Whereas BMW and M managed to ship extra automobiles within the first quarter of the yr in comparison with Q1 2023, it was the opposite approach round for MINI and Rolls-Royce. The British manufacturers a part of the BMW Group suffered a gross sales decline by means of March. The Oxford-based marque was down by 9.4%, at 62,107 automobiles whereas shipments of ultra-luxury automobiles from Goodwood diminished by 7% to 1,525 models.

Regardless of the setback, MINI nonetheless has a superb probability to realize robust ends in 2024. We’re making this projection primarily based on the absolutely refreshed mannequin lineup. Other than the new Countryman and its electrical counterpart, the next-gen 3-Door Hardtop has arrived in each ICE and EV flavors. A extra sensible 5-Door hatch can also be coming this yr, as is a brand new gasoline-fueled convertible.

A brand new addition to the portfolio is the Aceman, the model’s first electric-only mannequin. The subcompact crossover will premiere subsequent month and is scheduled to go on sale later in 2024. It’ll be made in China alongside the 3-Door electrical hatch. Nonetheless, the 2 fashions may even go into manufacturing within the UK from 2026. The duo is unlikely to reach in the US till then.

As for Rolls-Royce, the corporate has by no means been about quantity. The minor gross sales decline is unlikely to place a dent within the firm’s monetary information. This drop in gross sales is partially defined by the demise of the Wraith coupe and Daybreak convertible. Latest spy pictures have revealed RR is engaged on a delicate facelift for the Cullinan, which we’re anticipating to see in 2024.

2023 was truly a record-breaking yr for the corporate with the Spirit of Ecstasy. Deliveries rose to an unprecedented stage – 6,032 models. Concomitantly, RR has been doubling down on its bespoke creations, a few of that are believed to be the most costly new automobiles ever. A latest instance is the Arcadia launched in February with an unconfirmed price ticket of $30 million.

Supply: BMW Group