In 2005, 21 MINI dealers invested a total of £16.5 million in developing new premises, or the expansion of existing facilities, in order to meet the future growth of the MINI brand and offer more choice to customers. This trend is set to continue in 2006 with many of the 154 dealerships in the MINI network opening new showrooms and facilities with even more planning completion over the next two years.
Andy Hearn, MINI UK General Manager, said: “The level of commitment and investment being undertaken by MINI dealers simply underlines their excitement and confidence in MINI’s future. We want to have the best dealers in the UK and to give the best customer experience. As much as we try to give detail and clarity in a brochure or on the web, there’s no means for showing the huge choice of options, models and equipment at the dealership. Plus, the model range is growing further with the recent confirmation of the MINI Traveller Concept due to be on the road in the next three years.â€ÂÂ
MINI dealership Sytner High Wycombe invested £1.5 million last year and opened a brand new showroom in April 2005.
Adam Jordan, Managing Director of Sytner High Wycombe, said: “It’s really taken our business to a higher level. We now have a facility that can show ten models and a bespoke area for MINI Cherished Used cars.â€ÂÂ
David Prentice in Portadown invested £800,000 last year and opened a new facility in September 2005.
Joanne Houston, Dealer Principal, said: “It’s been such a worthwhile investment. Undoubtedly, our ability to show the full MINI range to customers has contributed to increased business.â€ÂÂ
it’s great to see that things in England are expanding, but can someone explain to me why the UK needs 154 dealerships, while the U.S. (largest market outside of England), still has less than 100, spread over a much larger geographic area. it’s been proven that the MINI is successful in the US, but why haven’t we seen this expansion of dealerships on our side of the pond?
<blockquote>it’s great to see that things in England are expanding, but can someone explain to me why the UK needs 154 dealerships, while the U.S. (largest market outside of England), still has less than 100, spread over a much larger geographic area. it’s been proven that the MINI is successful in the US, but why haven’t we seen this expansion of dealerships on our side of the pond?</blockquote>
Or at least leverage the BMW dealership network and allow us to get serviced at BMW dealers also!!!
Maybe you should look at <a href="http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/06/record-march-sales-for-mini-uk/" rel="nofollow">the previous story</a> – UK sold almost double the number of MINIs that USA does; this country may be bigger but it also buys bigger cars – remember that in England, the MINI is nowhere near the smallest car on the road!
Ian, have you considered that if dealers and service were more accessable in this country, that they could sell many more MINIs. I can’t tell you how many people I have talked to who excitedly asked where they can get a MINI only to see their smiles wilt when I tell them that my nearest dealership is 100 miles away and that even though we have a local BMW dealership, they would still have to travel two hours for service. It’s been a deal breaker for a large number of people.
What is the largest city in the USA without a dealer?
Do you think sales would double with more US dealers? I think most urban areas of any size do have access, no? (urban types seem more the target market for MINI)
What do I know? – I am Canadian..MINI Canada has two dealerships in Saskatchewan (though maybe that cuts into my ‘urban’ point.. hmm..)
I would think that anyone with a MINI really wouldnt mind driving a 100 miles to there nearest dealer …any excuse to go for a drive.