R50/53 Any ideas for MINI's reason for cutbacks in production numbe
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Indiana, USA
First things First,
What a great post. If I was the BMW CEO I would be stoked! Look at all this energy - all this interest! Many of us have MINIS and are still talking about how many will be coming stateside! A marketing DREAM!
One thing that hasn't been mentioned (actually Two) is that (1) many MINIS are sitting on the lot because of all the ordering that is going on. To me, this spells CHAOS! (and 2) It must be extremely difficult to keep up with orders at the MINI plant in OXFORD. And if you are getting 3 orders for every car you have right there on the lot, things must back up a great deal. I graduated from the NOVEMBER club with flying colors and I think I made it just in time. A good point was made earlier about MINIS being made for the WORLD, not just for the egocentric USA. By the way, we "rejected" the Mini in 65, 66, and 67 by only buying 10,000 or so.
BMW has generated a great HUMAN quality to marketing of this car - they have done an excellent job. And, they have not "Tricked" us - they set out to market a BRAND - A LIFESTYLE - openly - and we love it - well, many of us do. So, keep in mind that behind all this marketing and succcess are HUMAN BEINGS - working hard to get us the car that we desire - Yes, BMW is making $$$$$$, we know that, we accept that, and we will expect them to produce a QUALITY CAR for our QUALITY lifestyles. You're all FAB!
An Artist's View
GROSS67
What a great post. If I was the BMW CEO I would be stoked! Look at all this energy - all this interest! Many of us have MINIS and are still talking about how many will be coming stateside! A marketing DREAM!
One thing that hasn't been mentioned (actually Two) is that (1) many MINIS are sitting on the lot because of all the ordering that is going on. To me, this spells CHAOS! (and 2) It must be extremely difficult to keep up with orders at the MINI plant in OXFORD. And if you are getting 3 orders for every car you have right there on the lot, things must back up a great deal. I graduated from the NOVEMBER club with flying colors and I think I made it just in time. A good point was made earlier about MINIS being made for the WORLD, not just for the egocentric USA. By the way, we "rejected" the Mini in 65, 66, and 67 by only buying 10,000 or so.
BMW has generated a great HUMAN quality to marketing of this car - they have done an excellent job. And, they have not "Tricked" us - they set out to market a BRAND - A LIFESTYLE - openly - and we love it - well, many of us do. So, keep in mind that behind all this marketing and succcess are HUMAN BEINGS - working hard to get us the car that we desire - Yes, BMW is making $$$$$$, we know that, we accept that, and we will expect them to produce a QUALITY CAR for our QUALITY lifestyles. You're all FAB!
An Artist's View
GROSS67
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: seattle
hi,
as a person who works in advertising i can say BMW/mini have done an excellent job, as some of you have said, tuning into the lifestyle aspect of the car. i mean, one thing so many US auto makers have forgotten is not ALL of us americans want to drive SUVs but do want to drive something cool and well-built. this is part of the lifestyle that i really admire and having the the guts for them to even mention "let the SUV backlash begin" in the good ol' US of A is more than most companies would risk.
just proves that all american's do NOT fit the sterotype that a lot of people have of us around the world now.
cutting the production numbers is smart as well, as has been mentioned simply to keep the demand high and brand exclusive. if you've seen the factory info on the mini.com international site though you know the HUGE factory in Oxford can churn out quite a few cars if they want to considering the size of the plant.
curt
as a person who works in advertising i can say BMW/mini have done an excellent job, as some of you have said, tuning into the lifestyle aspect of the car. i mean, one thing so many US auto makers have forgotten is not ALL of us americans want to drive SUVs but do want to drive something cool and well-built. this is part of the lifestyle that i really admire and having the the guts for them to even mention "let the SUV backlash begin" in the good ol' US of A is more than most companies would risk.
just proves that all american's do NOT fit the sterotype that a lot of people have of us around the world now.
cutting the production numbers is smart as well, as has been mentioned simply to keep the demand high and brand exclusive. if you've seen the factory info on the mini.com international site though you know the HUGE factory in Oxford can churn out quite a few cars if they want to considering the size of the plant.
curt
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
>>There is NO scaling back of production....MCS allocations to US dealerships are being lowered for roughly 6-8 months to allow other markets to have more units.
