Official Release: MINI USA reported sales of 3,605 automobiles, down 15.9 percent from the 4,289 cars sold in March 2008. For the first quarter, MINI USA also reported sales of 8,513 automobiles, a decrease of 16.2 percent, compared to the 10,164 cars reported in March 2008.
“Like the swallows from Capistrano, we’re seeing March bring some life to our segment,” said Jim McDowell, Vice-President of MINI USA. “MINI sales are still tracking below last year but the gap has remained stable throughout the first quarter, and more people are configuring cars on the internet – all signs of cautious optimism that the traditional spring lift will happen again this year.â€
The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S Convertible are the latest additions to MINI’s product line-up in the U.S. Both products arrived at MINI dealerships last month. This month, the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible follows.
<p>Can this be the April Fools joke instead?? Please?</p>
<p>Dear product planning team at Mini USA that scours websites/webblogs.</p>
<p>Just let me know if there will be an improvements to the upcoming Mini this year. Also, will there finally be an improvement to the stereo offerings, and will there be anymore JCW parts to come standard with the JCW mini.</p>
<p>If all the answers are “yes”, then you can expect me to raise your sales figure by 1 that month. If not, goodbye. If you do not let me know this information by a month’s time, goodbye… i cannot wait any longer. I need a new car ASAP.</p>
<p>And yes, I know you guys scour these sites because I worked with one of your teams before.</p>
<p>dc11r… even without working with one of their teams, I can verify it as well. Back when I ran my ‘lil blog, I spotted an IP address that was owned by BMW in Germany…</p>
<p>I would agree. I, too, am holding out for the improved 2010 iteration of the Mini. Just bring it early so you can capture the sales of those waiting in the wings for the new and improved mini!</p>
<p>… Pretty sure thats easier said then done haha.</p>
<p>And btw am I the only one that doesn’t mind the lower sales cause they mean lower possible prices on a MINI at the dealership??</p>
<p>I think potential buyers are eagerly awaiting for the 2010 facelifted models. I would be too.</p>
<p>Mini sales are down because you don’t like some details of the current model? You all have your heads up your a–. Mini’s sales is still way ahead of the market. Most manufacturers. BMW sales were down 24% for March. GM, Chrysler it was more like 40% or more. The only manufacturers doing better are Subaru and Kia.</p>
<p>So for the usual roll out of “I hope Mini is reading, cause I won’t buy a car unless you change it the way I like”, And “nobody is buying till the revised model comes out”, is just plain stupid.</p>
<p>Lavardera, chill out would ya?</p>
<p>Face it, your beloved R56 will be obsolete come the summer….And I can’t wait to read all your rants about the “changes” fiercely pushed by the old pro R53 establishment.</p>
<p>MINI sales are good, but they are a drop in the bucket compared to sales of higher volume, mainstream manufacturers.</p>
<p>So get used to the fact that a better R56 is coming our way, And in less than 3 years an all new MINI will be coming to our shores. I am sure you will object to that one too.</p>
<p>dc11r – Really? Ultimatums? Only one month? Maybe you should just chill out. We will know what the 2010s will have in store, around August(which is only 4 months from now). So just relax. It’s better for your blood pressure.</p>
<p>My car is dying. Its not worth dumping money to save it. I would at least like to know the details of what to expect… I could careless about the actual car being released sooner than normal. I just want information so it would make my buying decision that much easier, bc I REALLY need a new car right now, and I have cash on hand.</p>
<p>Hay Lav, Hyundai is doing better as well…</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>It is of great concern if this site is being scanned by spies as Rocketboy and dc11r say above. What happened to free speech and opinion? Please confirm or deny if this is the case and MF is being watched and ISP addresses traced.</p>
<p>I think it’s fair to say that Sales are down on just about any and everything you can imagine – No big news flash there. MINI is weathering the storm fairly well so far – they’ve not ‘dropped their pants’ so as to immediately kill the value of all of our cars.</p>
<p>The fact that you feel an ultimatum (dc11r) to MINIUSA is necessary for you to move forward on a new purchase is absurd. I too want to know what the next improvement(s) will be, but such is the way of the auto industry. Many times the dealers don’t have a clue about what is coming down the pipeline until it’s nearly on top of them – This is not unique to MINI. Plus, I rather like the element of surprise – It’s kind of like being a kid at Christmas.</p>
<p>Perhaps if you are that uptight about it you should find another vehicle to pursue – Maybe a Mazda 3, Honda S2000 or even better a GM or Chrysler Product may be more suitable – I certainly don’t want to be grouped with an unbeliever in a great product.</p>
<p>There will always be something out that is better in someway – Just think of buying a laptop, almost immediately after you buy one, there is another generation that is ‘new and improved’ over the one you just bought. A car is a bit different of course, but the idea is the same.</p>
<p>So sales are down a bit – Big Deal! At least our beloved MINI is still a desireable car which is much more than I can say about numerous other makes and models.</p>
<p>Motor On!</p>
<p>but with technology, you know the news way ahead of time… and not to mention, with technology, they actually aim for value to the consumer and also real improvements with every version.</p>
<p>i just want to know the changes sooner than later. hell, if they tell me the interior wont change, then i actually might go and order a JCW R56 tomorrow. I just need to know.</p>
<blockquote>but with technology, you know the news way ahead of time.</blockquote>
<p>I guess you’ve never heard of Apple Computer then?</p>
<p>Our Mini is on the docks of Southampton as I type these comments….bound for the port of Charleston, SC U.S.A.. I personally could care less what refresh may be around the corner in the 2010 models. It may be better or it may be worse (individual opinions will always vary) and will certainly be untested. Tick Tock Tick Tock….your life clock is counting down. If mine should reach the end…at least I’ll be in a Mini :)</p>