Comments on: MINI Cooper Diesel in the US, redux http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/ 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: Steve http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-223115 Steve Sat, 31 May 2008 02:39:12 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-223115 <p>Would it really be that difficult for BMW to Federalize a "D", considering the car is already Federalized? WTF, that makes no sense at all. I'd buy one.</p> Would it really be that difficult for BMW to Federalize a “D”, considering the car is already Federalized? WTF, that makes no sense at all. I’d buy one.

]]> By: Bryan http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-222143 Bryan Sat, 24 May 2008 00:42:03 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-222143 <p>duh - why not label it as a biodiesel only vehicle?</p> duh – why not label it as a biodiesel only vehicle?

]]> By: John Barriskill http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-218203 John Barriskill Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:44:40 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-218203 <p>Come ON MINI/USA & BMW ..... Absolutely incredible.. I've called your customer service tel # in the states and pleaded to bring that MINI D over here. Enough already! I guess I'll look into purchasing one in Canada and driving it down here. Here is a novel concept the X series sales are plummeting. Retool some of machinery at Spartenburg reegineer the engine insertion process for deisel and BMW would save on shipping and sea faring freight costs by producing the MINI D's & Clubman D's here in the South Carolina plant. Besides with soaring gas prices many American SUV and I'd even venture a few BMW SAV owners ( the X series) are looking to trade-in their gas guzzlers for the more environmentally and cost effective vehicles MINI D & Clubman D!</p> Come ON MINI/USA & BMW ….. Absolutely incredible.. I’ve called your customer service tel # in the states and pleaded to bring that MINI D over here. Enough already! I guess I’ll look into purchasing one in Canada and driving it down here. Here is a novel concept the X series sales are plummeting. Retool some of machinery at Spartenburg reegineer the engine insertion process for deisel and BMW would save on shipping and sea faring freight costs by producing the MINI D’s & Clubman D’s here in the South Carolina plant. Besides with soaring gas prices many American SUV and I’d even venture a few BMW SAV owners ( the X series) are looking to trade-in their gas guzzlers for the more environmentally and cost effective vehicles MINI D & Clubman D!

]]> By: MotoringFile » Archive » Autralia to get MINI Diesel http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-218013 MotoringFile » Archive » Autralia to get MINI Diesel Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:00:56 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-218013 <p>[...] Too bad we aren’t going to get this in the US. [...]</p> [...] Too bad we aren’t going to get this in the US. [...]

]]> By: DB http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-211210 DB Sun, 09 Mar 2008 04:23:44 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-211210 <blockquote> <p>Seems like a relatively easy step for BMW to make it a little cleaner for 50 state compliance since they are doing it with bigger engines.</p> </blockquote> <p>Bigger engines in larger cars that have the space for the system required to scrub the NOX from the exhaust. It's a 2 tank system I believe and you would be hard pressed to find the space in a MINI.</p>

Seems like a relatively easy step for BMW to make it a little cleaner for 50 state compliance since they are doing it with bigger engines.

Bigger engines in larger cars that have the space for the system required to scrub the NOX from the exhaust. It’s a 2 tank system I believe and you would be hard pressed to find the space in a MINI.

]]> By: Mark http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-211093 Mark Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:42:11 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-211093 <p>I'd buy a mini diesel in a heartbeat. Seems like a relatively easy step for BMW to make it a little cleaner for 50 state compliance since they are doing it with bigger engines.</p> I’d buy a mini diesel in a heartbeat. Seems like a relatively easy step for BMW to make it a little cleaner for 50 state compliance since they are doing it with bigger engines.