Thank you for the support MINIjunky...I don't know why others keep thinking this is a ploy to keep MINIs exclusive. Believe me, Oxford is pumping out MINIs just as fast as it possibly can. But since the MINI USA has already smashed this year's sales goals, they're just trying to spread the available cars around to different markets.
The US is only one part of the MINI market, and they never really intended it to be a large part. They're not even investing in TV ads here, which they are doing in the UK, Europe, Canada, and Asia.
Thank you for the support MINIjunky...I don't know why others keep thinking this is a ploy to keep MINIs exclusive. Believe me, Oxford is pumping out MINIs just as fast as it possibly can. But since the MINI USA has already smashed this year's sales goals, they're just trying to spread the available cars around to different markets.
The US is only one part of the MINI market, and they never really intended it to be a large part. They're not even investing in TV ads here, which they are doing in the UK, Europe, Canada, and Asia.
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>>So there is a coolant leak, and the MINI network gets, what, 500 calls the next day? Think of the brand positioning they were after. They planned on the enthusiasm, but I am sure the marketing and bean counter people undershot what they would need to provide when they ended up with a problem. Or three (coolant, latch, cold start). We are watching them, all the time. And they are watching us watch them. They watch potential owners scour the country for better deals, get detailed information from other owners, good and bad. It doesn't necessarily scare them, but it does, finally, give us some latitude to hold them accountable.
>>
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>>
I think that Username makes some excellent points...and I wish that I fully believed the part about them watching us watch them. Often, I think this is true; but then we hear about the totally lame responses provided by MINIUSA when they finally do respond to something, and I'm not sure they are a) watching or b) capable of truly understanding what they're seeing if they are watching
This is similar to what I feel about the dealers who may or may not be watching this board. In my personal experience, I've found that dealers seem relatively unaware of "consistent problems" that we seem to hear about all of the time here. For example, today I'm taking my MCS in for the coolant tank replacement. When I was discussing this with service (MINI of Peabody...which has excellent service ratings/reports on this board!) their attitude was "gee, that's unusual" I countered with an opinion that it seems like this is a common problem with MINIs (S models in particular)...and again, the response was "Well, if that's so, we certainly haven't heard about it."
Point is (to bring this post back to topic somewhat), I believe that the members of this board are HIGHLY reflective...or in other words, obsessive with their MINIs and other things MINI. There's obviously nothing wrong with that on an enthusiasts' board. But, I'm also thinking that we may take certain topics much more seriously than even BMW. I think that the reduction in production numbers has a much more global explanation than some of the explanations here. I think that BMW is simply working to keep demand high -- and unsold cars off of lots -- in the face of a continually deteriorating economy. I wouldn't be suprised if most automakers are cutting production of certain niche models (anyone have any comparison data??).
>>
>>So there is a coolant leak, and the MINI network gets, what, 500 calls the next day? Think of the brand positioning they were after. They planned on the enthusiasm, but I am sure the marketing and bean counter people undershot what they would need to provide when they ended up with a problem. Or three (coolant, latch, cold start). We are watching them, all the time. And they are watching us watch them. They watch potential owners scour the country for better deals, get detailed information from other owners, good and bad. It doesn't necessarily scare them, but it does, finally, give us some latitude to hold them accountable.
>>
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>>
>>
I think that Username makes some excellent points...and I wish that I fully believed the part about them watching us watch them. Often, I think this is true; but then we hear about the totally lame responses provided by MINIUSA when they finally do respond to something, and I'm not sure they are a) watching or b) capable of truly understanding what they're seeing if they are watching
This is similar to what I feel about the dealers who may or may not be watching this board. In my personal experience, I've found that dealers seem relatively unaware of "consistent problems" that we seem to hear about all of the time here. For example, today I'm taking my MCS in for the coolant tank replacement. When I was discussing this with service (MINI of Peabody...which has excellent service ratings/reports on this board!) their attitude was "gee, that's unusual" I countered with an opinion that it seems like this is a common problem with MINIs (S models in particular)...and again, the response was "Well, if that's so, we certainly haven't heard about it."
