When it comes to Mini’s high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW) editions, Australia has the highest ‘take rate’ in the world – triple that of the US, and more surprisingly, the UK.
Of the 2394 cars Mini sold across Australia in 2012, JCW models accounted for six per cent (144) of the total volume.
In the US, and most European markets, JCW editions made up just two per cent of total sales, and even less in other territories.
Germany is another strong market for Mini JCW editions, ranking number two behind Australia last year, with the performance models accounting for five per cent of total sales.
And it’s not just the regular JCW models that are finding favour with Australian enthusiasts.
The limited edition $56,900 Mini JCW GP sold out its initial allocation of 30 cars for Australia shortly after the model was announced in December last year. Strong demand prompted Mini Australia’s general manager, Kai Bruesewitz, to secure another 25 examples, taking the total to 55 vehicles.
With total worldwide production capped at just 2000 examples, the fastest production Mini ever built looks set to become a sought after collector’s item.
Bruesewitz was upbeat about Mini JCW sales in Australia for 2013, with two more variants to join Mini’s performance stable.
“We’re confident of maintaining similar volumes with JCW cars in Australia this year, with the Mini Countryman JCW joining the line-up later in March, and the Mini Paceman JCW expected to arrive in May.”
