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Dec. 2019 Dec. 2018 % i3 214 356 40.0% i8 51 97 -47.4% 2 Series 765 718 6.5% 3 Series 5,245 3,184 64.7% 4 Series 891 1,916 -53.5% 5 Series 2,733 4,756 -42.5% 6 Series 8 330 -97.6% 7 Series 763 983 -22.4% 8 Series 1,066 223 378.0% Z4 233 0 0.0% X1 1,788 3,411 -47.6% X2 1,093 1,454 -24.8% BMW passenger cars 14,850 17,428 -14.8% YTD Dec. 2019 YTD Dec. 2018 % 4,854 6,117 -20.6% 1,102 772 42.7% 8,015 9,208 -13.0% 47,827 44,578 7.3% 18,621 31,379 -40.7% 38,709 43,937 -11.9% 1,139 3,762 -69.7% 8,823 8,271 6.7% 4,410 223 1877.6% 2,941 4 73425.0% 17,815 29,060 -38.7% 11,293 16,154 -30.1% -14.4% X3 8,090 8,511 -4.9% X4 1,333 612 117.8% X5 7,757 7,323 5.9% X6 557 483 15.3% X7 3,159 0 0.0% BMW light trucks 20,896 16,929 23.4% 70,110 61,351 14.3% 8,758 4,323 102.6% 54,595 45,013 21.3% 4,240 6,862 -38.2% 21,574 0 0.0% 159,277 117,549 35.5% BMW brand 35,746 34,357 4.0% 324,826 311,014 4.4% Cooper /S Hardtop 2 Door 594 760 -21.8% Cooper /S Hardtop 4 Door 450 448 0.4% Cooper /S Convertible 247 134 84.3% Cooper /S Clubman 323 277 16.6% Countryman 696 1,178 -40.9% MINI brand 2,310 2,797 -17.4% 8,462 9,950 -15.0% 6,065 6,450 -6.0% 4,031 5,334 -24.4% 3,565 4,385 -18.7% 13,969 17,565 -20.5% 36,092 43,684 -17.4% TOTAL BMW of North America, LLC 38,056 37,154 2.4% 360,918 354,698 1.8%
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It's no secret that Mini's fortunes have not been good lately. In the first half of this year, Mini has only moved 17,583 cars of its five model lineup in the U.S. Parent company BMW needs to do something. Last month, Mini unveiled the all-electric version of the Mini-Cooper with a range between 146 and 167 miles. Now, a report out from Automobile Magazine says that Mini has canceled the internal combustion engine versions for the entire model range in the next generation of cars. Starting in 2023, Mini will use a skateboard style chassis to underpin the entire lineup. There will be a new downsized mini... a MiniMini, a more compact 3-door version, and a Mini crossover. All would be front-wheel drive and offer 35-kWh or 50-kWh battery packs. Part of the development is being done by China's Great Wall Motors. The electric Minis will be built in China with no word on other manufacturing locations. This follows Daimler's strategy on SMART to make it an all EV brand and build it in China for Chinese consumption. View full article
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It's no secret that Mini's fortunes have not been good lately. In the first half of this year, Mini has only moved 17,583 cars of its five model lineup in the U.S. Parent company BMW needs to do something. Last month, Mini unveiled the all-electric version of the Mini-Cooper with a range between 146 and 167 miles. Now, a report out from Automobile Magazine says that Mini has canceled the internal combustion engine versions for the entire model range in the next generation of cars. Starting in 2023, Mini will use a skateboard style chassis to underpin the entire lineup. There will be a new downsized mini... a MiniMini, a more compact 3-door version, and a Mini crossover. All would be front-wheel drive and offer 35-kWh or 50-kWh battery packs. Part of the development is being done by China's Great Wall Motors. The electric Minis will be built in China with no word on other manufacturing locations. This follows Daimler's strategy on SMART to make it an all EV brand and build it in China for Chinese consumption. -
MINI is introducing an all-electric version of the Mini-Cooper SE. The go-kart like feeling of the MINI is preserved with the battery mounted low in the vehicle floor for a lower center of gravity. Doing so means that there is no reduction in cargo volume. The battery range in the European cycle is approximately 235 KM to 270 KM (146 miles to 167 miles), however official EPA range estimates have not yet been established. Power is delivered by a 181 hp / 199 lb-ft of torque electric motor twisting the front wheels and the electric motor is smaller and lighter than the equivalent gasoline engine. Wheel slip is limited to help the Mini cooper with it unmistakable agility. Zero to 62 mph is 7.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 93.2 mph. Energy regeneration through braking can be handled in one of two modes. The Mini can be driven in "one-pedal" mode where there is significant deceleration once the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal. This allows the car to more aggressively regenerate the battery in an urban setting. The Electric Mini gets a model specific cockpit with a digital dashboard, providing information such as charge level, driving mode, range, traffic sign detection, and more. While charging the display with give an estimate of the time charging will be finished. DC fast-charging is available and the MINI can accept 50kw charging to gain 80% range in just 35 minutes. Heating and cooling is more energy efficient as well, using a new heat-pump system the interior is heated from waste heat from the electric motor and battery and outside air before feeding it into the air conditioning system. The new heat-pump system uses 75 percent less electricity than a conventional EV heating system. Interior temperature can be controlled before departure via an app on the driver's phone. The electric Mini-Cooper goes into production in November. -
