MINI USA Sales Up 24.8% for June
MINI USA Press Release MINI USA reported sales of 5,211 cars, a 24.8 percent increase compared to 4,174 cars sold in the same period a year ago. Year-to date, MINI USA also reported sales of 26,400 cars, an increase of 33.6 percent over the 19,759 vehicles sold in the same period a year ago.
“The last three months have been the best in our history as the significant structural shift to small cars has brought into our dealerships a diverse range of vehicle owners that currently drive large cars, SUVs and trucks. Our retailers tell us these people recognize the combination of efficiency, great dynamics and premium values MINI provides and it allows them to downsize their vehicle without downsizing their aspirations,” said Jim McDowell, Vice-President MINI USA. “With very few cars remaining in inventory, our dealers are focusing on taking orders for custom-built cars that will be delivered to MINI drivers in July through September.”
I chuckle when I think back to early last year when the first-generation R56 haters predicted dismal sales of the second generation cars. Looks like the naysayers were right on the mark.
The R56 got saved by the bell of rising oil prices 😉
But seriously, BMW didn’t have a good month of June… Sales down 11% across the board. Without any Bimmer 4-cyl engine offerings in this country, BMW has a long and tough road ahead to keep bringing customers into showrooms in light in skyrocketing gas prices.
Will the current economic downturn force BMW to reconsider bringing over the 4-cyl Prince powered BMW 1-series to our shores?
I found this excerpt in Jalopnik.com and it think it hits the nail squarely on the head:
“It just goes to show that questionable styling, thirsty engines, and complex controls don’t always a luxe brand make. BMW Group reported an unfortunate sales loss of 11% for June. Where the compact Mini brand saw a 24.8% bump in demand, the BMW brand dropped by 17% — we’re betting those numbers pick up once the BMW X6 starts hitting — or rather bypassing showroom floors — as all of them are spoken for already.”
I don’t think the X6 is gonna make a turn around for BMW. The smallest motor is the one in the 135/335, and it’s a bigger, heavier car.
Saw an add about buying the fuel efficient BMWs like the 128 and the 330… Made me laugh…
Matt