]]> By: Dustin in Ohio http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-164720 Dustin in Ohio Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:02:27 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-164720 <p>Jimny Crockett - Interesting, but uninformed opinion. As noted in the article below, just shy of 1/4 all all VW's sold in the US are Diesels. I was unable to find year to date figures and I note that the 22% was a monthly figure which the article mentions was the highest it has ever been in the US. However, this figure is increasing and came at a time when VW was restricting availability of its diesel prior to the introduction of its 50 state diesel.</p> <p>It is clear that there will be winners and losers with fuel sipping gas engines and diesels. Mini appears to be turning its back on those customers in the US. VW and Honda (and recently Subaru, Nissan) have indicated that they will be shortly selling Diesels in the US and that Diesels will play a significant role in their long term strategy here.</p> <p>I want a Mini - but that is no longer the only concern. Specially when the Mini I want - MiniUSA refuses to sell me. Despite the fact they already make it. That is a slap in the face to both Americans and our environment. I will vote with my pocket book.</p> <p><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000100&sid=aNgbm619GEbM">Bloomberg</a>: <strong>Volkswagen's U.S. Diesel Sales Reached All-Time High in April</strong></p> <p>May 8 (Bloomberg) -- Volkswagen AG, Europe's largest carmaker, said its U.S. sales of cars with diesel engines reached a record 22 percent last month.</p> <p>``We think the numbers reflect a growing awareness of the potential fuel savings diesel-powered vehicles offer and a growing acceptance of diesel in the U.S.,'' Steve Keyes, Volkswagen's U.S. communications chief, said in an interview on May 5.</p> <p>Volkswagen is betting on increased diesel sales to help return the Wolfsburg, Germany-based carmaker to profit in the U.S., where the company posted losses the last three years. Volkswagen's overall sales in the U.S., the world's largest automobile market, last month rose 11 percent to 20,528 vehicles, with its market share gaining to 1.4 percent from 1.2 percent.</p> Jimny Crockett – Interesting, but uninformed opinion. As noted in the article below, just shy of 1/4 all all VW’s sold in the US are Diesels. I was unable to find year to date figures and I note that the 22% was a monthly figure which the article mentions was the highest it has ever been in the US. However, this figure is increasing and came at a time when VW was restricting availability of its diesel prior to the introduction of its 50 state diesel.

It is clear that there will be winners and losers with fuel sipping gas engines and diesels. Mini appears to be turning its back on those customers in the US. VW and Honda (and recently Subaru, Nissan) have indicated that they will be shortly selling Diesels in the US and that Diesels will play a significant role in their long term strategy here.

I want a Mini – but that is no longer the only concern. Specially when the Mini I want – MiniUSA refuses to sell me. Despite the fact they already make it. That is a slap in the face to both Americans and our environment. I will vote with my pocket book.

Bloomberg: Volkswagen’s U.S. Diesel Sales Reached All-Time High in April

May 8 (Bloomberg) — Volkswagen AG, Europe’s largest carmaker, said its U.S. sales of cars with diesel engines reached a record 22 percent last month.

“We think the numbers reflect a growing awareness of the potential fuel savings diesel-powered vehicles offer and a growing acceptance of diesel in the U.S.,” Steve Keyes, Volkswagen’s U.S. communications chief, said in an interview on May 5.

Volkswagen is betting on increased diesel sales to help return the Wolfsburg, Germany-based carmaker to profit in the U.S., where the company posted losses the last three years. Volkswagen’s overall sales in the U.S., the world’s largest automobile market, last month rose 11 percent to 20,528 vehicles, with its market share gaining to 1.4 percent from 1.2 percent.

]]> By: Jimny Crockett http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-162884 Jimny Crockett Sat, 22 Sep 2007 18:01:39 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-162884 <p>My pleasure Bob H. Many of us, including "Dr. Crockett," would like to see the D available in U.S. showrooms. An avalanche of enthusiast advocacy may well help manifest our collective desire. I hope so.</p> My pleasure Bob H. Many of us, including “Dr. Crockett,” would like to see the D available in U.S. showrooms. An avalanche of enthusiast advocacy may well help manifest our collective desire. I hope so.

