CountrymanMotoring goes to... Seoul.

Whlie my own MINI Countryman is in good hands back in LA, I am enjoying my stay in Seoul, Korea. I am looking forward to my encounter with Countryman here in Seoul.

MINI vs MINI (MINI Countryman vs Morris Mini Minor, to be precise)

When the MINI Countryman was first unveiled to the world last year at 2010 Geneva Auto Show, it was initially met with lots of skepticism, mainly for its size: It's simply too BIG to be a MINI. So UK's AutoExpress magazine put MINI Countryman side-by-side with original Morris MINI Minor. Full article after the jump.

Report :: MINI Countryman inventory at So California dealers

Last time I checked the MINI Countryman inventory at So. California MINI centers, the number was around 155 cars (May 25, 2011). Today I checked it and the current inventory of MINI Countryman models is at around only 27 cars [unofficial]- including Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper S All4! Of those, 24 are Cooper S models including ALL4. That leaves only 3 cars to be non-turbo Cooper. This could explain why I have been seeing lots of Countryman in Los Angeles freeways and city streets as of late. Customers have been snatching them up while dealers are not getting any new inventories due to model year change. With only 27 cars available in LA area, your choices will be very limited if you need one right away. However, on the flip side, I am sure dealers are willing to negotiate on those few remaining 2011 Countryman. But... if you want your very own, simply get ready to endure the long 2 month wait and order one!

[ source :: AutoTrader ]

MINI Sales Figures August 2011

MINI USA reported sales of 3,109 cars in August.  The August 2011 sales are down 29.7% from the 4,425 sold in August, 2010. The sales are down considerably compared to August of 2010 as well as previous month. MINI blames lack of inventory for the decrease in sales.

“Lack of inventory slowed MINI sales in August due to our annual model year change over in July,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President – MINI USA. “MINI has been fortunate to maintain a tight supply of inventory and many customers submitted specifications for custom MINIs in August so we are confident this will be reflected in September and October sales continuing our momentum this year.”

Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 26.7% on volume of 37,636 compared to 29,704 in the first eight months of 2010.

Living with MINI :: my Countryman's Chrome Tape FAIL

Yup. It happened at last. The chrome molding tape along DLO (Day Light Opening in designer's term) of my Countryman has started peeling. It has been a known issue (first reported case was back in June) and while I wasn't too surprised to see it, it was quite a sad moment I must say. Use of chrome tape is quite cheap enough, but seeing it peel in person in my own Countryman was quite a letdown.