MINI USA Sales Down 7.4% for September
MINI USA Sales were dissapointingly down 7.4% from the 3,736 sold in the same month a year ago. Sales were led by the MINI Countryman, with 1,411 units – a 1.5 percent increase compared September 2017.
Year to date, MINI brand sales are down 1.7 percent. While that’s actually less than most small cars, it’s still a worrying trend.
<p>MINI USA sales down 7.4% in September, but BMW passenger car sales down 9.2%. MINI and BMW YTD sales are down 1.7% and 1.2% respectively.</p>
<p>MINI USA SALES YTD 2017 vs 2018</p>
<p>Hardtop—- 13,451 vs 12,107 (-10.55%)
Convertible– 4,282 vs 4,452 (+04.00%)
Clubman—– 6,465 vs 3,492 (-46.00%)
Countryman 10,582 vs 14,142 (+33.70%)</p>
<p>TOTAL 34,787 vs 34,193 (-1.7%)</p>
<p>Memo to BMW: More MINI SAV/Crossover models urgently required, and a truly small MINI SUV, like the adorable all-new Suzuki Jimny, would be appreciated.</p>
<p>In its native Japan, Suzuki has been taken by surprise at the demand for its new Jimny and has had to open an additional production line to meet local demand. The new Jimny does not go on sale in the UK until December, but a dealer in Scotland has already taken deposits to cover its stock allocation for the next two years!
<a href="https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/775e76bacd5662474995075c8f994ad57ac990494df285c7ffc6b52b0de07218.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/775e76bacd5662474995075c8f994ad57ac990494df285c7ffc6b52b0de07218.jpg</a></p>
<p>The MINI Countryman S E is currently the 22nd best selling EV in the US, up from 33rd place last year. By comparison, the BMW i3 is currently in 11th place, down from 9th place last year. The latest more powerful battery in the i3 has rendered the Range Extender version obsolete, and production of that model will now cease.</p>
<p>Only in Europe. The REx model will continue here in the U.S.</p>
<p>Thanks Mike – the attached has been updated:</p>
<p><a href="https://insideevs.com/bmw-ditches-range-extender-rex-i3/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://insideevs.com/bmw-ditches-range-extender-rex-i3/</a></p>
<p>This proves a point. When you say: “the adorable new Jimny”…. and “having to open an additional production line to meet the demand”…. This is what happened when they introduced the R50-R56 cars. They were unique, well-proportioned, fun to drive, relatively well put together, and held their value. I’m afraid the F56 cars with the hideous front end, and the increasing styling fads like chrome-plated vents and nostrils, the bizarre lower chin, sheet metal creases on the doors, the fake hood scoops, fake engine sounds, etc. all lack the “adorable factor”. As they used to say in design school: “good design sells”.</p>
<p>I don’t disagree with you, but ironically since the launch of the F-series, MINI has been enjoying record global sales – it’s only in the US where overall MINI sales have plummeted. Without the Countryman, MINI USA would probably have thrown in the towel by now.</p>
<p>BTW, attached below is the official video of the all-new Jimny.</p>
<p><a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ajn4O8oznQU" rel="nofollow ugc">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ajn4O8oznQU</a></p>
<p>Well, the F-Series Countryman does look much better than the previous R-Series, and apparently it shows with robust sales. I may be wrong, but I remember during the R-Series run, the 3-door hatchback outsold every other model, including the Countryman and Paceman. A small 2-seater (2+2) with a 6-speed manual will never be a volume seller here in the US. But it would do much better if it looked great, got people excited, and developed a reputation for reliability. It worked for the BMW 2002, the early 320’s, and the R-Series. And I do agree with you, that Jimny looks good, clean, devoid of all the current “styling fads” like huge nostrils, arbitrary creases on the sheet metal, cutesy details on the bumpers, tail lights and bling LED headlights.</p>
<p>A lot of it has to do with the increasing desire for crossovers among US consumers. Small hatchbacks are way down (more than MINI) for other automakers.</p>
<p>Your memory serves you well – at the peak of R-series sales in the US in 2013, the R56 was comfortably the best seller, followed closely by the R60, and together they accounted for 72.60% of total MINI USA sales. It took five more models to make up the remaining 27.40% of sales.</p>
<p>MINI USA TOTAL SALES 2013:</p>
<p>R56 Hardtop —- 26,954 = (40.53%)
R60 Countryman 21,325 = (32.07%)
R55 Clubman — 05,155 = (07.75%)
R57 Convertible- 04,460 = (06.71%)
R61 Paceman — 03,262 = (04.90%)
R59 Roadster — 02,806 = (04.22%)
R58 Coupe —— 02,540 = (03.82%)</p>
<p>Last year, MINI USA total sales were the lowest since 2010.</p>
<p>Great!. As you said earlier: “memo to BMW…….pay attention to those numbers”…. I think some adult supervision needs to really jump in, and question why the F56 has lost some of that “adorable” factor, and thus, momentum. (It’s not that difficult!)..</p>
<p>While it would be heresy to some why couldn’t MINI “Countryfy” the F55 four door? It wouldn’t be hard to do and even though it would lack AWD I feel some people would welcome the “Crossover” or outdoorsy look.</p>
<p>Great suggestion Mark. Gabe had posted something to that effect as a possible rumor. I for one would be all in for something like that if properly executed</p>
<p>Rumors are that we’ll see something similiar in the next generation.</p>