Dramatic Sales Environment Sets Stage For MINI Intro
Hot off its triumphant unveiling in Europe, the MINI COOPER is debuting in the U.S. in early 2001. The COOPER is the first all new product from the MINI brand, a division of BMW of North America, since its inception in 1959 and represents a total redesign for the automotive icon.
Retailing MINI in the U.S. will include a mix of select, strategic dealerships affiliated with BMW North America’s retail network, and e-commerce will also be used to sell the car.
To convey the MINI’s proud heritage, MINI dealers will be fully furnished with a dramatic sales environment and staffing exclusively dedicated to the franchise.
Research by MINI’s marketing team has shown that MINI will appeal to a wide cross-section of customers of different ages and from different backgrounds. What they share is an enthusiasm for driving and the look of their car. However, there are particular groups to which MINI will greatly appeal.
The first group is young and affluent, aged 20-34. Experimental, they enjoy the new and tend to be open minded and active.
The second group is slightly older, 35-50 and a more affluent, yet progressive-thinking household. The MINI COOPER may be an additional sporty, yet affordable car for their garage - perhaps even to “share” with younger family members.
The third group includes classic car fans and MINI enthusiasts.
Sunoco To Operate Fueling Facilities At Wal-Mart Locations
Sunoco has entered into an agreement with Wal-Mart Stores allowing Sunoco to build and operate retail fueling facilities at selected existing and future Wal-Mart locations.
In addition to gasoline, these sites will offer customers a limited selection of convenience store merchandise. Sunoco is working with Wal-Mart to develop a new brand that is planned for use at these facilities.
“This agreement provides Sunoco with a cost-effective way to grow its retail market share,” said John Drosdick, Sunoco CEO.
Report On Truck Sales
Trucks represent over 40% of all registered vehicles on the road today, an all time high, surpassing last year’s record and marking an increase of nearly 5 percentage points since 1994, according to The Polk Company’s analysis of Vehicles In Operation in 2000.
“Although trucks have captured a growing share of total operating vehicles, the rate of growth for total truck registration has declined, as has the growth rate for car registration,” said Lonnie Miller, Performance Consultant for Polk’s Aftermarket team. “This reaffirms our observation that U.S. households are adding vehicles to their personal fleet at a slower pace. Unless something triggers dramatic demand for this category, we’re expecting this cooled growth pace to continue for a while.”
Code-Alarm Introduces PowerCode Technology
Code-Alarm has unveiled PowerCode, an all-in-one remote control that can run most vehicle security and convenience options including keyless entry, remote control car start and anti-theft.
“In the past, adding new features meant ripping out the black box and installing an entirely new unit,” said Peter Stouffer, COO of Code-Alarm. “With PowerCode, car owners will be able to buy a basic controller module with keyless entry and add features.”
BillBoard Launches Wireless Network
BillBoard Video’s new Wireless Media Network provides location specific, wireless, Internet-delivered, full-motion video advertisements directly to the gas pump.
“Our network combines the latest in wireless, Internet, and e-commerce technologies,” said William Hall, CEO of Billboard Video, Inc., Frisco, TX.
For more information, contact BillBoard Video online at www.billboardvideo.com or call toll free 1-866-BBVIDEO.
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