According to Mini CEO Wolfgang Armbrecht, the Mini Countryman will be a huge help to reaching their sales goals of 300,000 units. Last year, Mini sold a total of 216,000 units last year. Now, they are aiming higher. As of the first half of 2010, Mini has already sold 109,309, giving them 7.6% increase in sales.
BMW insiders have reported that there will be around 40,000 to 50,000 Mini Countryman produced in Austria for this new Mini model. If all these units will be sold, it will definitely be a huge asset to reaching Mini’s sales goals.
The Countryman is the newest model on the Mini line. It is also the very first Mini vehicle which has four-doors and the first Mini to exceed 157 ” in length. It is a crossover with a higher seating position to add that SUV feel. It can also be bought in an optional all-wheel drive system. The launch of this new model is in line with Mini’s sales goal and to provide more options to the market. The Mini Countryman is priced at 20,200 euros and will be sold across Europe on Sept. 18, 2010. It will be available in Asia during the first quarter of 2011.
Mini also plans to expand their model selection by offering innovative models like the Countryman. Rumors say there are plans for a mini-Mini, a city car positioned beneath the Mini One, and a van-like Mini.
Mini is in high spirits and is looking forward to any competitor, Armbrecht said.