|
Mini Selects U.S. Dealers - 06/18/2001
MINI Enters Initial Contractual Phase With Dealers
WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ, June 18, 2001 (BMW of North America) - MINI, a division of BMW of North America, has issued Letters of Intent to 70 dealer candidates in 29 states, generally located in major metropolitan and progressive urban areas throughout the United States.
The Letters of Intent signify MINI's intentions to enter into a MINI passenger car dealer agreement with the notified candidates. This represents the second stage in MINI's plans to introduce its passenger cars back into the United States market.
MINI received an overwhelming number of proposals from prospective candidates seeking a MINI passenger car dealer agreement, which reflects the strong interest and demand already generated for MINI's 2002 United States debut. Jack Pitney, general manager for MINI stated, "We had such strong interest in the MINI franchise that it was difficult to narrow down the field. That was the hard part, but now we are pleased to be on the way to having great MINI passenger car dealers." Pitney added that "the reception from the public to MINI has been unbelievable and so it is doubly great that we can now tell people where they may find their MINI in the coming months."
The Letter of Intent details the standards required for a MINI passenger car dealer agreement to be awarded. These include standards on sales staff, showroom environment, technical support and service.
MINI, an independent brand with a legendary heritage, has its own unique identity separate from vehicles presently distributed by the BMW Group. MINI dealers will have a distinct retail environment showcasing the unique characteristics of MINI passenger cars, and dedicated sales and technical staff. The majority of MINI dealers will have either new facilities or new showrooms adjacent to existing BMW Group line-makes.
A dealer locator will shortly be available on MINIUSA.com.
The MINI brand will sell approximately 100,000 passenger cars per year worldwide, with approximately 18,000 allocated for distribution in the United States market for 2002. Prices for the MINI Cooper will start below $18,000.
|
