MINI USA Sales Down Big for May
MINI USA sales are in for May and the numbers aren’t great. The brand reported 2,822 vehicles sold, a decrease of 33.2 percent from the 4,226 in the same month a year ago. That’s a serious downturn and one that looks bad at almost every angle. All models are down, leading the way the Clubman, Convertible and Countryman in that order. What’s been fascinating for us is seeing how the Countryman has consistently been down over the past six months. Could it be that the downturn in the small car market has shrunken MINIUSA’s buyers down to a more loyal demographic less interested in the larger MINIs? Just a hypothesis but it’s an interesting thought.
Pre-owned vehicles were better but still in the red. MINI Certified Pre-Owned sold 1,201 vehicles, a decrease of 13 percent from May 2018. Total MINI Pre-Owned sold 2,807 vehicles, a decrease of 6.7 percent from May 2018.
Of course we’re just months away from some pretty big upgrades including 301 hp JCWs and DCT automatic MINI as well. And the end of this year will bring the most anticipated MINI, the all electric Cooper S E.
<p>If they don’t star to innovate they will sink and I love the brand so much.</p>
<p>MINI USA sales down -33.2% for May is another shocking statistic, with YTD sales down -22.4%, but BMW USA Passenger Cars are still struggling (the only exception being the all-new 3-series) with May sales down -20.5% and YTD sales down -15.1%.</p>
<p>As is the norm now, it’s only sales of Light Trucks up +41.2% in May and up +29% YTD, that keep the BMW USA Brand in positive sales territory up +1.7% for May and up +0.7% YTD. The X3 is by far its best seller with May sales up +30.6% and YTD up +29.4%.</p>
<p>The most shocking statistic, however, is reserved for the X1 with May sales down -73.4%.</p>
<p>BMW GROUP USA ‘UKL’ SALES – MAY vs YTD 2019</p>
<ol>
<li>BMW X2 1,158 (-38.5%) vs 4,931 (+29.1%)</li>
<li>MINI F60 1,140 (-32.6%) vs 5,216 (-34.7%)</li>
<li>BMW X1 0,659 (-73.4%) vs 8,133 (-38.5%)</li>
<li>MINI F56 0,647 (-30.1%) vs 3,469 (-11.0%)</li>
<li>MINI F55 0,466 (-23.2%%) vs 2,593 (+8.7%)</li>
<li>MINI F57 0,327 (-41.2%) vs 1,789 (-27.2%)</li>
<li>MINI F54 0,242 (-45.7%) vs 1,281 (-26.5%)</li>
</ol>
<p>It’s because the LCI X1 is coming ;)</p>
<p>Thanks Eric – that certainly will have been a contributory factor. However, X1 US sales have been falling for some time now. X1 2018 YTD sales were down -5.7% in part – but not totally – due to the launch of the X2 earlier that year.</p>
<p>BMW X1 MONTHLY SALES – 2019:</p>
<p>Jan -43.9%
Feb -49.4%
Mar -06.6%
Apr -23.1%
May -73.4%</p>
<p>X1 has been on a stop sale since the middle of May, so that is more of a contributing factor than anything.</p>
<p>Actually I think it’s the X2</p>
<p>There is no doubt that in the first few months following the launch of the hugely attractive X2, there was a noticeable decline in US X1 sales.</p>
<p>I hope sales of the X1 improve with the LCI updates, but the auto industry globally is currently facing huge challenges.</p>
<p>The real reason they are not selling is because there is a national stop sale on all 2019 X1. Something to do with the B Pillar and until BMW finds a fix dealers cannot sell them.</p>
<p>Ok 🙂 airbag ?</p>
<p>I am on the market for a new car and have been at various dealers in the NYC Tri State area for the last few months (numerous brands from GM to Hyundai to BMW to Volvo … yes, I am indecisive) … one major observation I can make is that showrooms are ghost towns … I remember years ago this time of year places were buzzing … Price I think is a major factor. And with MINI especially. I mean its been a long time now where their CPO’s are doing much better than new cars. Isn’t this a dead giveaway for them?</p>
<p>remind me again… why does MINI have the 4-door hardtop?</p>
<p>Not sure. The doors are tiny as are the rear seats. I had one as a rental and with the seat in a comfortable position, the rear seat was essentially useless. I’d just go for the 3 door.</p>
<p>I have the 4 door hardtop and I not only love it but it kicks ass. This is my 4th hardtop and I really didn’t want the 4 door but couldn’t pass on the utility. I have a 10 year old and it’s a perfect fit for him, he says he has more than enough room. the trunk is a little bigger and it drives like a Mini. Since picking it up I haven’t looked back. So the question of why they have a 4 door is a little off, it might not make sense for you, but it allowed me to buy a hardtop and not have to move to another brand or the countryman.</p>
<p>Well said, and your example is exactly why the 4-door Hardtop is offered. Anyone who has ever tried to fasten a struggling small child into a child safety seat in the back of an F56, will fully appreciate the benefit of having an extra pair of doors.</p>
<p>BTW, the F55 is the only MINI USA model in positive sales territory in 2019 YTD.</p>
<p>The clubman is also a thing; it’s not quite “another brand or the countryman.”</p>
<p>And when did 10-year-olds lose the ability to climb in back of a front seat? I did that all the time when I was that age, and it was fine.</p>
<p>But regardless, my comment was more about the 2-door hardtop once again out-selling the 4-door hardtop, after so many people thought the 4-door was going to kill the 2-door because it ticked a box for customers.</p>