From MINI press:
Five years after its launch, sales of the MINI brand continue to grow. In the first two months of 2005, sales are up 9% to 30,554 units (previous year: 28,034). The product mix and level of equipment remain at a high level: the best-seller is the MINI Cooper, with 45% of sales (13,828), followed by the basic MINI One at 30% (9,253).
The top-of-the-range MINI Cooper S accounts for 25% of sales (7,473). The average selling price across all variants is around 21,000 Euros, including options and value-added tax.
The entire BMW Group also had a banner February:
BMW Group sales are continuing to grow. In February, the number of automobiles delivered rose by 7% to 83,228 (previous year: 77,775). Year-to-date, the volume of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles sold increased by 8.5% to 165,085 (previous year: 152,174).
The USA remains the highest market and sales in the first two months of the new year show an increase of 15.6% to 41,260 automobiles sold (previous year: 35,696). In Germany, the number of cars delivered year to date rose by 8% to 37,771 units (previous year: 34,964). Amongst the major markets, Spain is noticeable, with an unusually high growth of 32.4% to 8,684 automobiles delivered (previous year: 6,561).
Sales prospects remain positive for the rest of the year: in its entire history, the BMW Group has never been able to offer its customers such a broad product portfolio as it can now. In addition, the company has the youngest range of automobiles in the industry. The new BMW 3 Series sedan arrived in the dealers’ showrooms last weekend. It will help to maintain the sales momentum through the further course of the year.
<p>Things are definitely looking good for BMW. Hopefully they can stay the course.</p>
<p>Am I missing something here….5 years after it’s launch? Weren’t we launched in ’02?</p>
<p>MINI launched in USA March 22, 2002 (thanks to my NAM calendar!) but launched in England July 7, 2001. Manufacture apparently began April 26, 2001.
Still not sure where “5 years” comes from …</p>
<p>I just assumed it was a typo from MINI PR. They’ve been known to let a few things slip on occasion.</p>
<p>I think if it launched in 2001 with a 2001 model year car (MINI One?), then it’s been 5 years.</p>
<p>BMW/Mini is showing sales strength in February. Ford and GM reportedly had disappointing sales in February.</p>
<p>Wasn’t the MINI released in Europe Prior to the US? Maybe that’s the 5 years they are referring to?</p>
<p>April 2005 will be the end of the fourth year and the start of the fifth year — maybe that’s where the PR types got caught up?</p>