[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW Group global sales top 200,000 for first time in single month

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BMW Group global sales top 200,000 for first time in single month

212,908 vehicles delivered in March, an increase of 11.3%
Year-to-date sales climb 8.7% to 487,024 vehicles
Q1 sales growth in all three major sales regions

Munich, Germany– April 9th, 2014 . . . The BMW Group sold 212,908 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles in March – the company’s best-ever monthly results. It’s a significant 11.3% increase on the previous all-time monthly high in March last year (191,269 units). A new high for the first quarter of the year was also achieved with a total of 487,024 vehicles delivered in the first three months of 2014 (prev. yr. 448,200 / +8.7%).

Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management, Sales and Marketing BMW, said: “This is the first time in the company’s history that over 200,000 vehicles were delivered to customers in a single month - March has rounded off a strong first quarter in 2014. Despite continuing economic uncertainties, we are experiencing steady improvement in almost all regions. Sales of our BMW X-vehicles have been particularly strong; I’m sure the brand new BMW X4, which celebrated start-of-production in Plant Spartanburg at the end of March, will contribute to boosting growth still further when it comes onto the market from July.”

Worldwide sales of BMW brand vehicles rose 16.9% to 186,126 in March, making it the brand’s most successful month ever (prev. yr. 159,195). Sales for the first three months of the year reached 428,259, an increase of 12.3%

(prev. yr. 381,406). Sales of BMW X-vehicles were particularly strong growth drivers in the first quarter. The BMW X1 saw double-digit growth, with 43,262 vehicles delivered to customers in the year to end of March (prev. yr. 37,680 / +14.8%). BMW X3 volume increased by 10.8% in the first three months of the year (40,115 / prev. yr. 36,189) and deliveries of the new BMW X5 rose 13.8% to 31,025 units (prev. yr. 27,274). The BMW 3 Series was also a steady growth driver in the year-to-date with a total of 116,671 units sold (prev. yr. 109,308 / +6.7%). Sales of the BMW 5 Series also developed well in the first three months of the year, with 91,600 vehicles delivered to customers (prev. yr. 85,731 / +6.8%).

Due to the current model-change – the new MINI arrived in dealerships at the end of March - sales of MINI brand vehicles have decreased in line with expectations during the first quarter of 2014. Deliveries for the first three months of the year were down 12.5% (57,868 /prev. yr. 66,156) with sales in March down 16.9% to 26,382 units (prev. yr. 31,765). The order-book for the new MINI is strong and this is expected to be reflected in the retail figures from summer onwards.

Rolls-Royce retains its position as the world’s leading manufacturer of super-luxury motor cars. Following a fourth successive record year in 2013, sales in the first quarter are up significantly year-on-year. In total, 897 Rolls-Royce motor cars were delivered to customers across the globe (prev. yr. 642 / +39.7%). This was driven by sustained demand for Phantom and Ghost models and a full order-book for Wraith, the company’s latest model. The company has planned for further sustainable growth and it is optimistic for another strong year in 2014.

BMW Motorrad achieved its best first quarter and best single month ever. Sales increased by 16.1% in the first three months of the year, with a total of 28,719 motorcycles and maxi-scooters delivered worldwide (prev. yr. 24.732). In March, 15,183 vehicles were sold (prev. yr. 13,067/ + 16.2%).

The BMW Group made gains in many markets in the first quarter with the main three sales regions all recording an increase in sales.

Sales of BMW and MINI vehicles in Asia rose 21.8% to 158,120 (prev. yr. 129,866). Mainland China saw deliveries jump 25.4% in the first three months of the year (107,951 / prev. yr. 86,070). A similar increase was achieved in Japan, with 18,888 units delivered (prev. yr. 14,990 / +26.0%) and strong growth was also recorded in South Korea, where sales increased 19.0% (10,587 / prev. yr. 8,900) in the first quarter.

The Americas saw an increase in BMW and MINI deliveries of 3.4% in the first quarter (99,606 / prev. yr. 96,318). Sales in the USA grew 2.6% with a total of 81,034 vehicles delivered to customers (prev. yr. 78,957). Customer deliveries in Brazil, where the BMW Group will be opening a new plant later this year, jumped 50.8% in the first three months of the year with 4,184 vehicles sold (prev. yr. 2,774).

