WOODCLIFF LAKE, New Jersey — As consumers' tastes shift away from big SUVs toward smaller cars, Mini appears poised to capitalize on that trend. It announced on Monday that it will expand its U.S. dealer network by 20 percent during the next 18 months, to a total of 100 outlets.
The BMW subsidiary said most of the additional 17 dealerships will be set up in cities or areas that will be new markets for the brand. The dealerships will be located in Birmingham, Alabama; Pensacola, Florida; Alexandria, Virginia; Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Fort Myers, Florida; El Paso, Texas; Ontario, California; Louisville, Kentucky; Raleigh, North Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; Loveland, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin; Mount Laurel, New Jersey; Allentown, Pennsylvania; San Diego, California, and Tempe, Arizona.
"Starting in 2011, our aim is to raise Mini sales by a 'double digit' percentage compared with last year's total of 54,077 cars delivered and this will correspond with a substantial expansion of our network coverage," said Jim McDowell, Mini USA vice president, in a statement.
Inside Line says: Mini bucks the contraction trend by the domestic automakers and kicks off a growth spurt. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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