MINI is introducing an all-electric version of the Mini-Cooper SE. The go-kart like feeling of the MINI is preserved with the battery mounted low in the vehicle floor for a lower center of gravity. Doing so means that there is no reduction in cargo volume. The battery range in the European cycle is approximately 235 KM to 270 KM (146 miles to 167 miles), however official EPA range estimates have not yet been established. Power is delivered by a 181 hp / 199 lb-ft of torque electric motor twisting the front wheels and the electric motor is smaller and lighter than the equivalent gasoline engine. Wheel slip is limited to help the Mini cooper with it unmistakable agility. Zero to 62 mph is 7.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 93.2 mph. Energy regeneration through braking can be handled in one of two modes. The Mini can be driven in "one-pedal" mode where there is significant deceleration once the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal. This allows the car to more aggressively regenerate the battery in an urban setting. The Electric Mini gets a model specific cockpit with a digital dashboard, providing information such as charge level, driving mode, range, traffic sign detection, and more. While charging the display with give an estimate of the time charging will be finished. DC fast-charging is available and the MINI can accept 50kw charging to gain 80% range in just 35 minutes. Heating and cooling is more energy efficient as well, using a new heat-pump system the interior is heated from waste heat from the electric motor and battery and outside air before feeding it into the air conditioning system. The new heat-pump system uses 75 percent less electricity than a conventional EV heating system. Interior temperature can be controlled before departure via an app on the driver's phone. The electric Mini-Cooper goes into production in November. View full article
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Woodcliff Lake, NJ – June 3, 2019… Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 1.7 percent in May 2019 for a total of 27,109 over the 26,662 vehicles sold in May 2018. all-new BMW 3 Series sedan – the core of the BMW “Ultimate Driving Machine” brand – is proving that there is still room for a high-performing sports sedan in the U.S. market, selling more than 4,300 units in May 2019. BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle continues to be the best-selling BMW model in the U.S. with nearly 6,200 units sold in May 2019. BMW Sports Activity Vehicles in total – including X1 through X7 – account for 56% of BMW sales YTD. “We owe much of our continued growth in 2019 to the new 3 Series sedan and our fleet of U.S.-built Sports Activity Vehicles,” said Bernhard Kuhnt, president and CEO, BMW of North America. “I’ve said it before, but as a result of our ongoing product offensive, we have the right product that our customers are looking for right now.” Table 1: New Vehicle Sales BMW of North America, LLC, May 2019 May May % YTD YTD % 2019 2018 2019 2018 BMW passenger cars 13,566 17,074 -20.5 67,613 79,647 -15.10% BMW light trucks 13,543 9,588 41.2 57,200 44,332 29% TOTAL BMW 27,109 26,662 1.7 124,813 123,979 0.70% BMW Group Electrified Vehicle Sales BMW Group sales of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles decreased 29.7 percent in May 2019 vs. May 2018. Model changeover has limited the current BMW Group electrified lineup to five models including the BMW i3, BMW i8 and i8 Roadster, BMW 530e, and MINI Countryman plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Plug-in hybrid variants of the BMW X5, the all-new BMW 3 Series and updated BMW 7 Series recently debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show. These models and a plug-in-hybrid variant of the BMW X3 will begin sales in the U.S. at a future date. MINI Brand Sales For May, MINI USA reported 2,822 vehicles sold, a decrease of 33.2 percent from the 4,226 in the same month a year ago. BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles BMW Certified Pre-Owned sold 10,306 vehicles, a decrease of 15.1 percent from May 2018. Total BMW Pre-Owned sold 21,621 vehicles, a decrease of 6.6 percent from May 2018. MINI Pre-Owned Vehicles MINI Certified Pre-Owned sold 1,201 vehicles, a decrease of 13 percent from May 2018. Total MINI Pre-Owned sold 2,807 vehicles, a decrease of 6.7 percent from May 2018. Table 2: Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales BMW of North America, LLC, May 2019 May-19 May-18 % YTD YTD % 2019 2018 BMW CPO 10,306 12,145 -15.10% 47,878 52,998 -9.70% BMW Total Pre-Owned 21,621 23,147 -6.60% 102,611 101,005 1.60% MINI CPO 1,201 1,381 -13.00% 5,381 5,146 4.60% MINI Total Pre-Owned 2,807 3,009 -6.70% 12,510 12,809 -2.30%