]]> By: Wayne D. http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-162730 Wayne D. Sat, 22 Sep 2007 06:49:26 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-162730 <p>Sort of ironic really, since emissions are what caused the original Mini to be withdrawn from the states and is viewed as possibly giving rise to the popularity of the VW bug.</p> Sort of ironic really, since emissions are what caused the original Mini to be withdrawn from the states and is viewed as possibly giving rise to the popularity of the VW bug.

]]> By: Bob H. http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-162624 Bob H. Sat, 22 Sep 2007 01:01:14 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-162624 <p>Thank you for your diagnosis Dr. Crockett...</p> Thank you for your diagnosis Dr. Crockett…

]]> By: MD http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-162576 MD Fri, 21 Sep 2007 22:17:35 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-162576 <p>Unfortunately MINI USA is run by Americans, who don't have the same priorities or views as our European neighbors...</p> Unfortunately MINI USA is run by Americans, who don’t have the same priorities or views as our European neighbors…

]]> By: Chad http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-162570 Chad Fri, 21 Sep 2007 21:50:09 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-162570 <p>We're not asking for a MINI that runs on Hopes and Dreams or even Hydrogen. The MINI D exists already, it's just a matter of importing it for dealerships in states where the car meets the emissions standards. Spend $0 on marketing, just let the engine be a $1000 option (or whatever you care) and let the motoring advisors do their jobs and explain what the differences are.</p> We’re not asking for a MINI that runs on Hopes and Dreams or even Hydrogen. The MINI D exists already, it’s just a matter of importing it for dealerships in states where the car meets the emissions standards. Spend $0 on marketing, just let the engine be a $1000 option (or whatever you care) and let the motoring advisors do their jobs and explain what the differences are.

]]> By: Jimny Crockett http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-162510 Jimny Crockett Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:15:15 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-162510 <p>Not bunk at all. Apparently there is one enthusiast who prefers to remain oblivious to reality and cannot distinguish fact from fiction. The fact is MB and VW diesel sales now account for a very small fraction of total sales. Consumers buy and large continue to think diesel and trunk. And the enlightened among us may consider themselves fully aware of the diesel advantage they fail to recognize this telling reality. It is axiomatic that knowledge is power, thus without better informing the masses diesel power may remain relegated to the back burner in the minds of consumers interminably and regrettably.</p> Not bunk at all. Apparently there is one enthusiast who prefers to remain oblivious to reality and cannot distinguish fact from fiction. The fact is MB and VW diesel sales now account for a very small fraction of total sales. Consumers buy and large continue to think diesel and trunk. And the enlightened among us may consider themselves fully aware of the diesel advantage they fail to recognize this telling reality. It is axiomatic that knowledge is power, thus without better informing the masses diesel power may remain relegated to the back burner in the minds of consumers interminably and regrettably.

]]> By: tim http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-162348 tim Fri, 21 Sep 2007 07:30:38 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-162348 <p>Total bunk. BMW/Mini could absolutely bring a diesel over here. BMW is going to to it very soon with their cars, so is Audi, and so is Mercedes and VW. They've figured out how to make 50-state diesel engines.</p> <p>Car makers will soon realize there IS HUGE DEMAND for high-fuel mileage vehicles. Look what happened with hybrids; sales are throught the roof. Those who don't have diesels in the mix will be left out in the cold.</p> <p>If you bring it, BUYERS WILL COME.</p> Total bunk. BMW/Mini could absolutely bring a diesel over here. BMW is going to to it very soon with their cars, so is Audi, and so is Mercedes and VW. They’ve figured out how to make 50-state diesel engines.

Car makers will soon realize there IS HUGE DEMAND for high-fuel mileage vehicles. Look what happened with hybrids; sales are throught the roof. Those who don’t have diesels in the mix will be left out in the cold.

If you bring it, BUYERS WILL COME.

