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J.D. Power: Mini, Lexus again offer most satisfying sales experience

JD Power has released its annual Sales Satisfaction Index Study, and once again Mini and Lexus have taken top honors. Overall, buyers are more satisfied with the auto-buying sales experience than they were last year, with those surveyed reporting an average score of 664 points on a 1,000-point scale. That's up from 648 in 2011. Dealer satisfaction also increased by five points over last year as well.
All told, Lexus brought home an index score of 737, which was high enough to put it atop the luxury brands for the second year in a row. JD Power says Infiniti came in second in that category with a score of 728 and Cadillac rounded out the podium with it's rating of 725. Speaking of Infiniti, that brand saw the single largest jump in sales satisfaction of any brand on the survey, popping up 52 index points over 2011.
Among mass-market brands, Mini ranked highest with a score of 712, followed closely by Buick with 706 and GMC farther down the line with 683. You can check out the full press release below for more information.

Mini Convertible will reportedly close its top for the final time in 2024

Mini will cancel the droptop version of the Hardtop after three generations, according to a recent report. The Convertible competes in a shrinking segment of the market, so it's one of the brand's slowest-selling nameplates. Production of the current-generation Convertible (pictured) is scheduled to end in February 2024, Automotive News learned from unnamed supplier sources, and the model will not spawn a direct replacement. Mini hasn't confirmed the report, but it's credible because the firm sold only 4,031 units of the Convertible in the United States, one of the largest droptop markets in the world, in 2019, a 25% drop compared to 2018. Global sales totaled 30,426 last year, the publication reported, a not-insignificant 14% drop compared to 2016's results. Motorists who want a convertible Mini may not be entirely out of luck. While it doesn't sound like the head-turning Superleggera Vision concept unveiled in 2014 will reach production, the BMW-owned brand hasn't given up on the idea of launching a standalone sports car that could arrive as a mid-engined roadster. It would likely be electric, like we previously reported, and it hasn't been approved for production yet. Mini has more pressing issues to deal with. Global sales fell by 4.1% in 2019 as motorists in all markets flock around crossovers. As a remedy, executives confirmed they've delayed the launch of the next-generation Hardtop, which will again wear a retro-inspired design but rely largely on technology to offer motorists a simpler, cleaner-looking interior. In the meantime, the company is reportedly developing a pair of crossovers that will allow it to plant a stake in key segments of the market. One, which could revive the Paceman name, will arrive as an electric model developed jointly with China-based Great Wall Motors and built locally. Possibly named Traveller, the second will be a more conventional SUV aimed largely at the American market and neatly positioned between BMW's X1 and X3 in terms of size. It will ride on the German firm's modular CLAR platform, which underpins cars like the 3 Series. Expanding the range while investing in new technologies, like electrification and autonomy, requires a huge amount of resources. In turn, these expenditures make the Convertible's business case even more challenging. If the report is accurate, the Convertible will stick around for about 3 1/2 more years, so it might receive a handful of updates before it closes its top for the final time.

Mini Clubman Final Edition could be the end of the Clubman line

The Mini range is in for an enormous overhaul next model year, the little Anglo-German hatchbacks getting more mature, more roomy, more powertrains, more digital. The Clubman trim could be saying goodbye for good, the wagon's restrained dimensions perhaps not a fit for where Mini's going. For 1,969 buyers around the world, the Mini Clubman Final Edition will be a way to say "Farewell." As with the Mini Convertible Seaside Edition, the Clubman Final Edition commemorates the birth of the original Clubman produced from 1969 to 1981. It's available in three colors: Enigmatic Black, Melting Silver, and Nanuq White. Those base hues will be accented by Shimmer Copper trim on the grille and fender vents, as well as three stripes running up the passenger's side of the hood. Another three Shimmer Copper stripes run along the lower sides underlining the "1 of 1969" badge on the C-pillar. The wagon sits on 18-inch wheels with a two-tone Final Edition Spoke lacquered to recall copper.  The side sills carry "Final Edition" lettering at the threshold to the front seats, and a "1969" badge across the rear threshold. Inside, there are a lot more warm brown and badging to behold. Three-tone Mini Yours leather sports seats are far flashier than anything from 1969, set off by anthracite Piquet fabric, blue contrast stitching, stitched badging and a copper-colored button. A range of "Final Edition" and "1 of 1969" notifiers run appear on the steering wheel, instrument panel, and floor mats.  Depending on market, the Clubman Final Edition can be ordered in Cooper and Cooper S trims, with any available powertrain including diesel, and in two- or four-wheel drive. We're not sure how many will come to the U.S., if any, nor what they will cost, so check with your dealer. The 100 specials being sent to the UK will start at GBP37,000 ($45,250 U.S.) on-the-road, about GBP10,000 ($12,230 U.S.) above an entry-level Clubman Cooper Classic. Related Video This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. New MINI Clubman Cooper S review