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BMW of North America Reports February 2019 U.S. Sales. First Deliveries of the All-New BMW 3 Series Just Starting; BMW X7 Sports Activity Vehicle, BMW Z4 Roadster, and BMW 8 Series Convertible Arrive this Month. BMW X Sports Activity Vehicles Accounted for over 55% of BMW Brand Sales in February. Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 1, 2019… Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 0.2 percent in February 2019 for a total of 23,558 compared to 23,508 vehicles sold in February 2018. “We’re pleased to end February with a slight increase in sales given our current model changeovers,” said Bernhard Kuhnt, president and CEO, BMW of North America. “As we approach spring, we do so with the all-new 3 series on showroom floors and the X7, Z4, and 8 Series Convertible all starting to arrive in March. We are confident that with these new models added to our already exciting product lineup, we are well positioned for success.” The Spartanburg, SC-built BMW X3 and BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicles continue to drive sales growth for BMW in the U.S. Taken together, the full range of BMW X models – from the X1 to the X6 – accounted for 55.5% of BMW brand sales in the U.S. in February Table 1: New Vehicle Sales BMW of North America, LLC, February 2019 Feb Feb % YTD YTD % 2019 2018 2019 2018 BMW passenger cars 13,180 14,983 -12% 24,054 26,893 -10.60% BMW light trucks 10,378 8,525 21.70% 17,606 15,631 12.60% TOTAL BMW 23,558 23,508 0.20% 41,660 42,524 -2.00% BMW Group Electrified Vehicle Sales BMW Group sales of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles totaled 1,110 in February 2019, a decrease of 42.7 percent over the 1,936 sold in the same month a year ago. Model changeover has limited the current BMW Group electrified lineup to five models including the BMW i3, BMW i8 and i8 Roadster, BMW 530e, and MINI Countryman plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Plug-in hybrid variants of the BMW X5, the all-new BMW 3 Series and updated BMW 7 Series will debut at the Geneva International Motor Show next week. These models and a plug-in-hybrid variant of the BMW X3 will begin sales in the U.S. at a future date. MINI Brand Sales For February, MINI USA reported 2,679 vehicles sold, a decrease of 12.6 percent from the 3,065 sold in the same month a year ago. BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles BMW Certified Pre-Owned sold 8,698 vehicles, a decrease of 9.1 percent from February 2018. Total BMW Pre-Owned sold 18,647 vehicles, an increase of 4 percent from February 2018. MINI Pre-Owned Vehicles MINI Certified Pre-Owned sold 914 vehicles, an increase 6.3 percent from February 2018. Total MINI Pre-Owned sold 2,181 vehicles, a decrease of 2.8 percent from February 2018. Feb-19 Feb-18 % YTD YTD % 2019 2018 BMW CPO 8,736 9,568 -8.70% 16,720 18,681 -10.50% BMW Total Pre-Owned 18, 643 17,930 4.00% 35,816 34,900 2.60% MINI CPO 918 860 6.70% 1,777 1,578 12.60% MINI Total Pre-Owned 2,181 2,244 -2.80% 4,216 4,283 -1.60% 190301_February_2019_BMW_Group_US_Sales_Chart.pdf
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Mini has been struggling in the U.S. for the past few as more consumers shun small cars. The brand which expected annual sales to total 100,000 vehicles by 2017, peaked at about 66,500 models in 2013 according to Automotive News. Sales through the first ten months of the years have totaled 37,359. This isn't good news for the 127 standalone Mini dealers in the U.S. as it makes it tough for owners to justify the investment. In 2016, 45 percent of Mini dealers reported being unprofitable. A year later, that number rose to 54 percent. "As a dealer and a manufacturer you have a vision of where the brand is going, and you have to prepare for it. In this case, the vision now isn't what it was when some of these stores were built," explained Jason Willis, a member of the Mini National Dealer Council and general manager of fixed operations at Willis Auto Campus in Des Moines, Iowa. Mini's parent company, BMW is considering various options to help improve profitability. One of the options on the table is allowing dealers to integrate Mini into their BMW stores. To make sure the brands stand apart, Mini is looking into having a separate showroom with dedicated employees for sales and service. "We've given a lot of flexibility for the dealers to present ideas. This is to help make sure that, until our next wave of product, and the market becomes more favorable, our dealers each remain a strong and going concern," said Thomas Felbermair, vice president of Mini Region Americas. But there comes an issue with this idea. Mini has 31 dealers that don't have a BMW dealership that they can integrate into. A spokesman for Mini said they "are looking at additional forms of support for stores that remain fully exclusive," but didn't expand into how they plan on doing that. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article -