]]> By: Jimny Crockett http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-162322 Jimny Crockett Fri, 21 Sep 2007 05:39:18 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-162322 <p>For the record, please count my vote for U.S. MINI D availability. I would positively love to own one.</p> <p>With the right combination of informative PR/Advertising and incubation, the MINI D would gain greater and greater market share over time and reward BMW with greater profit.</p> For the record, please count my vote for U.S. MINI D availability. I would positively love to own one.

With the right combination of informative PR/Advertising and incubation, the MINI D would gain greater and greater market share over time and reward BMW with greater profit.

]]> By: Jimny Crockett http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-162318 Jimny Crockett Fri, 21 Sep 2007 05:29:50 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-162318 <p>We can beat our brains in speculation ad infinitum and never accurately discern the genuine technological culprit. The existence of a viable consumer market for diesel automobiles cannot be denied. And although it may be relatively small, it is not immune to well-conceived, growth inducing PR and advertising. The average American consumer remains ignorant and equates diesel with clattering trucks. The enlightened few having knowledge to know otherwise do not constitute a sizable enough minority to compel companies like BMW, GM, Ford, and Chrysler to venture forth and shift this paradigm of ignornace and misconception. Thus, even if the MINI D were fully 50 state compliant sales would likely fail to meet expectations sans a very strong educational PR/marketing prelude.</p> We can beat our brains in speculation ad infinitum and never accurately discern the genuine technological culprit. The existence of a viable consumer market for diesel automobiles cannot be denied. And although it may be relatively small, it is not immune to well-conceived, growth inducing PR and advertising. The average American consumer remains ignorant and equates diesel with clattering trucks. The enlightened few having knowledge to know otherwise do not constitute a sizable enough minority to compel companies like BMW, GM, Ford, and Chrysler to venture forth and shift this paradigm of ignornace and misconception. Thus, even if the MINI D were fully 50 state compliant sales would likely fail to meet expectations sans a very strong educational PR/marketing prelude.

]]> By: lavardera http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-161909 lavardera Thu, 20 Sep 2007 01:10:33 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-161909 <p>If they can sell them in Canada, then why not the compliant states here in the US?</p> If they can sell them in Canada, then why not the compliant states here in the US?

]]> By: MINItron http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-161898 MINItron Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:08:54 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-161898 <p>I would really flip over a H2 powered MINI. Just think of the posibilities. No matter how powerful you make the engine the only tailpipe emissions are H2O. No CO2, CO, NOx, unburned fuel! The only problem is there is NO infrastructure available. BMW already has their Hydrogen 7. They have the technology. We just need the fuel.</p> <p>I previously owned a Diesel Jetta (which I traded for my first Cooper in 2003), and I loved it. It got 45MPG all day long, and was utterly trouble free. The only issue was that it clattered like a big rig. It also went like a scalded cat, especially when you considered the 95hp and the weight of the vehicle. I would stand in line in the sleet and snow to sign up for a oil burner MINI that got 60MPG, heck even 50MPG.</p> I would really flip over a H2 powered MINI. Just think of the posibilities. No matter how powerful you make the engine the only tailpipe emissions are H2O. No CO2, CO, NOx, unburned fuel! The only problem is there is NO infrastructure available. BMW already has their Hydrogen 7. They have the technology. We just need the fuel.

I previously owned a Diesel Jetta (which I traded for my first Cooper in 2003), and I loved it. It got 45MPG all day long, and was utterly trouble free. The only issue was that it clattered like a big rig. It also went like a scalded cat, especially when you considered the 95hp and the weight of the vehicle. I would stand in line in the sleet and snow to sign up for a oil burner MINI that got 60MPG, heck even 50MPG.

]]> By: nina simone http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-161885 nina simone Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:19:28 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-161885 <p>nice pic, Drill!</p> <p>;D</p> nice pic, Drill!

;D

]]> By: nina simone http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-161884 nina simone Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:19:02 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-cooper-diesel-in-the-us-redux/#comment-161884 <p>if Canada gets 'em, maybe import one? [sans warranty, likely.]</p> if Canada gets ‘em, maybe import one? [sans warranty, likely.]

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