Point is (to bring this post back to topic somewhat), I believe that the members of this board are HIGHLY reflective...or in other words, obsessive with their MINIs and other things MINI. There's obviously nothing wrong with that on an enthusiasts' board. But, I'm also thinking that we may take certain topics much more seriously than even BMW. I think that the reduction in production numbers has a much more global explanation than some of the explanations here. I think that BMW is simply working to keep demand high -- and unsold cars off of lots -- in the face of a continually deteriorating economy. I wouldn't be suprised if most automakers are cutting production of certain niche models (anyone have any comparison data??).
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,300
Likes: 0
From: Florida
>>>>There is NO scaling back of production....MCS allocations to US dealerships are being lowered for roughly 6-8 months to allow other markets to have more units.
>>
>>Thank you for the support MINIjunky...I don't know why others keep thinking this is a ploy to keep MINIs exclusive. Believe me, Oxford is pumping out MINIs just as fast as it possibly can. But since the MINI USA has already smashed this year's sales goals, they're just trying to spread the available cars around to different markets.
>>
>>The US is only one part of the MINI market, and they never really intended it to be a large part. They're not even investing in TV ads here, which they are doing in the UK, Europe, Canada, and Asia.
Well, if their only scaling back so they can deliver more elsewhere they might want to rethink their stratagey. I drove by my local dealer last night and he had approx. 24 MINI's on the lot and this number has stayed the same for the last 3 or 4 times I've driven by over a period of about two months. I used to work for GM and any car dealer wants to move cars off his lot instead of taking custom orders. Dealers have something called a Floor Plan Agreement with their financial institution that makes them financially responsible for each car on their lot so it is to their advantage to move that group first (if they don't sell by specific dates they have to start making deals to move them) GM used to send letters out to their dealers saying, "If you have any 02's still on your lot, reduce the price by 15%" then a month later the same letter with 20% on it.
So saying all this, I'm sure American dealers are not at all upset about reduced allocation for any reason. Fewer cars make higher demand and better profit.
>>
>>Thank you for the support MINIjunky...I don't know why others keep thinking this is a ploy to keep MINIs exclusive. Believe me, Oxford is pumping out MINIs just as fast as it possibly can. But since the MINI USA has already smashed this year's sales goals, they're just trying to spread the available cars around to different markets.
>>
>>The US is only one part of the MINI market, and they never really intended it to be a large part. They're not even investing in TV ads here, which they are doing in the UK, Europe, Canada, and Asia.
Well, if their only scaling back so they can deliver more elsewhere they might want to rethink their stratagey. I drove by my local dealer last night and he had approx. 24 MINI's on the lot and this number has stayed the same for the last 3 or 4 times I've driven by over a period of about two months. I used to work for GM and any car dealer wants to move cars off his lot instead of taking custom orders. Dealers have something called a Floor Plan Agreement with their financial institution that makes them financially responsible for each car on their lot so it is to their advantage to move that group first (if they don't sell by specific dates they have to start making deals to move them) GM used to send letters out to their dealers saying, "If you have any 02's still on your lot, reduce the price by 15%" then a month later the same letter with 20% on it.
So saying all this, I'm sure American dealers are not at all upset about reduced allocation for any reason. Fewer cars make higher demand and better profit.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Montreal
In some areas there more available than they can sell, I beleive most of the enthousiast people already got one and the pressure is not what it was for new babies, so they opted for birth control. I also heard they were loosing money with the MINI since production costs, overhead and development were much higher than expected.
