[Coops]

Mini Thailand will be launching their first ever mini Expo, which will present the full MINI range. The event will feature a line up of 17 models including the S Countryman, the Mini Hatch, Mini Convertible, Mini Clubman and Mini JCW. There will also be an exclusive boot sale for current owners in the "Mini Black Market". These kinds of events are crucial to the Mini's success as they continue to struggle in a market dominated by trucks and crossovers. Luckily it doesn't look like they have any interest in following the trend, as no new body styles are expected in the coming years.

 

[Tandy]

Glad to see that Mini is sticking to its roots, despite the lack of interest in sedans/coupes. There are some rumors however that BMW plans to kill off the Clubman, as I don't think there has been a lot of interest in it do its more wagon like styling.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

Mini will continue to have problems especially when BMW is filling in segments that Mini competes in.
It makes you wonder what BMW's overall goals are, down the road, Mini could look very much like Scion and Pontiac.

 

[Morris]

With the cost of a typical EV, they should probably consider making the Mini a cheaper alternative to their 3 series electrics. I think that Mini's declining sales lately are in part due to the number of alternatives in this segment, and unfortunately pricing becomes a deal breaker.

 

[Coops]

I believe their sales numbers are only down like 2% and that's probably fairly normal across the industry with the decreased interest in small cars. The Countryman is the brands biggest seller and I think we may see that body style adopted across the different variants.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

Sales will be in more of a tough situation as BMW and rival brands compete in these segments.
Hard to ignore how well the CLA sold and very soon a model above it will come out, called the A-Class.
CLA buyers complained about space and the A-Class addresses this.

 

[Tandy]

Personally I think its a little ridiculous that something called the Mini is getting continuously larger with each new generation. I know that crossovers and SUV's are all the rage, but there is nothing wrong with offering a niche product. Just make the starting MSRP more appealing.

 

[Morris]

If Mini wants to stay competitive, they will have to follow the shifts in the market. I'm not suggested that they need to offer a crossover variant, but maximizing it's utility will go a long way in gaining consumer interest. The Countryman is their best seller for a reason.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

Personally I think its a little ridiculous that something called the Mini is getting continuously larger with each new generation. I know that crossovers and SUV's are all the rage, but there is nothing wrong with offering a niche product. Just make the starting MSRP more appealing.

that's the beauty of branding, people come to Mini more for styling and how its configured uniquely to the rest.
the strategy works, now its just rinse wash repeat in response to segments that sell.

 

[Coops]

I think that a lot people come to Mini for its heritage, and the fact that they continue to do something unique in an industry that has largely shifted to mass market, generic vehicles. With their declining sales, there is evidence that BMW may need to make some adjustments to the brand however.

 

[Tandy]

I don't really think this is an indication of anything that Mini is doing wrong, its just a result of this huge shift we've seen towards SUV's and crossovers. It's only a matter of time before we see the market head back towards smaller, more practical city cars.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

I think that a lot people come to Mini for its heritage, and the fact that they continue to do something unique in an industry that has largely shifted to mass market, generic vehicles. With their declining sales, there is evidence that BMW may need to make some adjustments to the brand however.

Yes, its why Fiat was able to come back with the 500 like back in the days and even expand on it to establish the brand to this point.
Heck... even Mercedes and BMW started dipping into those smaller segments as consumers look for more premium compacts.