Big sales news this afternoon from MINI USA. April sales were the best ever for MINI USA, with monthly sales up 67.7% and year-to-date sales up 49.4% over last year. Top sellers were the Hardtop — with 2,343 Cooper and Cooper S hatchbacks — and the Countryman, with 1,709 cars sold in April. A trend in sales decline for both the Convertible and the Clubman continued in April as well, with the Clubman down 2.9% and Convertible sales down 15.8%. More info after the break.

[Official release] MINI USA reported sales of 6,446 automobiles making it the best sales month ever in the U.S. April 2011 sales are an increase of 67.7% over the 3,843 sold in April, 2010.

“The refreshed and expanded MINI model lineup has been driving demand since the first of the year and now rising gas prices mean even more people are open to small,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President – MINI USA. “The U.S. is MINI’s largest market and the addition of the new Countryman offering four doors and All Wheel Drive is a real game-changer, further increasing our appeal.”

Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 49.4% on volume of 18,787 compared to 12,571 in the first four months of 2010.

  April 2011 April 2010 % YTD 2011 YTD 2010 %
BMW brand 18,801 17,268 8.9 71,417 63,591 12.3
BMW passenger cars 13,642 14,142 -3.5 51,817 49,916 3.8
BMW light trucks (SAVs) 5,159 3,126 65.0 19,600 13,675 43.3
MINI brand 6,446 3,843 67.7 18,787 12,571 49.4
TOTAL Group 25,247 21,111 19.6 90,204 76,162 18.4