Mini have sold their 500,000th car in the United States after just 11 years. Initially there were doubts that a small car could succeed in North America however the combination of premium build quality, funky styling and a fun driving experience proved a great recipe. It also paved the way for other small car successes such as the Fiat 500 and its convertible sister the Fiat 500C.
There are currently 116 Mini dealers across 38 states of the US with plans to increase his figure to 130 by the end of 2013.
Since the 2002 launch the brand has rapidly expanded their range of cars to include Convertible, Clubman, Countryman, Coupe, Roadster and Paceman models. This growing portfolio may however be reduced when the next generation Mini design arrives, with MINI USA vice president Jim McDowell recently revealing plans to drop the weakest selling variants. Which models are in the firing line is as yet unclear but the recently introduced Mini Roadster and Coupe models have proved to have only niche appeal next to the strong selling Countryman and Cooper Hardtops which combined account for around 75% of Mini sales.
The next generation Mini is expected to be strongly influenced by the popular Rocketman concept that was launched at Geneva in 2011.
Since my wife and I are looking for a sports car convertible in the near future, We just tried out a mini cooper s roadster for the day. It was amazing, quick, quality, awesome sport handling, and we were totally impressed. Now I read that Mini may drop the Roadster. Come on! This is one awesome car! If there is anyone looking for a sports car, this is the one. Mini, don’t you dare discontinue this car. I will have to add though that if you want to increase your sales on this, you have to bring the price down.