Mini May Allow Their Stand Alone Dealers To Move In with BMW
William Maley posted an article in MINI
Mini has been struggling in the U.S. for the past few as more consumers shun small cars. The brand which expected annual sales to total 100,000 vehicles by 2017, peaked at about 66,500 models in 2013 according to Automotive News. Sales through the first ten months of the years have totaled 37,359. This isn't good news for the 127 standalone Mini dealers in the U.S. as it makes it tough for owners to justify the investment. In 2016, 45 percent of Mini dealers reported being unprofitable. A year later, that number rose to 54 percent. "As a dealer and a manufacturer you have a vision of where the brand is going, and you have to prepare for it. In this case, the vision now isn't what it was when some of these stores were built," explained Jason Willis, a member of the Mini National Dealer Council and general manager of fixed operations at Willis Auto Campus in Des Moines, Iowa. Mini's parent company, BMW is considering various options to help improve profitability. One of the options on the table is allowing dealers to integrate Mini into their BMW stores. To make sure the brands stand apart, Mini is looking into having a separate showroom with dedicated employees for sales and service. "We've given a lot of flexibility for the dealers to present ideas. This is to help make sure that, until our next wave of product, and the market becomes more favorable, our dealers each remain a strong and going concern," said Thomas Felbermair, vice president of Mini Region Americas. But there comes an issue with this idea. Mini has 31 dealers that don't have a BMW dealership that they can integrate into. A spokesman for Mini said they "are looking at additional forms of support for stores that remain fully exclusive," but didn't expand into how they plan on doing that. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
BMW Group U.S. Reports June 2018 Sales. BMW Group sales increase 0.5 percent in June 2018. BMW brand sales increase 1.5 percent. MINI brand sales decrease 6 percent. BMW Group electrified vehicle sales accounted for 7 percent of total U.S. sales in June 2018. Woodcliff Lake, NJ – July 3, 2018… Sales of BMW Group vehicles (BMW and MINI brands combined) in the U.S. increased 0.5 percent in June 2018 compared to the same month last year. Year to date, BMW Group sales total 176,022 vehicles, an increase of 2.8 percent over the 171,291 vehicles sold in the first six months of 2017. “The first half of 2018 turned out stronger than many expected with June marking the eighth straight month of sales gains for BMW,” said Bernhard Kuhnt, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “We are especially excited about the second half of the year as the new BMW X4 is now making its way into the market and the new, fourth-generation BMW X5 is about to begin production at our U.S. plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The BMW X models continue to be a great success story, accounting for 53% of our U.S. sales in June with even better results ahead.” BMW Brand Sales Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 1.5 percent in June 2018 for a total of 29,407 compared to 28,962 vehicles sold in June 2017. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 2.9 percent on sales of 153,386 vehicles compared to 149,086 sold in the first six months of 2017. BMW’s lineup of Sports Activity Vehicles accounted for 53 percent of BMW brand sales in June 2018. Most notably, the first-ever BMW X2 had its best sales month since its March launch (2,150 vehicles), sales of the BMW X5 remained strong (4,355 vehicles) and the BMW X3 had its biggest sales month of 2018 (5,366 vehicles, up 50.5 percent over June 2017). MINI Brand Sales For June, MINI USA reported 4,146 vehicles sold, a decrease of 6 percent from the 4,410 sold in the same month a year ago. MINI sales in June were led by the MINI Countryman (1,471 vehicles). Year to date, MINI sales remain up 1.9 percent. BMW Group Electrified Vehicle Sales BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) sales of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles totaled 2,253 in June 2018, an increase of 20.2 percent from the 1,874 sold in the same month a year ago. BMW Group electrified vehicles accounted for 7 percent of U.S. sales in June 2018. BMW Group currently offers seven electrified models in the U.S., including the BMW i3, BMW i8, BMW 330e, BMW 530e, BMW 740e, BMW X5 xDrive 40e and MINI Countryman plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle.