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: LA
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>>
>>I think that Username makes some excellent points...and I wish that I fully believed the part about them watching us watch them. Often, I think this is true; but then we hear about the totally lame responses provided by MINIUSA when they finally do respond to something, and I'm not sure they are a) watching or b) capable of truly understanding what they're seeing if they are watching
>>
>>[clip]
I think they are watching, but regardless of brand management, car companies are loathe to proclaim problems, especially when they are minor (relatively). An extraordniary event, or an external one (so it isn't your fault), like the Tylenol recall in the 80s, will improve your brand identity, but otherwise, they think discussing issues is too risky.
I would argue that they cheeky marketing campaign could allow for a different way of handling it, but since much of it is at the local level, and the general opinion of dealers (and BMW dealers, from what I have seen), is same ole same ole: liars and cheats, in other words. How are you going to get a dealer on board with it when there is money to be made, or work to be avoided, by being disingenuous?
There is a distinct advantage to them keeping watch on this but not acknowledging it (that and their lawyers told them not to metion it). Some marketing person is responsible for knowing what goes on in the owner's market, including here. That's just doing your job right.
>>
>>I think that Username makes some excellent points...and I wish that I fully believed the part about them watching us watch them. Often, I think this is true; but then we hear about the totally lame responses provided by MINIUSA when they finally do respond to something, and I'm not sure they are a) watching or b) capable of truly understanding what they're seeing if they are watching
>>
>>[clip]
I think they are watching, but regardless of brand management, car companies are loathe to proclaim problems, especially when they are minor (relatively). An extraordniary event, or an external one (so it isn't your fault), like the Tylenol recall in the 80s, will improve your brand identity, but otherwise, they think discussing issues is too risky.
I would argue that they cheeky marketing campaign could allow for a different way of handling it, but since much of it is at the local level, and the general opinion of dealers (and BMW dealers, from what I have seen), is same ole same ole: liars and cheats, in other words. How are you going to get a dealer on board with it when there is money to be made, or work to be avoided, by being disingenuous?
There is a distinct advantage to them keeping watch on this but not acknowledging it (that and their lawyers told them not to metion it). Some marketing person is responsible for knowing what goes on in the owner's market, including here. That's just doing your job right.
Neutral
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Marlton, NJ
What an interesting discussion. I work for Subaru of America (and I'm eagerly looking forward to having my MINI in a parking lot (sorry, car park) full of Subaru). While I don't know for sure, but this allocation business with MINI could be related to BMW.
If MINI does their allocation at the same time as their BMWs, then a more scarce MINI could give BMW district managers leverage to move some BMWs to their dealerships.
Manufacturers do this stuff all the time. A dealership wants 10 MINIs. No problem. All he has to do is take 20 X5s too. You only want 10 X5s. No problem. I'll allocate you 3 MINIs.
The manufacturer's only obligation to the dealerships is to provide them with a "fair" number of cars. How fair is determined differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, but sales and availability are the major factors. (note that service is generally not a consideration in allocation).
If MINI does their allocation at the same time as their BMWs, then a more scarce MINI could give BMW district managers leverage to move some BMWs to their dealerships.
Manufacturers do this stuff all the time. A dealership wants 10 MINIs. No problem. All he has to do is take 20 X5s too. You only want 10 X5s. No problem. I'll allocate you 3 MINIs.
The manufacturer's only obligation to the dealerships is to provide them with a "fair" number of cars. How fair is determined differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, but sales and availability are the major factors. (note that service is generally not a consideration in allocation).
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,062
Likes: 1
From: Boston, MA
username - great points! Very thought-provoking. You definitely have to wonder how many MINIUSA suits read this site. Every once in a while "MINI division" chimes in in response to someone's problem/complaint, and it's usually a canned post like "sorry to hear about your problem. You can contact us at 800-MINIUSA". Is this someone who has authorization to be interacting with the owners here, and if so, why are their posts so infrequent and faceless? It's kind of creepy.
>>Either way, this car will stick around like a Beetle, and $50K worth
>>of servicing on a $20K sale is good bidness.
