MINI USA will expand its 83-strong American dealer network by 20 percent during the next 18 months to a total of 100 outlets across the country.
Most of the additional 17 MINI dealerships will be located in cities or areas that will be new markets for the brand.
"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," MINI USA Vice President Jim McDowell says. "We are celebrating a major landmark for MINI this year, its 50th birthday, and we are pleased to announce plans for another significant milestone for the brand - the development of our national dealer network to 100 outlets."
The first of the new dealers to become operational this year will be MINI of Birmingham in Birmingham, Ala.
In addition to Birmingham, MINI will open dealerships in Pensacola, Fla.; Alexandria, Va.; Austin, Texas; Seattle, Wash.; Fort Myers, Fla.; El Paso, Texas; Ontario, Calif.; Louisville, Ky.; Raleigh, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Loveland, Colo.; Madison, Wis.; Mount Laurel, N.J.; Allentown, Pa.; San Diego, Calif.; and Tempe, Ariz.
Industry sales in the US this year have recorded a 37 percent decline through May, but MINI continues to outperform its competition and its market share continues to increase despite a sales decline over 2008.
