From MINI USA PR:
MINI USA continued to experience strong demand. The division reported year-to-date sales of 32,010 cars, up 25 percent compared to 25,670 sold in first three quarters of 2004. September sales were up 4 percent, to 3,027 cars versus the 2,917 sold in that month in 2004.
09/2005
|
YTD 2005
|
09/2004
|
YTD 2004 |
|
Total US MINIs |
3,027
|
32,010
|
2,917
|
25,670
|
MF Analysis: Not bad for a model that is almost four years old that’s near the end of the 2005 model year.
<p>So, with most people dreading the new 07 turbocharger, will we see 06 model year sales figures to be the highest to date?</p>
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<p>So, with most people dreading the new 07 turbocharger, will we see 06 model year sales figures to be the highest to date?</p>
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<p>I’d say that if they’re high it probably has very little do to with the next generation MINI. </p>
<p>First off most people who are buying the MINI probably have no idea what’s coming next year. Secondly (based on what I’ve seen) most people ‘in the know’ are <em>looking forward</em> to the new ’07 MINI and it’s normally aspirated and turbo charged engines. Another percentage is in wait and see mode and final group believes the only real MINI was produced from March 2002 to June 2004 and comes with a white roof. However I think this is all skewed by a handful of very vocal people in the last group.</p>
<p>Gabe, I’d say you are spot on except for the dates: it’s March ’02 to June ’06 (LSD added in January, 2005, and no changes but cosmetic for the ’06 model).</p>
<p>Oh yeah, and the only REAL MINI is Chili Red with white racing stripes and a white roof! ;-)</p>
<blockquote>Another percentage is in wait and see mode and final group believes the only real MINI was produced from March 2002 to June 2004 and comes with a white roof</blockquote>
<p>Or,Gabe, are you referring to the old-style mini’s?</p>
<p>Eitherway, I love my mini, I have a 2005 MCS JCW, and my mom, because of my non-stop raving, got a 2005 MCcS JCW. Now onto the last hold out… my brother… a nissan 350Z driver on his <em>second</em> engine (within warrenty) yikes!</p>
<p>Cheers all and motor on!</p>
<p>Jono</p>
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<p>Or,Gabe, are you referring to the old-style mini’s?</p>
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<p>I’m referring (with tongue in cheek) to those who believe the only good looking MINIs are the ones produced before the 2005 facelift (which started with 7/04 production)</p>
<p>The obligatory <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.gbmini.net/images/MINIsalesGraph.jpg">chart</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.gbmini.net/sales.shtml">tables</a> – shocking to me that MCS beat MC by >1000 sales in September!</p>
<p>I stopped in MINI of Peabody last week and they were busier than I’ve ever seen, and it was the middle of a work day no less. I asked my MA jokingly if the gas prices were having an effect on sales, he said they sure are!</p>
<p>I have a slightly off-topic question…</p>
<p>Has anyone heard more on the rumors that some BMW dealerships were going to open up their service bays for authorized MINI service? </p>
<p>I live in Austin, TX and the closest MINI dealer is 90 miles away in San Antonio. While I <em>hope</em> that my new MCS (delivery is this coming Saturday!) will be relatively trouble-free, I’d really prefer to have local service capability here in Austin.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>MINI servicing at BMW dealerships might happen one day but I know of nothing concrete about the rumours – my suspicion is they are started by dealerships trying to sell cars to folks who live a long way away!</p>
<p>High resale value, good gas mileage, high safety standards, good styling/quality, all equal strong demand as a perfect commuter car.</p>
<p>Also many people trying to get rid of the two gasasaurus vehicle syndrome.</p>
<p>Did I forget to mention fun to drive?</p>