I assume that this is an exaggeration? $50k??? I think that the typical MINI owner is much more savvy about shopping around, and not getting screwed in the bank account, than BMW is probably used to. $100 for an oil change? Please. There is absolutely no way I'll pay that. One of the great things about this site is that there is so much "how-to" support for things like oil changes that BMW is used to being able to rape people indiscriminately for.
Other than the "free" scheduled maintenance, the only time they'll see my car is if the computer needs tinkering. There's only so far they can go with the so-called "special tools" that only MINI dealers supposedly have. People are going to figure it out. I think BMW is dealing with a group of owners here that are more different than they realize, even with their cheesy "let's do this, let's do that" marketing scheme.
Sorry, I guess I've gotten pretty far off topic here...
>>Either way, this car will stick around like a Beetle, and $50K worth
>>of servicing on a $20K sale is good bidness.
I assume that this is an exaggeration? $50k??? I think that the typical MINI owner is much more savvy about shopping around, and not getting screwed in the bank account, than BMW is probably used to. $100 for an oil change? Please. There is absolutely no way I'll pay that. One of the great things about this site is that there is so much "how-to" support for things like oil changes that BMW is used to being able to rape people indiscriminately for.
Other than the "free" scheduled maintenance, the only time they'll see my car is if the computer needs tinkering. There's only so far they can go with the so-called "special tools" that only MINI dealers supposedly have. People are going to figure it out. I think BMW is dealing with a group of owners here that are more different than they realize, even with their cheesy "let's do this, let's do that" marketing scheme.
Sorry, I guess I've gotten pretty far off topic here...
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,241
Likes: 0
From: USA
Chris,
Interesting. I was on a road trip in June when I had the Cooper
and tried to get an oil change done in Boston....too busy...no
way...maybe Sat....so I bought a filter and stopped at a BMW dealer
in Vermont. $79 with my filter....$2.50 to top off coolant.
Grab your ankles...
Interesting. I was on a road trip in June when I had the Cooper
and tried to get an oil change done in Boston....too busy...no
way...maybe Sat....so I bought a filter and stopped at a BMW dealer
in Vermont. $79 with my filter....$2.50 to top off coolant.
Grab your ankles...
>>Chris,
>>Interesting. I was on a road trip in June when I had the Cooper
>>and tried to get an oil change done in Boston....too busy...no
>>way...maybe Sat....so I bought a filter and stopped at a BMW dealer
>>in Vermont. $79 with my filter....$2.50 to top off coolant.
>>Grab your ankles...
Yikes! $79 with your own filter?? Well, I'm sitting at my dealer right this moment while my MINI gets its coolant tank replaced and its oil changed...and I've been told that the oil change part of that will only be $65 and that includes the filter. We'll see... (soon I hope as I do want to get into the office eventually this morning
)
But I agree, if it were summer and my driveway weren't covered with snow and my garage about 40 degrees, I'd be changing the oil myself.
>>Interesting. I was on a road trip in June when I had the Cooper
>>and tried to get an oil change done in Boston....too busy...no
>>way...maybe Sat....so I bought a filter and stopped at a BMW dealer
>>in Vermont. $79 with my filter....$2.50 to top off coolant.
>>Grab your ankles...
Yikes! $79 with your own filter?? Well, I'm sitting at my dealer right this moment while my MINI gets its coolant tank replaced and its oil changed...and I've been told that the oil change part of that will only be $65 and that includes the filter. We'll see... (soon I hope as I do want to get into the office eventually this morning
)But I agree, if it were summer and my driveway weren't covered with snow and my garage about 40 degrees, I'd be changing the oil myself.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,241
Likes: 0
From: USA
>>Yikes! $79 with your own filter?? Well, I'm sitting at my dealer right this moment while my MINI gets its coolant tank replaced and its oil changed...and I've been told that the oil change part of that will only be $65 and that includes the filter. We'll see... (soon I hope as I do want to get into the office eventually this morning 
And my dealer does them for less than $65....but I don't want to
ruin your day...what with the snow and all....
