Official Release: MINI USA reported sales of 4,425 automobiles, a decrease of 13.4 percent from the 5,111 cars sold last year. Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 29,704 automobiles, a decrease of 3.8 percent from the 30,868 units sold last year. The drop in sales was again affected by the Cash for Clunkers program that took place in July and August of 2009 and boosted sales volume. MINI sales will gain momentum as the year progresses due the updated 2011 model year vehicles arriving at dealerships in two weeks. Additionally, the brand is seeing significant customer interest in the Countryman as MINI dealers have just begun taking orders for the new model coming out in January 2011. [...] More...
But last years figures were distorted by "cash for clunkers"! The 4,425 is the highest since August last year ... Your Page Title
Cash for clunkers and the EU nation equivalents, along with low gas prices here are screwing up the year to year numbers. Personally, I hate that stat as it is about a "context free" statistic as any that is out there, and like Ian points out, really distorts the absolute value of the actual number. We'd be better served by posting Ians graphs here that show not only year on year, but the trends that have been going on. As it is, the year on year monthly number really begs for misinterpretation. Matt