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BMW Group U.S. Reports May 2018 Sales MW Group sales increase 3.4 percent in May 2018. BMW brand sales increase 3.3 percent. MINI brand sales increase 4.0 percent. BMW Group electrified vehicle sales increase 26.9 percent, accounting for 6.6 percent of total U.S. sales in May 2018. Woodcliff Lake, NJ – June 1, 2018… Sales of BMW Group vehicles in the U.S. increased 3.4 percent in May 2018 for a total of 30,888 vehicles (BMW and MINI brands combined), compared with 29,881 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date BMW Group sales in the U.S. are up 3.3 percent from the first five months of 2017. “Once again BMW has defied the odds with seven straight months of sales gains and the outlook for the second half of the year is positive,” said Bernhard Kuhnt, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “Our X model Sports Activity Vehicles continue their steady increase as availability improves and the BMW 5 Series is proof there’s strong demand for a great sedan, especially the electrified version which is now approaching 20% of 5 Series sales.” BMW Brand Sales Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 3.3 percent in May 2018 for a total of 26,662 compared to 25,818 vehicles sold in May 2017. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 3.2 percent on sales of 123,979 vehicles compared to 120,124 sold in the first five months of 2017. BMW’s lineup of Sports Activity Vehicles accounted for 52 percent of BMW brand sales in May 2018, with particularly strong performances from the BMW X3 and BMW X5, as well as the first-ever BMW X2. MINI Brand Sales For May, MINI USA reported 4,226 vehicles sold, an increase of 4.0 percent from the 4,063 sold in the same month a year ago. The MINI Countryman continued its strong performance this month, rising 29.4 percent compared to May 2017 and contributing to a 61.9 percent year-to-date increase over Countryman sales in the first five months of 2017. BMW Group Electrified Vehicle Sales BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) sales of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles totaled 2,046 in May 2018, an increase of 26.9 percent from the 1,612 sold in the same month a year ago. BMW Group electrified vehicles accounted for 6.6 percent of U.S. sales in May 2018. BMW Group currently offers seven electrified models in the U.S., including the BMW i3, BMW i8, BMW 330e, BMW 530e, BMW 740e, BMW X5 xDrive 40e and MINI Countryman plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle.
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BMW Group U.S. Reports March 2018 Sales BMW Group sales decrease 0.4 percent in March 2018. BMW brand sales increase 1 percent. MINI brand sales decrease 9.1 percent. BMW Group electrified vehicle sales increase 71.1, accounting for 7.4 percent of total U.S. sales in March 2018. Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 3, 2018… Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 1 percent in March 2018 for a total of 31,311 compared to 31,015 vehicles sold in March 2017. Through Q1 2018, BMW brand sales are up 3.0 percent year-over-year. BMW brand sales in March 2018 were once again led by BMW’s lineup of Sports Activity Vehicles and the BMW 5 Series, which has shown strong growth for nine straight months. “It’s Spring and thoughts naturally turn to new cars with March giving us another uptick in sales – five months in a row – as the 5 Series continues to defy conventional thinking and proves there’s still a place in the market for a great sedan,” said Bernhard Kuhnt, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “At the same time, our X model lineup is expanding with the X2 now fully in the marketplace and Sports Activity Vehicles nearing 50% of our sales.” MINI Brand Sales For March, MINI USA reported 4,531 vehicles sold, a decrease of 9.1 percent from the 4,987 sold in the same month a year ago. BMW Group Sales In total, BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March 2018 sales of 35,842 vehicles, a decrease of 0.4 percent from the 36,002 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. BMW Group Electrified Vehicle Sales BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) sales of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles totaled 2,662 in March 2018, an increase of 71.1 percent from the 1,556 sold in the same month a year ago. BMW Group electrified vehicles accounted for 7.4 percent of U.S. sales in March 2018.