And my dealer does them for less than $65....but I don't want to
ruin your day...what with the snow and all....
I know it's off topic, but to answer2mini's question...
The new tank is identical to the old (except that it's not leaking yet). They said that they don't know of a redesigned part. But get this...in attempting to replace mine, they actually had to reject the first replacement they tried installing 'cause it was malformed in the molding process and didn't have the mounting hole! What sort of crummy suppliers are they sourcing these things from ???
Oil change = $64.27 Good thing that every other one (assuming a 5K interval) is free for the next 3 years. Sheeesh....
The new tank is identical to the old (except that it's not leaking yet). They said that they don't know of a redesigned part. But get this...in attempting to replace mine, they actually had to reject the first replacement they tried installing 'cause it was malformed in the molding process and didn't have the mounting hole! What sort of crummy suppliers are they sourcing these things from ???
Oil change = $64.27 Good thing that every other one (assuming a 5K interval) is free for the next 3 years. Sheeesh....
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,241
Likes: 0
From: USA
>>I know it's off topic, but to answer2mini's question...
>>
>>The new tank is identical to the old (except that it's not leaking yet). They said that they don't know of a redesigned part. But get this...in attempting to replace mine, they actually had to reject the first replacement they tried installing 'cause it was malformed in the molding process and didn't have the mounting hole! What sort of crummy suppliers are they sourcing these things from ???
>>
>>Oil change = $64.27 Good thing that every other one (assuming a 5K interval) is free for the next 3 years. Sheeesh....
Well this is off topic as well...'malformed replacement.' MINIUSA needs to speak up and address this issue. I am not a happy camper and can only imagine how
NYIllus. is feeling right now. This issue is really pissing me off.
And I'm usually pretty mellow. :evil:
>>
>>The new tank is identical to the old (except that it's not leaking yet). They said that they don't know of a redesigned part. But get this...in attempting to replace mine, they actually had to reject the first replacement they tried installing 'cause it was malformed in the molding process and didn't have the mounting hole! What sort of crummy suppliers are they sourcing these things from ???
>>
>>Oil change = $64.27 Good thing that every other one (assuming a 5K interval) is free for the next 3 years. Sheeesh....
Well this is off topic as well...'malformed replacement.' MINIUSA needs to speak up and address this issue. I am not a happy camper and can only imagine how
NYIllus. is feeling right now. This issue is really pissing me off.
And I'm usually pretty mellow. :evil:
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
well, for my $.02 I believe when it comes to how they market and price their cars, BMW stands for Big Manipulative ******. They routinely and historically play games with their production and distribution to control supply and therefore demand. Try buying an M3, M5 or Z8 at MSRP. It's still an effort with a Mini in many places to buy at "sticker". BMW is very arrogant in its approach in most every respect. They make great cars, they know it and aren't shy in how they price 'em. Cutting (or holding back) on Mini production helps to keep up the mystique, the interest, the sales and price. Besides, at its price range the Mini is a "loss leader"for BMWand certainly its dealer network. You don't make much on a 20k car. They sure as hell are hoping your next purchase is a Beemer, so a flood of Minis does them no good.
I understand they are also gearing up to introduce a BMW series one which would be somewhat in competition with the MINI so again, can't have too many Minis around.
I understand they are also gearing up to introduce a BMW series one which would be somewhat in competition with the MINI so again, can't have too many Minis around.
Coordinator :: Pitt Stop MINI
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,919
Likes: 1
From: Steelers Country
For the record, I feel the need to reiterate the clarification already pointed out by a few others:
MINI has not cut back production.
MINI has reduced dealer allotments in the US.
I don't have an inside line or anything, but from all of the evidence that has been presented on this board, I see nothing to suggest that MINI has cut *production* - just dealer allotments.
Right then. Carry on!
MINI has not cut back production.
MINI has reduced dealer allotments in the US.
