Comments on: BMWUSA Chief Tom Purves Talks to AutoWeek http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/ MotoringFile | MINI news, reviews and opinion. MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman, Countryman Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:14:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Dominic Tuso http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6291 Dominic Tuso Tue, 11 May 2004 19:00:39 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6291 <p>I think we in the USA should be more concerned about DISTRIBUTION of the current allotment of MINIs, than with the size of the allotment to the USA. </p> <p>Some dealerships have excess cars sitting on their lots without buyers, while other dealerships have nearly year long wait-lists with no cars on the lot to purchase.</p> I think we in the USA should be more concerned about DISTRIBUTION of the current allotment of MINIs, than with the size of the allotment to the USA.

Some dealerships have excess cars sitting on their lots without buyers, while other dealerships have nearly year long wait-lists with no cars on the lot to purchase.

]]> By: Wayne http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6290 Wayne Fri, 07 May 2004 20:16:30 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6290 <p>I'd like to see MINI at more BMW dealerships. </p> <p>It would make it wasier on those (like myself) that have a two hour plus drive for service.</p> I'd like to see MINI at more BMW dealerships.

It would make it wasier on those (like myself) that have a two hour plus drive for service.

]]> By: dotBob http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6289 dotBob Fri, 07 May 2004 19:49:18 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6289 <p>I think BMW may be waiting a year or two before bringing something like the 1 to the States. The young crowd when I was in high school liked trucks. The high school crowd today seems to like small cars a lot more. Once there is sufficient demand for smaller European style cars in the States, I imagine BMW will have to enter the US market with something like the 1 series.</p> I think BMW may be waiting a year or two before bringing something like the 1 to the States. The young crowd when I was in high school liked trucks. The high school crowd today seems to like small cars a lot more. Once there is sufficient demand for smaller European style cars in the States, I imagine BMW will have to enter the US market with something like the 1 series.

]]> By: Evan http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6288 Evan Fri, 07 May 2004 19:45:10 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6288 <p>Beyond BMW's recent styling risks, it is a fairly conservative company. We have to face the fact that the majority of Americans don't like small hatchbacks. We may love them, but that's just us and the few Golf owners there are out there. The 3 series is often critisized for its smallish back seat, so we can only imagine how the 1 series rear would be received. I agree that there would be some kind of market for the 1 series here, but BMW is probably keen on keeping the 3 series where it is with out stealing sales from it with a less profitable model like the 1 series on which I'm sure they'd make a smaller profit. </p> <p>In terms of the marketing stuff, MINIs are for everyone. There is not one demographic into which they fall, that's probably why the average age is higher- the ages are widespread. I'm 23 and when I was at the dealer there was a guy in his late 30s and a couple in their late 50s. Everyone likes a MINI. Marketing right now is focussed on the "young" crowd, usually failing to attract that population. Everyone I've seen in an Element or in any Scion has been 40+. That's definately not the youth market. BMWs are generally well received by everyone, so I think they are a little off in limiting the 1 series to the "young" crowd, but here in the land of excess, the typical small performance car driver is younger.</p> <p>I'd love a 1 series, 120d to be exact, but I know that my MINI will keep me happy for years to come.</p> Beyond BMW's recent styling risks, it is a fairly conservative company. We have to face the fact that the majority of Americans don't like small hatchbacks. We may love them, but that's just us and the few Golf owners there are out there. The 3 series is often critisized for its smallish back seat, so we can only imagine how the 1 series rear would be received. I agree that there would be some kind of market for the 1 series here, but BMW is probably keen on keeping the 3 series where it is with out stealing sales from it with a less profitable model like the 1 series on which I'm sure they'd make a smaller profit.

In terms of the marketing stuff, MINIs are for everyone. There is not one demographic into which they fall, that's probably why the average age is higher- the ages are widespread. I'm 23 and when I was at the dealer there was a guy in his late 30s and a couple in their late 50s. Everyone likes a MINI. Marketing right now is focussed on the “young” crowd, usually failing to attract that population. Everyone I've seen in an Element or in any Scion has been 40+. That's definately not the youth market. BMWs are generally well received by everyone, so I think they are a little off in limiting the 1 series to the “young” crowd, but here in the land of excess, the typical small performance car driver is younger.