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About three to four years ago, Mini set out an ambitious goal of selling an annual volume of 100,000 vehicles in the U.S. But this goal would never come to fruition. Sales of Mini models have been in decline for the past few years partly due to buyers going towards light trucks and crossovers. BMW executives have since stepped back from this goal is considering whether or not to make Mini vehicles electric-only in the U.S. For dealers, the mixed messages has them concerned. Jason Willis, member of the Mini National Dealer Council expressed these concerns in a interview with Automotive News. "I don't think the dealers have a very clear vision of where the car line is going long term. There is a lot of pride on being a small-car performance company, so my guess is we will continue to be a small-car company. But as far as electric and how we fit in, we're still waiting to hear that plan," said Willis. "Our biggest goal is to get a clear vision from Mini and the BMW Group of where the car line is going — whether we're going to continue to be a small-car brand. Are we going to go fully electric? What is the game plan over the next three, four, five years?" Next month, Mini dealers will meet with BMW's leaders in Las Vegas. Willis hopes they get some answers, especially with electric vehicles. "We're in the wait-and-see pattern on what electric vehicle demand really is going to be. Here in the Midwest, there's a lot of talk about electric cars but very little demand. Dealers just want to have a plan for the future. To be an electric-only car company, I'm not sure that is the goal that the dealers have. But to have some electric vehicle options to differentiate us in the market is a want," Willis also hopes BMW can give Mini more support in marketing in their products, along possibly offering a mainstream product. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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About three to four years ago, Mini set out an ambitious goal of selling an annual volume of 100,000 vehicles in the U.S. But this goal would never come to fruition. Sales of Mini models have been in decline for the past few years partly due to buyers going towards light trucks and crossovers. BMW executives have since stepped back from this goal is considering whether or not to make Mini vehicles electric-only in the U.S. For dealers, the mixed messages has them concerned. Jason Willis, member of the Mini National Dealer Council expressed these concerns in a interview with Automotive News. "I don't think the dealers have a very clear vision of where the car line is going long term. There is a lot of pride on being a small-car performance company, so my guess is we will continue to be a small-car company. But as far as electric and how we fit in, we're still waiting to hear that plan," said Willis. "Our biggest goal is to get a clear vision from Mini and the BMW Group of where the car line is going — whether we're going to continue to be a small-car brand. Are we going to go fully electric? What is the game plan over the next three, four, five years?" Next month, Mini dealers will meet with BMW's leaders in Las Vegas. Willis hopes they get some answers, especially with electric vehicles. "We're in the wait-and-see pattern on what electric vehicle demand really is going to be. Here in the Midwest, there's a lot of talk about electric cars but very little demand. Dealers just want to have a plan for the future. To be an electric-only car company, I'm not sure that is the goal that the dealers have. But to have some electric vehicle options to differentiate us in the market is a want," Willis also hopes BMW can give Mini more support in marketing in their products, along possibly offering a mainstream product. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
BMW Group U.S. Reports February 2018 Sales. BMW Group sales increase 7.5 percent in February 2018. BMW brand sales increase 4.2 percent. MINI brand sales increase 42.3 percent. BMW Group electrified vehicle sales total 1,963 in February 2018, accounting for 7.4 percent of vehicles sold in the U.S. Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 1, 2018… Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 4.2 percent in February 2018 for a total of 23,508 compared to 22,558 vehicles sold in February 2017. Collectively, the BMW X models had a very strong month of sales, led specifically by the BMW X1 (2,857 vehicles), BMW X3 (3,281 vehicles) and BMW X5 (4,006 vehicles). Sales of the BMW 5 Series (3,185 vehicles) were also up 16.6 precent, marking an eighth straight month of growth. “There’s nothing like solid February numbers to warm a winter day, and the BMW momentum of the last several months continues and will increase as highly anticipated new models come to market,” said Bernhard Kuhnt, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “This month we welcome the all-new BMW X2 to our model line-up; the new X4 is also in the pipeline; and availability of the X3 continues increasing. Couple all that with the positive numbers from MINI, and BMW Group has a lot to look forward to this year.” MINI Brand Sales For February, MINI USA reported 3,065 vehicles sold, an increase of 42.3 percent from the 2,154 sold in the same month a year ago. BMW Group Sales In total, the BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported February sales of 26,573 vehicles, an increase of 7.5 percent from the 24,712 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. BMW Group Electrified Vehicle Sales Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles sales totaled 1,936 vehicles, accounting for 7.4 percent of BMW Group vehicles sales in February.