I don't have an inside line or anything, but from all of the evidence that has been presented on this board, I see nothing to suggest that MINI has cut *production* - just dealer allotments.
Right then. Carry on!
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
I take back my previous post.
MINI has cut back dealer allotments because its giving MINIs to the Jesse James gang at Monster Garage, so they can turn them into snowmobiles.
_________________
::Hermione - Indi Blue/White/White MCS, All 3 packages::
MINI has cut back dealer allotments because its giving MINIs to the Jesse James gang at Monster Garage, so they can turn them into snowmobiles.
_________________
::Hermione - Indi Blue/White/White MCS, All 3 packages::
I emailed MINI yesterday and the reply I received stated there is no production cut back. I had explained that I was waiting for my MCS and needed a car by May. I was informed there would not be a problem with the due date. :smile: :smile: :smile:
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Mexico
I actually read they were increasing the production at the British plant from 100,000 units to 130,000. I dont remember where I read it but it was a car magazine.
Its probably just the allocation they are reducing for the US.
The reason behind it might be to PENETRATE more markets and introduce the brand everywhere, if they expect to sell very few cars (In Mexico they have sold over 300 minis from june to november), but by introducing the brand you create awareness of it.
It sucks having to wait so long. I placed my order and they are checking if they have the car available at the distribution center in Mexico or if they can trade the car with another dealer. Don´t know when I will get it.
Its probably just the allocation they are reducing for the US.
The reason behind it might be to PENETRATE more markets and introduce the brand everywhere, if they expect to sell very few cars (In Mexico they have sold over 300 minis from june to november), but by introducing the brand you create awareness of it.
It sucks having to wait so long. I placed my order and they are checking if they have the car available at the distribution center in Mexico or if they can trade the car with another dealer. Don´t know when I will get it.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,359
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
>>If dealers are thinking that they are going to "grow" their customers into a bigger car, they may be on the wrong track. I'm at a point in life where I have a minivan due to family needs, but wanted a fun car to drive that wouldn't break the bank. I'm not sure that anyone that buys a Mini will necessarily "outgrow" the car, because it's just so much fun. Maybe some customers will migrate to other BMW products, but then you have to assume they're also going to look at Lexus, Mercedes, and other comparable models.
>>
I would have to disagree with this. My MINI dealer is SO customer oriented, I'm still there every other week (used to go every other day while waiting for my MINI!). I've got to tell you, I'd LOVE to buy my next car from them. So if for some reason it isn't a MINI, it most likely will be a BMW b/c I've never purchased anything from a more respectable business in my life!
>>
I would have to disagree with this. My MINI dealer is SO customer oriented, I'm still there every other week (used to go every other day while waiting for my MINI!). I've got to tell you, I'd LOVE to buy my next car from them. So if for some reason it isn't a MINI, it most likely will be a BMW b/c I've never purchased anything from a more respectable business in my life!
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Boston
>>>>If dealers are thinking that they are going to "grow" their customers into a bigger car, they may be on the wrong track. I'm at a point in life where I have a minivan due to family needs, but wanted a fun car to drive that wouldn't break the bank. I'm not sure that anyone that buys a Mini will necessarily "outgrow" the car, because it's just so much fun. Maybe some customers will migrate to other BMW products, but then you have to assume they're also going to look at Lexus, Mercedes, and other comparable models.
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>>I would have to disagree with this. My MINI dealer is SO customer oriented, I'm still there every other week (used to go every other day while waiting for my MINI!). I've got to tell you, I'd LOVE to buy my next car from them. So if for some reason it isn't a MINI, it most likely will be a BMW b/c I've never purchased anything from a more respectable business in my life!
and the name of that dealer is __________?
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>>I would have to disagree with this. My MINI dealer is SO customer oriented, I'm still there every other week (used to go every other day while waiting for my MINI!). I've got to tell you, I'd LOVE to buy my next car from them. So if for some reason it isn't a MINI, it most likely will be a BMW b/c I've never purchased anything from a more respectable business in my life!
and the name of that dealer is __________?
