MINI USA Sales Down 2% for December and 16% for 2009
MINI USA reported sales of 3,489 automobiles, a decrease of 2.2 percent compared to 3,566 cars reported in the same month a year ago. For the year, MINI USA also reported sales of 45,225 automobiles, a decrease of 16.4 percent compared to the 54,077 cars reported in 2008.
“In a 2009, where our segment was down over 40 percent, we’re quite happy with MINI’s performance as it was the second best year since the launch of the brand in 2002, and market share increased significantly,†said Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA. “For 2010, our growth story should continue driven by three factors: an improving economy, adding dealerships in key markets of opportunity across the US, and building momentum for doubling the number of vehicles in the MINI range.â€
<p>Interesting take…. Overall, industry average decline was about 26%, I think, so Mini did better than most but worst than some. I think that price was the cause of this. I don’t see how the yet to be priced Speedster and Toupe are going to fix that, nor do I see how the Countryman or Spacebox will either.</p>
<p>Let’s all hope that as the economy recovers, that people have more to spend on the “premium small car” that MINI really is.</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>Yes and the refresh of the existing models may turn out to be more critical than the introduction of the ones.</p>
<p>Interesting that although MINI was down 16% from 2008, 2008 is the only year that beat 2009 in total number of MINI sales.</p>
<p>I can see adding Dealerships as one big way to boost sales. Most people won’t buy a new car that they have to drive across the State to get serviced.</p>
<p>Not surprising their lower sales in the US. BMW-Mini have been extremely slow in upgrading their engines and gearboxes. There is still no sight of a more powerful diesel offering (i.e. the BMW 2Litre), which would also be right for the US. In addition, there is still no double-clutch gearbox available for the more powerful Cooper S and Works versions.</p>