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BMW and Great Wall Team Up To Possibly Build Electric Mini in China
William Maley posted an article in MINI
BMW has announced today that it has signed a “letter of intent” with Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor on producing electric-versions of the Mini in China. The German automaker in a statement said the next steps will be agreeing on the details of a possible joint venture and clarifying various aspects such as a location for production. The two have been in talks for almost the past two years - Great Wall confirmed the talks back in October. It is expected that the electric Mini will be similar to the concept that debuted last year at the Frankfurt Motor show. BMW also confirmed that production of the electric Mini will also take place at their Oxford, Great Britain plant starting next year. Source: Reuters via Automotive News (Subscmiription Required), BMW Press Release is on Page 2 BMW Group plans joint venture for MINI electric vehicles in China MINI brand set for growth with local partner No plans for additional sales organisation in China Expansion of BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture Munich. The BMW Group is in advanced discussions to ramp up the global success of its MINI brand through a new joint venture in China. A key element of the brand’s continued strategic development will be local production of future battery-electric MINI vehicles in the world’s largest market for electromobility. To this end, the BMW Group has signed a “letter of intent” with the Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor. In addition to production of the first battery electric MINI at the main plant in Oxford starting in 2019, this signals a further clear commitment to the electrified future of the MINI brand. Next steps will be to agree on the details of a possible joint venture and cooperation agreement and clarify aspects such as the choice of production location and concrete investments. The BMW Group has no plans to set up an additional sales organisation in China. The company is firmly committed to continuing the successful cooperation with the established sales structure. Independently of its strategic considerations towards the MINI brand, the BMW Group will further expand its highly successful BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) joint venture in China with its partner, Brilliance. In addition to its two automobile production locations, BBA already runs an engine plant, which includes a battery factory for electrified BMW brand vehicles produced locally in Shenyang. This is the first battery factory operated by a premium automobile manufacturer in China. In recent years, BBA has become a cornerstone of the BMW brand’s success in its largest market and serves as a model for the continued development of MINI in China. Around 560,000 BMW brand vehicles were delivered to customers in China in 2017 – more than in the next two largest markets, the US and Germany, combined. In 2017, China was MINI’s fourth-largest market, with around 35,000 units delivered. This underlines the brand’s additional global potential. The successful strategy for expansion of the BMW Group’s global production network obeys a clear rule: Production follows the market. However, expansion of the BMW brand in its largest markets, such as China, has not led to a decrease in production at the company’s German plants. On the contrary, between 2007 and 2017, production in Germany increased by close to a quarter to around 1.15 million vehicles per year. At the same time, almost half of all BMW production now takes place at plants outside Germany. A similar growth strategy could accelerate development of the MINI brand significantly without questioning the BMW Group’s commitment in the UK. The company has made significant investments over the years to step up its involvement in the country. -
BMW has announced today that it has signed a “letter of intent” with Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor on producing electric-versions of the Mini in China. The German automaker in a statement said the next steps will be agreeing on the details of a possible joint venture and clarifying various aspects such as a location for production. The two have been in talks for almost the past two years - Great Wall confirmed the talks back in October. It is expected that the electric Mini will be similar to the concept that debuted last year at the Frankfurt Motor show. BMW also confirmed that production of the electric Mini will also take place at their Oxford, Great Britain plant starting next year. Source: Reuters via Automotive News (Subscmiription Required), BMW Press Release is on Page 2 BMW Group plans joint venture for MINI electric vehicles in China MINI brand set for growth with local partner No plans for additional sales organisation in China Expansion of BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture Munich. The BMW Group is in advanced discussions to ramp up the global success of its MINI brand through a new joint venture in China. A key element of the brand’s continued strategic development will be local production of future battery-electric MINI vehicles in the world’s largest market for electromobility. To this end, the BMW Group has signed a “letter of intent” with the Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor. In addition to production of the first battery electric MINI at the main plant in Oxford starting in 2019, this signals a further clear commitment to the electrified future of the MINI brand. Next steps will be to agree on the details of a possible joint venture and cooperation agreement and clarify aspects such as the choice of production location and concrete investments. The BMW Group has no plans to set up an additional sales organisation in China. The company is firmly committed to continuing the successful cooperation with the established sales structure. Independently of its strategic considerations towards the MINI brand, the BMW Group will further expand its highly successful BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) joint venture in China with its partner, Brilliance. In addition to its two automobile production locations, BBA already runs an engine plant, which includes a battery factory for electrified BMW brand vehicles produced locally in Shenyang. This is the first battery factory operated