MINI USA Sales Down 22% for April
Official Release: MINI USA reported sales of 3,657 automobiles, down 22.4 percent from the 4,713 cars sold in April 2008. Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 12,170 automobiles, a decrease of 18.2 percent, compared to the 14,877 cars reported in April 2008.
“We’ve seen sales stabilizing month-to-month in our segment in April but this stability has come at the price of greater sales stimulation by everyone,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA. “MINI has largely managed to stay away from ‘sweeteners to the deal’ in the past. However, last month we introduced a modest incentive allowing us to track better than our segment year-to-date and continue to improve our sales month-to-month since January.”
<p>ehehehe…. eheheehehe….. either lower the damn price, or put more stuff on standard. especially the JCW… make the car what it should be (suspension and aero standard at the very least), and i’ll buy a car tomorrow.</p>
<p>Certain brands need to charge a premium due to the speciality they offer… if MINI could sell it cheaper, they would at this point, but MINI is what it is, and won’t ever get to the point where it’s an impulse buy.</p>
<p>Successful companies adjust prices according to demand. If they stick with being stubborn because they believe themselves to be something they’re not, they’re going to fall.</p>
<p>If you are a premium brand in times like these, then sales will suffer. You have the opportunity to get the basic MINI One, but the car is still in the upper premium segment. The marketed target group has run out of cash and loan money.</p>
<p>And the argument rolls on as everyone keeps slamming MINI for not being proactive to prevent a decrease in sales…yet EVERY automotive sector is seeing the EXACT same decrease…Face it…cars are built better than they were and they last longer than they did…especially if you are driving something that is in the premium market…Dont see too many people crying about their Dodge Neons and Chevy Cavaliers…do you???</p>
<p>I just checked carsdirect.com. Their price for a 2009 S convertible is about 1K below MSRP.</p>
<p>As a comparison, the Mazda Miata Touring model (27.4K MSRP) is listed for 26K.</p>
<p>So the market has gone a bit soft even for the most desirable vehicles.</p>
<p>Of Course they are going to be down!!! Last Year was record year for MINI, gas prices hit 4.00+. Compare months to 2007 or 2006 and let’e see where they stand now.</p>
<p>With MINI sticking to their price segment then don’t delute the market and level the MINI as a premium product, not a discount eco box.</p>
<p>Keep price the same include some more perks will sell the MINI itself.</p>
<p>Dont follow trends to boost sales, MINIs sell themselves.</p>
<p>Gas prices did bring the gas customer, which helps new people enter the brand, then keep them with the first drive and handling.</p>
<p>Once they drive one they will know!</p>
<p>Thank you!!! alpinamike….some sense. Change their prices to adjust to the economy….are you kidding me…sound like dc11r and the ceo of these banks have something in common..did you actually think that comment through before you posted???</p>
<p>MINI sales have dropped 18%, but about half the market total of -36%. Effectively, they have doubled their market share. That’s impressive.</p>
<p>Jason I can tell your not an econ major. Read an Industrial Organization book.</p>
<p>You welcome to your view.</p>
<p>Sorry gabe, thats why I dont like to post anymore. I just like to read outside comments.</p>
<p>With the Fiat 500 hitting US showrooms 2010, time will tell.</p>
<p>That’s what I was saying alpinamike….did you read the rest of the post. I agreed with you not dc11 or whatever his name was. I was a econ business major at a private school in boston, i don’t think i need any help in that area.</p>