You might know that I’ve been maintaining a webpage showing MINI USA sales, since the car was introduced back in 2002. The information comes from BMW / MINI press releases, and unfortunately these have recently been “simplified” to make life easier for the press – apparently they were confused by all the different model variants and/or unable to use calculators!
So in the past, as shown in the sales figures, separate figures were provided for the “first gen” R50/53 MINIs, the new R56 MINIs, and the Convertibles – all in both S and non-S guises; then in October 2007 the press information was reduced to just three numbers – one for Cooper, one for Cooper S and one for Convertibles (both S and non-S versions!)
Thanks to support from MINI USA staff, I’ve got the S / non-S breakdown for the Convertibles for the last three months of 2007, and I’ve assumed that all Cooper / Cooper S sales were of R56 MINIs (there were very few R50/R53 sales in September/October 2007) – this has allowed me to basically provide complete sales figures information for 2002 through 2007, including a chart:
It’s clear from the chart that after a five month burst of high sales since the R56 was introduced, there’s been a significant drop-off – but back down to what would be “normal” sales figures before the R56 was introduced. Of course with more dealerships now in USA, the lower sales figures are probably not what is wanted; they might be a reflection of the Clubman being brought into the Oxford manufacturing plant, or the result of slower winter sales – either way, it will be interesting to see what the next few months shows …
Please note: In the future, I will be limited to the simplified press release data. Sorry!
M&I / GBMINI 
Hope you and M had a great time in USVI.
Didn’t know about this page?
Had a great day at SCMMs party on Saturday with lotsa oohs and aahs for the new Twisty clocks given away there. Will post pics next week at my blog.
I’m looking at the same data as you. I’m not seeing what you describe.
I wonder why you can’t see it?!
Look at the chart – see how the last few months reach to between 3,000 and 3,500 … just like many months in 2004/5/6, and unlike earlier months of 2007 which were 4,000+
I am looking at the chart. Excluding the start up and R50/53-56 transition the many months in 04,5,6 that were around 3000-3500 were the mean (and thats being generous), not the low. The 3000-3500 appears to be the lowest level of sales for the R56. Even if current sales continue at this level the 07-08 mean will be higher than 04,5,6. I don’t think there is much personal interpretation in this – thats the numbers. That’s why I don’t understand what you are seeing.
I also don’t understand how you describe oct, nov, dec as “significant” drop off. Sales came from the highest levels in record, to a level higher than the previous mean.
When I look at the chart what jumps out at me as a “significant” drop was the bulk of 05 when sales went from record highs loosing about 2000 units by Jan06. Whats with that?