MINI USA Sales Up 10% for November
MINI USA sales are gaining momentum with almost 3,000 F56 Cooper and Cooper S models sold over the course of November. Combined with the rest of the range MINI sold over 5,000 units for the month, an increase of 9.5% over the previous year. However there are a couple notable low numbers worth mentioning. Click through for all the details.
The Coupe and Roadster continue to disappoint in sales with the total barely eclipsing 100 units. That’s more writing on the wall for both models’ days being numbered.
Equally disappointing are Paceman sales down almost 60% from the previous year.
Official Release: For November, MINI USA reports 5,009 automobiles sold, an increase of 9.5 percent from the 4,575 sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI USA reported a sales total of 49,497 automobiles, a decrease of 17.4 percent from the 59,910 automobiles sold in the first eleven months of 2013.
MINI Pre-Owned Vehicles
In November, MINI used automobiles (including MINI NEXT certified pre-owned and pre-owned) reported sales of 1,728 automobiles, a decrease of 10.7 percent from the 1,936 sold in November, 2013. Year-to-date, MINI used automobiles (including MINI NEXT certified pre-owned) reported sales of 22,682 automobiles, an increase of 13.0 percent from the 20,079 automobiles sold in the first eleven months of 2013.
<p>5 Clubmen.</p>
<p>Production of R55 Clubman at Plant Oxford ceased in June 2014.</p>
<p>Ah, that makes more sense then. Thanks.</p>
<p>Note that R60 Countryman is the only MINI in positive territory for the YTD.</p>
<p>MINI sales will likely continue to slide south as more desirable alternatives begin to appear in the marketplace. IMHO the brand has “progressively” lost its “mini” identity since the R53. MINI no longer possesses the scale that made it distinctively attractive to buyers for generations preceding its U.S. 2002 renaissance. It has and continues to desperately seek the broadest consumer swath possible and in so doing has diluted its unique identity. Granted, MINI designers have sought to retain a few significant cues. Despite their efforts the fabled marque now misses the mark with each successive iteration aside from sales volume of the Countryman. Of course, to those that are either too young to relate to the original Minis, or are oblivious to historical precedent my observation may matter not. Thus, MINI will likely continue to travel along a misguided road that may lead to the brands ultimate demise. Hopefully those at the wheel will recognize this perilous course and take corrective action sooner than later.</p>
<p>By slide south you mean sell more as they have been doing since having full stock of the F56?</p>
<p>Gabe, one topic for consideration when looking at MINI USA sales – the number of franchise dealerships is also steadily increasing. Even if annual sales were at the same level as 2014 (which they are not), these sales are divided across more dealers. Many of these dealers are moving a lower volume of cars.. That is not easy to sustain, especially when stand-alone facility requirements add to their overhead costs.</p>
<p>Hopefully the new tv advertising campaign will help bring more buyers, along with the launch of the F55. I’m looking forward to the F54 Clubman, and it should also be a winner.</p>
<p>Except the reality is that most dealerships make their margins on service, parts and accessories, not actual vehicle sales. Lower inventories mean they’re paying less floor interest and tax as well. Not being able to meet sales demand is not a good thing, but it doesn’t necessarily put dealers in direct peril, at least not in the short term, because they’re making most of their money in areas besides the direct sales of cars. This is true across the board, not just for MINI dealerships, and even applies in other retail vehicle segments like motorcycles and ATVs. That said, obviously more cars available for sale is a good thing up to a point. As MINI brings on added manufacturing capacity, such as their Netherlands facility, meeting demand will get easier and easier, even as the dealer network grows.</p>
<p>Here in the U.S. the original Mini was only sold for about 10 years during the 1960’s before stronger emissions requirements put a stop on its import from England. So that original never had as much of an owner base as compared to other countries.</p>
<p>Like it or not, U.S. auto owners tend to go for larger/roomier vehicles overall. (I’m not one of them…have always preferred smaller). That’s likely the reason the Countryman is doing as well as it is & predict the new F55 & eventual F54 Clubman will also do very well.</p>
<p>But you’re absolutely correct, that a model like the Rocketman would likely do very well for the brand as part of the lineup re its origin identity!! Models like the Coupe & Roadster will always have a very small following due to their obvious limitations. I’ve had a JCW Coupe for the past 3 years as my only vehicle, & its limitations that I’ve experienced, are among the reasons I have an F55S on order as my next MINI.</p>
<p>Are you forgetting how poor MINI has been doing since it was created? It wasn’t some beacon of automotive success. It doesn’t need to get “back to its roots.”</p>
<p>The reason for the lack of sales on the Paceman as compared to the Countryman (more than 10 to 1 in favor of the Countryman), might end up being the same reason that the F55 may eventually outsell the F56 over the long haul. It’s the increased practicality of a 4 door over a 2 door. Likewise, the upcoming F54 Clubman may be a big success… especially here in the U.S.</p>
<p>The Paceman & Countryman are about the same size, have most of the same features, & in my opinion, the Paceman has a sleeker look. I view it as an oversized R56. But its main BIG difference & negative compared to the Countryman is rear seat access. That alone, is likely the reason for its poor sales & perhaps eventual demise.</p>