In all of the years since MINI came back to North America it has always been a big presence at the New York International Auto Show. Yesterday, during Press Day, I was shocked to find no MINI display.
What happened? Anyone know the details?

 

I heard that the F55 Clubman was not ready for the show, so MINI decided to pull their participation this year.

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/2015/03/...nyc-auto-show/

 

According to MotoringFile it had to do with show organizers deciding at the last minute to arrange manufacturers by sales volume, which made MINI USA unhappy since it would have demoted them to the outer hall so they pulled out.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2015/03/...sales-meeting/

 

Once again, THE MAN is keeping you oppressed....
Seriously though, that's a shame.

 

MF says US Mini sales in March were up about 60% over 2014. AND THEY ONLY SOLD 2 CLUBMANS!

 

I WAS HOPING to see the jcw at the kc auto show but no such luck.

 

This is what I heard as well. Prestige MINI normally has a contingent of salespeople at the NY auto show and I was speaking to one recently while inquiring about the JCW and the confirmed this as well that MINI pulled out of the show after learning of the unfavorable positioning on their display.

 

In this case, I can't blame BMW/Mini for making this decision.
Good on them.

 

They certainly made it to the Vancouver Auto Show last week. a green/red JCW F56 was tucked away in a corner at the back of a fleet of Minis. I told a salesperson that I was shocked that one of the best cars of the whole show was almost hidden away!

This however less disappointing than the fact that the redesigned and rather lovely 2016 Mazda Miata was absent. I have a series crush on this car!

 

MotoringFile will probably adjust their post on the matter.

The convertible was never supposed to be released on the first place. The R57 came out in March 2009 so based on BMW's typical sever-year cycle, the F57 should be due in early 2016. MotoringFile actually posted about that here: http://www.motoringfile.com/2015/03/...but-next-year/

As far as NYIAS is concerned, it doesn't have anything to do with market share but rather brand perception. NYIAS organizers see MINI as a mass-market brand like Kia or Hyndai while MINI USA see themselves as a luxury brand. Upscale brands are usually located at the center of the floor plan while mass-market car makers are relegated to the outer sides. MINI has always been placed at the center but NYIAS decide to change the "rule" at the last minute so MINI USA decided to pull out. It's the right decision.

 

So, you're a series N-timer on your Mini? How high is N now?