Official MINI USA Release: MINI USA reported April sales of 3,382 automobiles, up 2.1 percent from the 3,313 cars sold in April 2006. Year-to-date, the division reported sales of 11,455 automobiles, a drop of 10.5 percent, compared to the 12,798 cars reported in the first four months of 2006.
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But sales for April are down from March … figures broken out here:
<a href="http://www.gbmini.net/wp/mini_sales/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.gbmini.net/wp/mini_sales/</a>
from autoblog:
<blockquote>As you scan the interweb for news of April sales numbers today, be careful. There were two less selling days in April of this year compared to 2006 (24 vs. 26). On account of this, other media outlets are painting a bleaker picture by comparing the raw numbers for April in 2006 and 2007. When you compare the daily average sales rate (DSR), as we have, it’s apparent the month isn’t as bad as some are saying.
</blockquote>
Do these numbers reflect those Mini’s ordered during that month, vs. those that have been purchased outright? I ordered my Cooper S last month, and should be here in a week or so, at which time I will “purchase”.
SteepCurve
Normally, sales are counted when a product is delivered, not just ordered. Something to do with standard (legal) accounting practices.
i love it .keep the cars rolling off the line baby
Looking at Ian C’s sales figures….
The R56 sold 2,673 units in April ’07. Combine that with R52 convertible sales and you get a total of 3,339 units sold April ’07.
Compare that to 3,313 units sold for April ’06, the prior year.
At best, the R56 sales combined with R52 convertibles are essentially flat year to year, which must be dissapointing for a new model launch.
This also may explain the large numbers of unsold R56 MINIs sitting on dealer lots as we speak. I will try to get a snapshot of current dealer inventory for a better picture.
If this trend continues, I suspect we should see “deals” on new unsold R56s in dealer stock.
There could be many reasons for the less than inspiring sales numbers but I think MINI should take a closer look and monitor the situation more closely in the coming months.
From BMW:
“In the MINI camp, 50,000 more units were sold in 2007’s fiscal second quarter compared to the first quarter, thanks to the introduction of new model variants.”
Maybe consumers are hesitant to buy a new first year car?
Just test drove a 2007 Cooper (Non S) this week. I noticed that at San Francisco Mini, the Dealer is back to doing dealer Mark-up’s. $2,500.- on 2007’s I wonder if other dealers are doing the same and if that is affecting sales?
I know I wouldn’t pay a dealer mark-up this time around, especially as steep as $2,500. dollars.
My nearest MINI dealer has over 85 new R56s in stock for immediate delivery. I was told that the car is not moving off as briskly as the previous model, hence, beginning today, they are offering a fairly agressive lease deal on new R56 Cooper’s in stock (automatic or manual) for $289/month + tax for 36 months with $0 due at signing and $0 inception costs (Waived security deposit and downpayment). It is basically a “Sign & Drive” lease deal.