http://www.motoringfile.com/2013/06/...ntent=FaceBook

 

Oh Oh ..looks like the wheels are starting to fall of the wagon!! ha ha

 

It's all those damn battleship-sized SUV's!

 

Perhaps impacted by the April spring cleaning special which shifted sales to other periods.

 

I'm not trying to hate or anything but do you think once the "F56" is released the sales would go down even more? I mean from what I've read it seems like more people dislike it rather than like it... Just a thought...

 

It is the ratings...The most complained car in the US.

 

I am very curious as well to see what happens to the sales when the F56 comes out!! Strange thing is today just about all car companies reported all sales are up and production is increasing... maybe not so much for the MINI..lol..

 

Traditionally sales go down shortly before the introduction of a new model, this might be a reflection of that effect. Sales shoot back up once the new model is out.

We love the existing MINIs. It's not a huge wonder that we're not happy with the prospect of significant changes. I'm guessing the new car will be a hit, at least for a little while.

 

Part of the problem is that there's much more choice in the small car market than there was when Mini first returned to the States. Almost all of them are cheaper, naturally, and even the performance-oriented niches where the Cooper S used to have a monopoly are seeing competition from cars like the Fiesta ST and the 500 Abarth. (Not that those are better choices, though the Fiesta's a pretty snazzy-looking car, but still.)

But the key word in that last paragraph is "niche". Mini remains a niche choice, mainly due to the lack of a mainstream four-door body style like the aforementioned Fiesta (or Chevy Sonic, Kia Rio, Honda Fit, etc.) Proof of that comes from the Countryman's instant success upon its release. I feel the bigger problem for Mini will not be when the F56 arrives, as it will probably be a good car. But it will be sharing its major architecture with a BMW for the first time, and I suspect a fair number of people will gravitate toward the roundel - even if it's more expensive - just out of badge snobbery. So Mini may end up being more of a boutique brand, for those wanting a more personalized small car experience.

 

^^^^ Could write for Motoringfile.

 

With these things in mind, a 4 door F56 is coming. So is a 4 door clubman.

 

All very good points above^^^ All I do know is I hope the best for MINI.. Hands down it just has something about it..right down to its name

 

I'm not sure that would be such a big problem. The average car buyer is completely clueless when it comes to auto manufacturer relationships, even if their car is an obvious rebadge of another model. There are people out there who would be shocked to know that Lexuses (Lexi?) are just more luxurious versions of Toyota models and I am still often asked what brand my car is when others learn I drive a MINI.