I'd love a 1 series, 120d to be exact, but I know that my MINI will keep me happy for years to come.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6287 Ryan Fri, 07 May 2004 17:53:31 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6287 <p>Funny Mark. LOL</p> Funny Mark. LOL

]]> By: Mark http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6286 Mark Fri, 07 May 2004 14:05:38 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6286 <p>I just ordered a skull and cross bones roof graphic for my Mini, do you think that is the mind-set, he is talking about!! :-)</p> I just ordered a skull and cross bones roof graphic for my Mini, do you think that is the mind-set, he is talking about!! :-)

]]> By: Rocketboy http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6285 Rocketboy Fri, 07 May 2004 10:21:25 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6285 <p>At the risk of blog-whoring, I posted up some articles about the current state of auto sales, (it's still on the front page). A lot fo the numbers in the Buisness Week articles show that the small car market just isn't here in the states. "54.3 percent of all new vehicles sold in the country last year were classified as "light trucks," as opposed to passenger cars. It was the third straight year so-called trucks outscored cars."</p> <p>Not the type of numbers that BMW would like to see before bringing a second compact car to the stats, I'd guess.</p> At the risk of blog-whoring, I posted up some articles about the current state of auto sales, (it's still on the front page). A lot fo the numbers in the Buisness Week articles show that the small car market just isn't here in the states. “54.3 percent of all new vehicles sold in the country last year were classified as “light trucks,” as opposed to passenger cars. It was the third straight year so-called trucks outscored cars.”

Not the type of numbers that BMW would like to see before bringing a second compact car to the stats, I'd guess.

]]> By: 2VIZSLAS http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6284 2VIZSLAS Fri, 07 May 2004 05:44:21 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6284 <p>I have been a disappointment to my BMW salesperson for years because he can't upgrade me from a 3 series to a 5 series. He keeps telling me I am fighting the natural progression for my age group. Instead I went for a MCS in addition to the 3. If the 1 is brought over here it will be on my list!</p> I have been a disappointment to my BMW salesperson for years because he can't upgrade me from a 3 series to a 5 series. He keeps telling me I am fighting the natural progression for my age group. Instead I went for a MCS in addition to the 3. If the 1 is brought over here it will be on my list!

]]> By: Gabriel Bridger http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6283 Gabriel Bridger Fri, 07 May 2004 05:32:52 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6283 <p>Last year a MINI exec told me that the average age of MINI owners was in the mid-40s. However MINI expected that to come down after the first year or so. They expected many of the first owners to be enthusiasts who remembered the original MINI or were buying the car as a 3rd or 4th vehicle. </p> <p>They are aiming their advertising squarely at "young urban professionals" which incidentally is probably where I'd fit in.</p> <p>Interestingly last year when I heard these numbers BMW actually had a lower average owner age at 42. Fascinating huh :)</p> Last year a MINI exec told me that the average age of MINI owners was in the mid-40s. However MINI expected that to come down after the first year or so. They expected many of the first owners to be enthusiasts who remembered the original MINI or were buying the car as a 3rd or 4th vehicle.

They are aiming their advertising squarely at “young urban professionals” which incidentally is probably where I'd fit in.

Interestingly last year when I heard these numbers BMW actually had a lower average owner age at 42. Fascinating huh :)

]]> By: 2VIZSLAS http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6282 2VIZSLAS Fri, 07 May 2004 05:24:04 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6282 <p>It would be interesting to see the demographics of MINI owners. Are we really a bunch of middle agers? ( I admit I am) The problem with Purves'comments are that this same group is interested in the 1 series!</p> It would be interesting to see the demographics of MINI owners. Are we really a bunch of middle agers? ( I admit I am) The problem with Purves'comments are that this same group is interested in the 1 series!

]]> By: iDiaz http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6281 iDiaz Fri, 07 May 2004 04:32:03 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6281 <p>It appears Purves has pidgeonholed us into being trendy, fashion-minded people who bought the car because of its styling. </p> <p>From what I've seen, the lust for a performance vehicle is a key reason many people chose the MINI over other vehicles in its class, despite its compromised practicality. The MINI, especially the Cooper S, has proven that RWD is not a requisite for a high performance vehicle.</p> <p>If BMW needs proof of that, they can talk to the new 5-Series that couldn't shake me through the canyons last week. ;)</p> It appears Purves has pidgeonholed us into being trendy, fashion-minded people who bought the car because of its styling.

From what I've seen, the lust for a performance vehicle is a key reason many people chose the MINI over other vehicles in its class, despite its compromised practicality. The MINI, especially the Cooper S, has proven that RWD is not a requisite for a high performance vehicle.

If BMW needs proof of that, they can talk to the new 5-Series that couldn't shake me through the canyons last week. ;)

]]> By: dgszweda1 http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6280 dgszweda1 Fri, 07 May 2004 04:27:25 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6280 <p>I think the biggest problem with the 1-series, is that it will compete with the Mini. I know that it is not identical to the Mini, but it is close enough to be a competitor. If the RX-8 is a competitor to the Mini and it seats 4 with 4 doors, than the 1-series will do the same thing. The power is very similiar (160-170hp) and it is a hatch.</p> I think the biggest problem with the 1-series, is that it will compete with the Mini. I know that it is not identical to the Mini, but it is close enough to be a competitor. If the RX-8 is a competitor to the Mini and it seats 4 with 4 doors, than the 1-series will do the same thing. The power is very similiar (160-170hp) and it is a hatch.

