Sections: Official News | Sales Mar 2nd, 2006 8 Comments MINI USA reported February sales of 2,690, a decrease of 14 percent compared to the 3,140 sold in February 2005. MINI USA also reported sales of 5,634 for the first two months of 2006, a decrease of 7 percent over the 6,057 sold in the same period a year ago. Production at MINI’s Oxford, England plant was halted for an extended period in December and January for expansion-related upgrades, resulting in lower inventories, which contributed to the lower MINI sales figures in the U.S.
MINI USA Press
MF Analysis:
No surprises here. With MINI’s Oxford plant closed for a portion of December and January, February sales were bound to be off a bit. Expect more of the same on and off all 2006.
Dave Mar 2nd, 2006 Link
Anyone out there have any thoughts or insights on whether the Oxford plant expansion upgrades might improve 2006 MINI build quality, e.g., improved assembly techniques & processes in addition to increased production capacity? Or are the upgrades strictly aimed at higher production capability?
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Ian C. Mar 2nd, 2006 Link
Build quality improvements have been ongoing since the MINI was introduced – an ‘06 is noticeably better than an ‘02 in many areas
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Giacomo Mar 2nd, 2006 Link
I can only comment on the difference between my ‘02 MCS and ‘04 MCS which is substantial at least in my cars, aside recent demise of my ‘04, it’s a much better build.
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Greg W Mar 2nd, 2006 Link
Obviously you guys have never owned quality british vehicles like Land Rover, Rover, Vauxhall, where faults and oil leaks are not an optional extra. MINI and BMW have the same Quality philosophy. A lot of problems are caused by the component manufacturers quality standards that supply MINI.
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Nick Mar 2nd, 2006 Link
Greg, Why would MINI and BMW accept sub-standard quality component parts for their cars in the first place?
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05DSMCS Mar 2nd, 2006 Link
German automakers over the past few years have had a lot of trouble generally with quality. British automakers have a long and storied history of quality woes. Put the two together and you get extremely well engineered hot little cars with lots of creaks, rattles, and squeaks.
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Dennis MINIero Mar 3rd, 2006 Link
I’ve owned a 02 MCS and now drive an 06 MCS. The build/drive quality & overall reliability…. in the 06 is light years ahead of the 02.
It took (5) years to get it right….
I purchased the 06 to have the last year of this powerplant/body style etc…..
07 will be a new adventure…. I’m certain :)
Peace, D
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Donnie Mar 3rd, 2006 Link
i ordered by car back in november and was told i would have it by early feb, but alas i am still waiting
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