and bulldogs as design elements to add a personality-driven edge.

The collection

Instead of merely driving the original and most distinctive hatchback [http://www.mini.co.uk/model-range/hatch ] on the road, people can now experience the MINI as a complete lifestyle choice.

Gutsy, irrepressible and peerless, the brand which brims with character is now set to reinvent the world of fashion.

A range of sporty and lightweight shoes, featuring a cool Britannia design, will appeal to both men and women, while clothing from T shirts to parkas will be on show.

Practical yet stylish unisex bags and accessories with cleverly designed interior compartments and zips mean ample storage, with strap and handle designs inspired by MINI seatbelts.

Various models will come in black with neon yellow luggage tags, while the main emphasis will be on black, white and green colours.

High-quality materials, clean lines and contrasting linings will be behind the sleek look.

Items will be available from selected MINI dealerships, while PUMA stores and retail partners will carry the collection in its entirety.

Looking good in your MINI with the windows or roof down has never been easier.

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI, Husqvarna Motorcycles and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 29 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2011, the BMW Group sold about 1.67 million cars and more than 113,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2011 was euro 7.38 billion on revenues amounting to euro 68.82 billion. At 31 December 2011, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 100,000 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last seven years. comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last seven years.