]]> By: iDiaz http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6279 iDiaz Fri, 07 May 2004 04:24:54 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6279 <p>Josh:</p> <p>The MINI isn't the platform for RWD. It follows the lineage of the classic Mini; front-wheel-drive, wheels pushed to the corners to create a car as small as possible on the exterior, while maintaining enough space for four on the inside.</p> <p>GJR:</p> <p>Exactly the class of car the 1-series is gunning for. The C230K is much larger than the MINI, so it can accomodate the rear-wheel-drive platform.</p> Josh:

The MINI isn't the platform for RWD. It follows the lineage of the classic Mini; front-wheel-drive, wheels pushed to the corners to create a car as small as possible on the exterior, while maintaining enough space for four on the inside.

GJR:

Exactly the class of car the 1-series is gunning for. The C230K is much larger than the MINI, so it can accomodate the rear-wheel-drive platform.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6278 Ryan Fri, 07 May 2004 03:31:36 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6278 <p>I'm a bit offended at this last comment. "And it will appeal to a younger group of people who are looking for that type of car. That's a different group and mind-set than the Mini group." How is the 1-Series market so radically different than the Mini?? I am young (29 years) and I would consider looking into the 1-series. Get this- I own a Mini too. I would like for Purves to explain to me what my mindset is and how it differs from those who he thinks would be interested in a BMW.</p> I'm a bit offended at this last comment. “And it will appeal to a younger group of people who are looking for that type of car. That's a different group and mind-set than the Mini group.” How is the 1-Series market so radically different than the Mini?? I am young (29 years) and I would consider looking into the 1-series. Get this- I own a Mini too. I would like for Purves to explain to me what my mindset is and how it differs from those who he thinks would be interested in a BMW.

]]> By: Gabriel Bridger http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6277 Gabriel Bridger Fri, 07 May 2004 01:09:58 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6277 <p>Purves meant that it's important for the brand worldwide to have a car that seats four and is front wheel drive. A configuration like that is actually considered part of the small premium family car market outside the US. Of course in the rest of the world this is a huge market. I suppose you could consider it something a kin to the full size truck market in the US but with less profit. Regardless it's something that is financially important for BMW to be involved in - and that's why we have the MINI!</p> Purves meant that it's important for the brand worldwide to have a car that seats four and is front wheel drive. A configuration like that is actually considered part of the small premium family car market outside the US. Of course in the rest of the world this is a huge market. I suppose you could consider it something a kin to the full size truck market in the US but with less profit. Regardless it's something that is financially important for BMW to be involved in – and that's why we have the MINI!

]]> By: GJR http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6276 GJR Fri, 07 May 2004 01:05:38 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6276 <p>My dad had a Mercedes C230 Coupe (hatch) which was rear drive and sat four very comfortably...</p> My dad had a Mercedes C230 Coupe (hatch) which was rear drive and sat four very comfortably…

]]> By: Josh http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6275 Josh Fri, 07 May 2004 00:44:38 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6275 <p>then just make the car a little bigger---problem solved (as the 1 series is bigger than a mini)</p> then just make the car a little bigger—problem solved (as the 1 series is bigger than a mini)

]]> By: Ivan http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6274 Ivan Fri, 07 May 2004 00:38:57 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6274 <p>I think what he meant regarding seating for four is that you can't have a car the size of the MINI and still seat people with rear-wheel-drive. It makes sense, as you wouldn't be able to fit all the rear differential and revised suspension back there and still accomodate passengers.</p> I think what he meant regarding seating for four is that you can't have a car the size of the MINI and still seat people with rear-wheel-drive. It makes sense, as you wouldn't be able to fit all the rear differential and revised suspension back there and still accomodate passengers.

]]> By: Josh http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6273 Josh Thu, 06 May 2004 23:55:06 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6273 <p>Give it a couple years with the release of the 2 series comming up and an appreciation of the US dollar and I wouldnt be suprised to the 1 series makes it over to our side of the pond.</p> Give it a couple years with the release of the 2 series comming up and an appreciation of the US dollar and I wouldnt be suprised to the 1 series makes it over to our side of the pond.

]]> By: Gabriel Bridger http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/05/06/bmwusa_chief_tom_purves_talks_to_autoweek/comment-page-1/#comment-6272 Gabriel Bridger Thu, 06 May 2004 23:39:06 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/05/06/#comment-6272 <p>Regarding why BMW isn't bringing the 1 series over - I think the basic idea that they have is that a small premium hatch won't sell in the US outside something as iconic as a MINI. </p> <p>Not that i agree with that notion but that's what their published stance has been in the past.</p> Regarding why BMW isn't bringing the 1 series over – I think the basic idea that they have is that a small premium hatch won't sell in the US outside something as iconic as a MINI.

Not that i agree with that notion but that's what their published stance has been in the past.

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