SAMSONITE ENGINEERS NEW MINI TRAVEL GEAR

 
	Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, June 24, 2002...  MINI will introduce
MINI Travel Gear this fall, the result of a joint development project with
Samsonite Corporation.  Specially designed and engineered by Samsonite, the
luggage fits perfectly into the boot of the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S. 
"This synergistic relationship allows us to offer premium products designed
and engineered with Samsonite quality, and aligned with MINI styling and
lifestyle attributes," said Rinat Aruh, Lifestyle Development Manager for
MINI.  "MINI customers can fill their boot with luggage on a moment's
notice, for spontaneous adventure."
 	The MINI automobile was launched in March 2002 in the U.S. and has a
distinctive style and brand personality all its own.  Taking function and
style cues from the MINI itself, MINI Travel Gear fits the active "motoring"
lifestyle with durable, multi-functional designs you expect from Samsonite.
Each piece of MINI Travel Gear has removable pieces for quick and versatile
packing - allowing enthusiasts more time to "motor."  Samsonite specifically
designed the three-piece set that features MINI's reflective piping and
chrome-hubbed wheels.  An orange push button on the locking handle is
modeled after the MINI's turn signal indicator light, for those free spirits
seeking unexpected turns in their travels.  Additionally, each piece has
undergone performance testing to ensure Samsonite's quality and durability
standards.
	MINI Travel Gear is the latest addition to the MINI MotoringGear(tm)
collection, and features: 
	CONVERTIBLE TOTE, Convertible style, zip-away adjustable shoulder
straps convert this tote to a backpack.  Large front opening gives access to
an ample main compartment.  The "shoe tunnel" stows footwear in a convenient
accessible location. 
	ROAD READY DUFFEL, Large u-shaped opening provides a fast route to a
spacious main compartment.  Samsonite's side handles give you a lift, easing
packing and unpacking.  Interior mesh pocket helps keep items accessible and
easy to find. 
	HYBIRD CARRY-ON UPRIGHT, Hybrid technology marries hardside
protection with softside expandability, and its removable Wetpak(tm) pocket
and travel kit helps keep belongings protected and toiletries close at hand.
Chrome-hubbed in-skate wheels go the distance in maneuvering and style.
Push-button locking handle, finely-tuned for "motoring" on foot.  Side and
bottom handles for easy lifting and loading.  Engineered with MINI-matching
fabrics, hardware, accents and detailing. 
The entire three-piece set retails for $467.	
			
	MINI is a division of BMW of North America, LLC.  MINI
MotoringGear(tm) is available online at www.miniusa.com and at MINI
dealerships.  To order a MINI MotoringGear(tm) catalog, call 866-647-MINI
(6464) or visit www.miniusa.com for a MINI dealer locator.

BMW Group in America
	BMW of North America has been present in the United States since
1975.  Since then, the BMW Group in the United States has grown to include
marketing, sales and financial service organizations for the BMW and MINI
brands; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; DESIGNWORKS/USA, an
industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley
and various other operations throughout the country.  The BMW Group is
represented in the U.S. through networks of 340 BMW car, 327 BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle, 148 BMW Motorcycle retailers and 59 MINI car dealers.  BMW
US Holding Corp., the Group's headquarters for North, Central and South
America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

	Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via
the Internet at http://www.bmwusa.com http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com and
http://www.miniusa.com