by a premium automobile manufacturer in China. In recent years, BBA has become a cornerstone of the BMW brand’s success in its largest market and serves as a model for the continued development of MINI in China. Around 560,000 BMW brand vehicles were delivered to customers in China in 2017 – more than in the next two largest markets, the US and Germany, combined. In 2017, China was MINI’s fourth-largest market, with around 35,000 units delivered. This underlines the brand’s additional global potential. The successful strategy for expansion of the BMW Group’s global production network obeys a clear rule: Production follows the market. However, expansion of the BMW brand in its largest markets, such as China, has not led to a decrease in production at the company’s German plants. On the contrary, between 2007 and 2017, production in Germany increased by close to a quarter to around 1.15 million vehicles per year. At the same time, almost half of all BMW production now takes place at plants outside Germany. A similar growth strategy could accelerate development of the MINI brand significantly without questioning the BMW Group’s commitment in the UK. The company has made significant investments over the years to step up its involvement in the country. View full article
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BMW Group U.S. Reports January 2018 Sales BMW Group sales increase 3.5 percent in January 2018. BMW brand sales increase 5 percent. MINI brand sales decrease 5.6 percent. Sales of BMW Group electrified vehicles total 1,145 in January 2018, accounting for 5.2 percent of vehicles sold in the U.S. Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 1, 2018… Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 5 percent in January 2018 for a total of 19,016 compared to 18,109 vehicles sold in January 2017. Most notably, the new BMW 5 Series showed strong growth for the seventh straight month, with 2,456 vehicles sold – nearly 10 percent of which were the BMW 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid electric variant. The all-new BMW X3, which came to market in November, also performed well with 2,954 vehicles sold. “Our newest products continue to be very well received by consumers, which has helped us carry the momentum that we created in 2017 into 2018 and given us a great start to the New Year,” said Bernhard Kuhnt, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “We have many new products to launch in 2018, starting with the first-ever, and much anticipated BMW X2 which will begin appearing on showroom floors later this month for its sales debut in early March.” MINI Brand Sales For January, MINI USA reported 2,937 vehicles sold, a decrease of 5.6 percent from the 3,110 sold in the same month a year ago. BMW Group Sales In total, the BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported January sales of 21,953 vehicles, an increase of 3.5 percent from the 21,219 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. BMW Group Electrified Vehicle Sales Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles sales totaled 1,145 vehicles, accounting for 5.2 percent of BMW Group vehicles sales in January. BMW currently offers six electrified models in the U.S., including the BMW i3 and BMW i8, as well as the BMW i Performance models: BMW 330e, BMW 530e, BMW 740e and the BMW X5 xDrive 40e. MINI offers the MINI Countryman plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle.
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BMW appears to be making a number of changes to future plans once again. According to a report from Automobile Magazine, a number of BMW i models have been canned. They include a proposed i9 flagship sedan (replaced by a slightly smaller i7 sedan), the i5 which was supposed to arrive in 2023, and an even larger version of the i3. Other plans that reportedly been canceled include a supercar plan with McLaren and new vehicle architecture with Diamler. The situation is somewhat worse at Mini. Automobile said plans for a joint development of a new small car platform with Toyota have fallen through. It was expected this platform would have underpin the next-generation Mini Cooper. According to some sources, BMW is working a deal with Chinese automaker Great Wall about developing a new platform for Mini. Other details from Automobile's report, The follow-up to the i3 will be renamed the iX1 Plans are being drawn up for an electric version of the next Rolls-Royce Ghost There is talk about a new model that "defines the BMW brand in the 21st century." It could be a reskin of the i8 with bigger batteries and a turbo-four; keeping the i8's central structure and adding new front and rear ends, along with a four-cylinder; or designing a new model that will feature the choice of three different electric motors and either 3.0L inline-six or a V8 engine with 600 horsepower Source: Automobile Magazine View full article
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BMW appears to be making a number of changes to future plans once again. According to a report from Automobile Magazine, a number of BMW i models have been canned. They include a proposed i9 flagship sedan (replaced by a slightly smaller i7 sedan), the i5 which was supposed to arrive in 2023, and an even larger version of the i3. Other plans that reportedly been canceled include a supercar plan with McLaren and new vehicle architecture with Diamler. The situation is somewhat worse at Mini. Automobile said plans for a joint development of a new small car platform with Toyota have fallen through. It was expected this platform would have underpin the next-generation Mini Cooper. According to some sources, BMW is working a deal with Chinese automaker Great Wall about developing a new platform for Mini. Other details from Automobile's report, The follow-up to the i3 will be renamed the iX1 Plans are being drawn up for an electric version of the next Rolls-Royce Ghost There is talk about a new model that "defines the BMW brand in the 21st century." It could be a reskin of the i8 with bigger batteries and a turbo-four; keeping the i8's central structure and adding new front and rear ends, along with a four-cylinder; or designing a new model that will feature the choice of three different electric motors and either 3.0L inline-six or a V8 engine with 600 horsepower Source: Automobile Magazine
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