Mini Responsible for 1% of Britain’s GDP
Canadian Auto Press

If you were wondering whether or not the reinvented Mini brand has been successful, contemplate for a second that the BMW subsidiary just produced its 1.5 millionth car during the 8 years since production began in 2001.

Mini Crossover Cconcept

Putting things into perspective, the original Mini, which was a major hit across the globe and is considered the forefather of the modern-day front-wheel drive economy car, only managed 5.3 million unit sales over 41 years; sales ran from 1959 through 2000.

Mini is a ripe old 50 this year, as you may have noticed via TV, radio and web marketing, as well as dealership signage, all part of its yearlong celebration. It’s now an 80-country wide global party, commemorating a business that employs 7,000 people in Oxford, England alone, and represents a staggering 1% of Britain’s GDP.

Mini remains one of the only brands expanding its dealership network in the beleaguered US market. Small cars continue to be hot sellers right now, especially with gasoline prices on the rise again.

Over the next year and a half Mini is targeting considerable growth with 17 new dealerships, predominantly in urban areas, being added to the US fold, for a total of 100.

After its best year on record, with sales of 54,077 units in the States in 2008, Mini is looking to double its deliveries by 2011. Mini has also sold strongly in Canada since its inception, and is expected to continue on its growth pattern with an expanded model lineup.

The stretched Clubman model has increased sales beyond its smaller coupe and convertible models, and a Mini crossover model should enhance the brand’s appeal even further, plus bring in more per-car profits.