2005 Mini Wears Bisazza

(from Mini Press Release)  'MINI WEARS BISAZZA' - TAILORED MOSAIC OUTFITS ADORN FOUR MINIS

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - May 13, 2005... This spring, four MINIs morph into mobile mosaics as internationally renowned Bisazza transforms two MINI hardtops and two MINI convertibles into one-of-a-kind works of modern art.

Bisazza craftsmen have encrusted each MINI with over 30,000 colored glass tesserae, creating four "artomotive" masterpieces in the themes of a Zebra, Summer Flowers, Tartan plaid and a Dama. The tesserae, each one-half inch by one-half inch in size were used to transform the vehicles, with 31,700 tesserae laid on each convertible and 37,004 on each coupe.

Two of these stunning works - the Tartan and the Dama - are on display at the Conran Shop in New York City from May 14 to June 5. The cars are part of Conran's exclusive British Influence exhibition, curated by Max Fraser, celebrating 'all things British.'

The exhibition is also concurrent with the 17th International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) from May 14-17 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. The ICFF is North America's leading trade fair for avant-garde interior design with 500 exhibitors from all over the world expected.

The mosiac-ed MINIs are on tour around the world at select design and furniture exhibitions. The cars debuted in Milan at the Salone Internationale del Mobile, April 13-18, 2005. The two other MINIs - Zebra and Summer Flower - are also currently on display in Berlin Mai in Berlin from May 5-16.

"The partnership between MINI and Bisazza underscores a shared philosophy that values designs that are as thrilling as they are sexy, as classic as they are innovative," said Jim McDowell, Vice President, MINI. "We are thrilled to engage with such an avant-garde partner."

About Bisazza

Since its founding in 1956, Bisazza has led the world in creating the most innovative glass mosaic products. The company pursues a dual objective: to preserve the traditions of the earliest Italian arts-and-crafts industries and mosaic techniques, while simultaneously developing into a cutting edge manufacturer characterized by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, an ability to predict market evolution, and a readiness to incorporate modern manufacturing techniques.

Bisazza products are used for the construction and refurbishment of interior and exterior spaces, swimming pools, fitness and wellness centers and can be found in prominent hotels, boutiques and residences worldwide.

Headquartered at Alte, in the northern Italian province of Vicenza, Bisazza has three additional production facilities, nine global branches located in Australia, France, Hong Kong, India, Germany, Spain, the UK , USA, Russia and dedicated showrooms in Milano, Moscow, New York and Berlin.