Ok, this is interesting.....Columbia Highway on the Marine Traffic site states it's next port is JAX....that would be Jacksonville Florida. Did they run out of room in Bruns?

You would think they would have all these issues sorted out before shipping cars to the US. They have had months plus it is not like the engines or anything mechanical is different between the 2014s and 2015s

 

Here is the list: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/crttst.htm

Every MINI is on the 2015 list except the hardtop (Mini Cooper 3-door). Compare to 2014 list where it IS listed. (wailing and gnashing of teeth)

 

This is horrible and unacceptable!!
I put down a $500 deposit and was told that I would have a car in 6-8 weeks!

 

It truly is! Granted I know nothing about the car biz, but how can they take orders for and ship cars that they know have not been cleared to be legally sold. I sold my car expecting delivery this week. Fortunately I work from home, but this is highly inconvenient to say the least. Columbia Highway going to Jax instead of Brunswick is really ominous. That seems to suggest that cars are just being stored because they need room at Brunswick for cars that can actually be processed and delivered. Yes, this is completely unacceptable.

 

I'm not freaking out about this yet. If EPA testing hasn't been completed for cars which are beginning to enter the country then it would be a MONUMENTAL screw up for MINI. Like how could an entire company forget to get essential testing completed?

"Oh crap, I knew I forgot something!"

This wouldn't just be an inconvenience for waiting customers but could be financially disastrous for MINI if they are stuck carrying months of inventory on their most popular model. Remember they PAID for those cars when they built them and by not selling them they're not only not making money but they aren't covering costs.

I have a hard time believing a modern car company would be that stupid. I'll wait and see. But I'm not judging you folks, so freak out if it makes you feel better!

 

See my link above re: the EPA list. 2015 hardtop (they seem to call it "Mini Cooper 3-doors) is not on the July 2014 list of certified vehicle models. Pretty black and white. I assume it will be on the August list, but hopefully it won't take until week of August 25 as stated above. So yes, it does in fact seem they built and shipped cars without EPA cert. You're right about the dealerships too. I'm sure we are not the only ones who are--- um--- let's just say "disappointed."

 

My '15 MCS arrived at Port Hueneme about an hour ago aboard Metis Leader. Until last night I was expecting to be driving by next week - all as a result of my clever attention to Mini's production schedule for the very first of the 2015's. I suspect this "EPA delay" is indeed real and while we might get the first 2015's, we may be waiting a few weeks longer for them. I'm a senior citizen, and while I don't really have to have a new Mini, I want it now!

Mini USA should advise its dealers as to the status of the 2015 hardtops.

 

Has anyone call the sale manager (not the MA) from your dealership yet?

 

I just got off the phone with my dealer. He said they just received a bulletin last night and it pretty much confirms MINIwuff's post, right down to the October 1st part. I won't even quote it here - too depressing. He suggested we write to MINI and voice our concerns. He also said it's a fluid situation and MINI might be trying to resolve the situation sooner. He doesn't know if it's a MINIUSA issue or if the fault lies with BMW. Anyone know who we should write to at MINIUSA? BTW, I was also told the sales manager was absolutely livid. No one knew this was happening. The dealership has 15-20 2015s on the way that cannot be sold.

 

Maybe we need to set up a Facebook page and also we need to reach out to "MINI Take The States" http://miniusa.tumblr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MINIUSA/pos...if_t=notify_me
I sorry but I do not have the time

 

can we change the title of this thread to "2015 angry almost-owners"?

 

My dealer has just confirmed that this is true. The cars release has been delayed.

 

Earliest release date 8/31, worst case scenario 10/1. Prepare for the worst.

This is not a ploy to sell 2014s. This is real. EPA certification for the F56 model has not been completed, and until it is, those vehicles are not allowed to be sold in the US.

It appears that something may have happened with the original certification, or it was challenged - think of the Hyundai 40mpg situation from a couple years ago - and the vehicles need to be re-certified. This most likely happened while vehicles were under their regular production/shipping schedule and there is nothing MINI could have done about it. So we sit and wait.

To confirm, only the 2015 MINI F56 is being held due to EPA certification. MINI is trying to expedite this as they are fully understand the impact that this will have on orders, owners, dealers and ultimately SALES and REPUTATION. However, from what I understand, the soonest release date in August 31st and worst case scenario is October 1st. Dealers are being asked to prepare for the worst case scenario.

Wish it was better news and if I learn anything more, I will pass it along. With MTTS 2014 in full swing, that may be a bit difficult and take some time.

 

I just got back from an hour meeting with my Sales Manager and MA in person. We can hope for sooner and hope MINI will work things out, but as of right now, the date is October 1 to release the 2015s. Those that have shipped will be held at VDC. Others will be held in UK. That's the info I've been given, you're mileage may vary.

 

Any extra goodies because of the misstep?

Guess it just means more waiting.

 

I guess that will be a discussion for October. They did mention there could be some discounts because of annual MotoTober.

 

Yeah, it would be nice if they'd throw in a customer appeasement credit--carpets or something. (That was a MA "gift" on my last one).

I just pulled the ad for my old MINI. Looks like we'll be pals for a while longer...

 

I just told my wife about this. She suggested we put a Central American unaccompanied minor in the car and we can get it released

Don't flame me or her. I just thought it was a witty / funny comment.

 

Good one. We can't be upset with the dealers they are just as mad as we are and they going to have empty lots

 

I know. Our dealership is brand new, just opened last month. This really sucks for them.

 

Well this is just great. I haven't heard from my MA yet but my '15 MCS has completed production about 2 weeks ago but is still "waiting for a carrier". My MA originally told me I should be taking delivery towards the end of August.

I'm actually transferring my nissan juke lease and I'll be out of a car now since people are saying the '15 models won't be in the US until october. My dealer doesn't offer loaner cars either!! I don't know what to do now

 

Promotions like that are usually for new orders only. I wouldn't expect any of our purchases to qualify. Years ago we ordered a brand new BMW, and a few weeks later (before delivery) they came out with a $500 discount. They told us our order would qualify, but we never saw a penny. You can believe we tried, though.

 

Well we got the same news today from our MA... 1 Oct for the 2015s. She didn't say anything out a possible end of Aug date but let's all hope this happens. I just checked the K-line schedule and the Columbia Highway is scheduled to make port in GA on the 2nd. This means our car will be sitting and baking in the GA Sun, heat and weather for at least a month, maybe 2 before it is delivered. My wife is pretty upset but at least we didn't sell her car yet.

I'm sure Mini will try to minimize this impact as much as possible, but for people that have (mostly) paid MSRP for a car and to tell them they have to wait due to their poor planning is pretty poor. I hope they will compensate owners that have waited.

Who knows where to write?

 

Looks Like the Elektra just passed through the Panama Canal! 8 more days!!!

 

I don't think so. More like 68 more days. Better read the last 10 or 15 posts.