MINI USA Shelves Plans for a Countryman Diesel?

Peter Braun Nov 12th, 2009 Link

Delay in Countryman, then delay in diesel plans…….well, fine plans those are…..MINIUSA might as well just close the doors. Not such a good economic climate, you know.

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Mk1 Nov 12th, 2009 Link

B-Bye MINI

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JonPD Nov 12th, 2009 Link

Sad but not unexpected news. Still have a love/hate relationship with BMW and Mini for the way they handle their largest market.

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zm Nov 12th, 2009 Link

maybe MINI’s smarter than some ppl here will give them cred for…

i’ve not yet seen the fuel cost savings to justify payback for a more expensive diesel model, vs a small efficient gas model.

unless, you’re keeping the car for a long time…

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that.guy Nov 12th, 2009 Link

I am completely indifferent to this news.

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Matthew Nov 12th, 2009 Link

@zm,

You might be right regarding the diesel premium payoff on a diesel R60. But we’d need the actual price to be sure.

We bought a new 4D VW TDI in 2003. The car gets 40-50mpg, it’s reliable, quiet, and has a surprising amount of room. In short, we love it. At that time, however, VW was not charging a premium, and diesel was priced much lower than Premium. There were real cost savings to be had.

A lot has changed since then. Between the price of diesel and VW’s TDI premium, any cost-of-diesel-ownership advantage when buying a new TDI has been pretty much wiped out.

I imagine MINI is acutely aware of these contributing factors. But abandoning diesel in the R60 (in the States, anyway) has to be a difficult decision given the torque advantage diesel engines have, something that would add true appeal to the R60 as a hauling vehicle.

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Alan Smithee Nov 12th, 2009 Link

Disappointing, but not a surprising decision given the lackluster sales and heavy incentives on the 335d and X5d.

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Evan Nov 12th, 2009 Link

There probably won’t be enough volume in the USA to justify certifying the engine here. That also makes upcoming plans for diesel in the X1 and next gen 1er & 3er less likely. With diesel tech making the price higher than gasoline, and price per gallon more or less the same, it takes a lot to make up the premium.

The USA will apparently be sticking with turbo fours, especially with the next gen 3er and 1er getting them in this market. I just hope BMW keeps the inline 6 in the 3er, naturally aspirated.

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MCSDCWGP06 Nov 12th, 2009 Link

I really think big brother BMW has put the foot down here to protect its own vehicle sales in NA. I would not totally rule out a cooper D in the future because it will depend on the economy and emmissions standards over the next handful of years.

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Nathaniel Salzman Nov 12th, 2009 Link

Suck! My main interest in the R60 was in diesel trim. The Mrs and I were seriously considering a diesel R60 to replace both of our cars, but if it’s just going to be the same engines as the R56 then what’s the point? I appreciate that the margins are pretty thin on this stuff, but seriously, I’d be willing to pay a pretty hefty premium for an oil burning AWD MINI and I bet I’m not alone.

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Ronald Campbell Nov 12th, 2009 Link

Check the last article. I predicted this to happen. As much as I would love to see a Diesel MINI, I think we will see the MINI E first. Lame.

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MINIme Nov 12th, 2009 Link

Jimmy Buffett said, “Indecision may, or may not, be my problem.” I belive BMW/MINI’s indecision is going to cause a problem for their future business prospects in the U.S.A. As a consumer, I am tired of being jerked around by companies that think we cannot live without their products. Give the people what they want and do it in a timely fashion or get the hell out of the market!

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James Irmiger Nov 12th, 2009 Link

No surprise here. It seems to follow the cautious trend automakers are taking lately. I keep reading of new models being pushed back to 2011-2012 so they can see if the market stabilizes first.

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jp Nov 12th, 2009 Link

The timing of the delay for the Countryman and rejection of a diesel in the United States is most probably driven by the recession. I also suspect that the price premium is such that there may even be an overlap with the anticipated X1. Building a vehicle in the Eurozone then selling it at a price point to warrant sufficient sales is a tall order in North America.

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don compton Nov 12th, 2009 Link

i understand the risk in spending the money to certify a diesel. but the mini’s mpg is not that great, considering the size of the car. i sold my “08 s and purchased a “09 audi a4 quattro tip. considering the circumstances, the mini is “ok”. also, i just got tired of getting bounced around. another thing, the mini is very expensive if you load it up with creature features that are probably standard on most cars. oh well, enjoy your minis.

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JonPD Nov 13th, 2009 Link

A tad ironic however since BMW just announced they are bringing the 4 cylinder diesels to the US. One would assume this would likely share the motor with a proposed R60 D so economy of scale would likely be benefited.

Part of the issue though could very well be the price point that might move this car into a price point that Mini isn’t happy with, or that BMW wants to concentrate sales within its own brand for the 4 banger diesels first.

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Veggivet Nov 13th, 2009 Link

Headline would be even better if the last word was omitted.

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Shawn Dillon Nov 13th, 2009 Link

…not a smart move MINI. Not smart at all.

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that.guy Nov 13th, 2009 Link

Check the last article. I predicted this to happen.

Ronald, we all bow in deference to your amazing prescience on this particular issue.

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JonPD Nov 13th, 2009 Link

Just waiting for the reaction when we find out the 5 seat arrangement and no diesel are both noted.

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JonPD Nov 13th, 2009 Link

Make that no 5th seat option in the US

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Aaron Nov 13th, 2009 Link

If this does indeed happen, then I will probably have to say goodbye to MINI. The delay in schedule still worked for me, but the lack of a diesel will be tough for me to argue. My wife and I have agreed that our next car purchase is going to be either hybrid (BORING!!!) or a diesel and it will coincide with us having a second child on the way (thus the need for more interior room). So you’re not alone, Nathaniel.

I think BMW may assume that those who want the diesel would be willing (or can be convinced) to spring for an X1. I think many will not and killing the diesel R60 program will also kill a TON of the enthusiasm for this car. Perhaps the weakening dollar is not helping our cause here.

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Axel Nov 15th, 2009 Link

Unfortunately here we go with the YOYO effect of BMW, yes the R60 is the same platform of the X1 that is why the cannot and will not launch both at the same time their BABY is the X1 if it succe3ds then they launch the R60 Diesel. Gentlemen this is economics 101 you cannot launch two vehicles with the same platform with same engine to the market w/o repurcussions if the X1 is a flop then they might bring it w the R60 in Diesel format but if the X1 is a succes we MIGHT not ever see the R60 w the 2 liter Diesel anyhow I am leaning either the X1 if it is pretty or VW Diesel

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MotoringFile » Archive » MINI E vs the MINI D – Which Would You Rather See in the US? Nov 17th, 2009 Link

[...] MINI Cooper D (in hatch form) been shelved for the US market, but it would now seem the a diesel Countryman has been as well. Costs are the big issue but beyond that BMW just doesn’t believe MINI USA could sell enough [...]