MINI Records Strongest-ever First Half Year Sales

MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – July 5, 2010: MINI Australia today announced that 2010 had seen the strongest ever year-to-date sales performance for the brand, having sold 1,233 vehicles in the first six months of 2010.

MINI sales are up more than 34 percent on 2009. The previous record was 1,099 units sold over the same period in 2005.

MINI Australia National Manager, David Woollcott, said the steady growth of MINI in Australia was testimony to the strength of the brand, the product and the retail network in this country.

“MINI is a lifestyle choice and offers a customer experience that is quite unique in the marketplace combining style, personalisation and a thrilling drive experience,” said Mr Woollcott.

“MINI also boasts some of the strongest residual values of any car on the market which makes it a proposition that appeals to both the heart and the head,” he said.

Since the international launch of the ‘new’ MINI Hatch in 2001, the range has been extended to now include the MINI Convertible and the longer-wheel-base MINI Clubman with all three body shapes offered in high-performance MINI John Cooper Works form.

“A mid-life update of the full range reaches showrooms later this year which will ensure MINI’s continued success in the years to come,” said Mr Woollcott.

Later this year, the MINI line-up will further diversify with the launch of the ground-breaking new MINI Countryman, a four-door crossover vehicle which introduces four-wheel drive to the MINI brand for the first time.

Mr Woollcott said MINI sales would continue to grow with the introduction of new models bringing new customers to the brand.

“With the launch of the MINI Countryman, and a number of radical new vehicle concepts on the near-term horizon, MINI is expanding into new segments while retaining the edgy styling and go-kart drive for which the brand is renowned,” said Mr Woollcott.