This comes from the Autoindustry.co.uk:
>New MINI prices will reportedly be 3-4% higher than the current model’s, and BMW expects its investment in capacity expansion at Oxford to raise output to 240,000 units by 2008. Although the current MINI has more or less doubled its initial forecast volume, and will have made a profit over its lifecycle, it is reportedly far from meeting BMW’s profit criteria, which will be met once the expanded new range is on stream. Break-even volume will be well below the planned 240,000-unit capacity, according to the report.
You can read more here:
[ BMW expects to raise margins with second-generation MINI ] Autoindustry.co.uk
Any general thoughts on how the R56 release will impact current 2005/2006 Cooper S residuals?
$600-$800 increase for either model isn’t a big deal. You’re getting 5-8HP, lighter weight and likely much better fuel economy (TBA).
As for impact, we are already seeing less demand for new and lower prices for used nearly nationwide. With increased productivity, wait lists should become non-existent. Only poor reviews and glaring first year flaws will maintain or increase the R50s value.
Though I think the current S is sweet and those who have them should probably keep them for a while. I think a JCW will go for good money mid ’07 since the R56 won’t have a JCW option for a while.
I pick up my MC on Aug 18th with (currently) no regret and will keep it till ’09 where I’ll look to get a 50th anniversary MINI.
I think I like the new R56 quite a bit, but I am very satisfied my with very solid R53 ’05 MCS. The plan, as it stands today, is to keep my ’05 at least until the end of the warranty to expire on March 20th, 2009. At that point I’ll see whether I want to hang to my TRITEC Supercharged rocket or make the switch to what will be an even better R56 MCS or quite possibly another R55 MCS Traveller to go along with the wife’s R55 MC/Auto wagon.
At this point, I am in no hurry to jump into a ’07, not at least, until BMW has ironed out the wrinkles expected of any first year car.
Thanks for sharing, Frank.