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.”

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.