MINIs sold out for 2008

[LeMansX5]

If you were planning on hitting one of the 82 U.S. MINI dealers to get your hands on a fuel-efficient Cooper or Clubman, it looks like you'll need to look at plan B. Skyrocketing fuel prices has lifted demand of the little British icons to the point that, with the except of pre-orders, all 2008 models are pretty much sold out. The MINI's cute looks and thrifty petrol-sipping discipline have made the retro hatch more attractive than ever. Year over year sales increases of 39%, 52%, and 24% from April-June have all but wiped clean the MINI's already tight inventory.

Although sales really picked up in April, the MINI has been on fire all year, as the 26,400 MINIs sold in the first half of 2008 represents a 33.6% increase over the same sales period in 2007. And thanks to the MINI's already tight world-wide demand, the BMW-owned automaker can only up US shipments by 2-3k units for the rest of the year.

Team MINI wants to keep its new-found fortune coming, too, as it plans to increase its dealer count to 95 stores by 2011. The British automaker will also introduce a diesel MINI once it can pass emissions in all 50 states.

[SuperGreg]

Yup, I ordered the last one . The 2009's also just took a $750 price increase. One of the reasons I bought it was the amazing resale value . I should be driving mine in about 3-4 weeks.

[Quicksilver]

Now that's gonna be interesting.........

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

The British automaker will also introduce a diesel MINI once it can pass emissions in all 50 states.

[Meiac09]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Now that's gonna be interesting.........

sooper dooper

we're toying with a used MCS for a commuter (cfo wants a step though )... a dooper could be a few years down the road, especially if that AWD rumor becomes reality

[blondboinsd]

Originally Posted by Meiac09

sooper dooper

we're toying with a used MCS for a commuter (cfo wants a step though )... a dooper could be a few years down the road, especially if that AWD rumor becomes reality

Yeah, I dislike the previous generation, the ride is too harse and the seats are very uncomftorable and I can't stand those painted on alloy-effect doors the new one is great

[AzNMpower32]

Hello, BMW NA. There is a demand for hatches! *cough120dcough*

Not bad. I think Minis pretty much sell at MSRP too. Maybe they could raise the price a bit.

[SuperGreg]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Hello, BMW NA. There is a demand for hatches! *cough120dcough*

Not bad. I think Minis pretty much sell at MSRP too. Maybe they could raise the price a bit.

They do sell for MSRP, no discounts. They also just took a $750 price increase for the 2009 models.

[erick_c]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Hello, BMW NA. There is a demand for hatches! *cough120dcough*

+1...