Despite continuing headwinds in some markets, Europe also recorded a slight growth in sales with deliveries for the first quarter up 3.3% (214,031 / prev. yr. 207,130). The BMW Group’s home market, Germany, grew 0.5% in the first quarter with 64,183 vehicle registrations (prev. yr. 63,886). Sales in Scandinavia continued to grow strongly with 10,810 vehicles delivered to customers in March (prev. yr. 8,840 / +22.3%).

[SilentAttack]

That's crazy yo

[owerr]

dayummm

[bosz]

even though Im happy for BMW, this makes me feel more and more like the brand has diluted big time...Its just become another common car on the streets. Which could explain the massive depreciation on their 7 series and M6's etc

Back in the day a BMW was whoa! Now its just another car (I'm speaking Brandwise). Specially with all the new models they keep coming out with its a joke!

[AtlantaDude]

Originally Posted by bosz

even though Im happy for BMW, this makes me feel more and more like the brand has diluted big time...Its just become another common car on the streets. Which could explain the massive depreciation on their 7 series and M6's etc

Back in the day a BMW was whoa! Now its just another car (I'm speaking Brandwise). Specially with all the new models they keep coming out with its a joke!

I hate that I agree with this....

[mundo74]

Me too. I tell my friends that if you want to spend 60k+ on a car and your priorities are mostly to stand out from the crowd look elsewhere. BMWs are now part of the crowd. That said I still love them because they are the best engineered and thats my #1 criteria.

[Tiny Chainsaw]

Funny how people are saying BMW is too "mainstream" now...

[328skidpad]

I remember driving my dads 1987 325is in highschool and was like wow what a machine, now is see the new 3 series and it looks like a korean car.

and drives similiar to a honda accord.

I had two bmw's last year but just switched my 328 13 convertible to a new E class merc with the AMG package

and now gonna switch my 335 to a Porsche Cayman

just had to rant because I wanted to buy the new m3 as a daily driver but damn for 75K out the door there are much better options..

[falar]

I don't buy cars because I want something "exclusive" or something that stands out. I buy what I like based on what I think they look and drive like.

If BMW is moving more "mainstream" then I say its a good thing--with the increased profitability we can see more performance models and options and low volume cars.

[martin mustang]

I hope this not another chapter like the Merc one back in 90's volume meant a kiss goodbye to quality, I personally believe all big companies go down the same way, volume will always impact on quality, it is simply human nature!

[AndreyATC]

Originally Posted by martin mustang

I hope this not another chapter like the Merc one back in 90's volume meant a kiss goodbye to quality, I personally believe all big companies go down the same way, volume will always impact on quality, it is simply human nature!

But the volume comes from more models in lineup
How's that affecting quality
BMW is expanding

[hyperboost]

Originally Posted by bosz

even though Im happy for BMW, this makes me feel more and more like the brand has diluted big time...Its just become another common car on the streets. Which could explain the massive depreciation on their 7 series and M6's etc

Back in the day a BMW was whoa! Now its just another car (I'm speaking Brandwise). Specially with all the new models they keep coming out with its a joke!

how fast is the 7 and M6 depreciating?

[vladberca]

@328skidpad: Your comment is not related to the subject: you've changed the classes, how this defines less competitive bimmer cars?

[motorsport_cat]

Well this is what happens when you make new niches and have a car for every niche. Doesn't necessarily mean enthusiasts are happy... Can't run away from the company's core philosophy.

[bosz]

Originally Posted by hyperboost

how fast is the 7 and M6 depreciating?

In canada a Loaded 7 Series with x drive and M sport is like $150K brand new. You can now get a 2010 or 11 fully loaded with like 50,000 km for like $45,000 to $55,000

Then again, to be fair, even the S Class (not sure about A8), depreciates HEAVILY.

Point is BMW is just not what it used to be in terms of exclusivity. Were paying so much, yet are just another fish in the sea.

No matter what reasons are for buying a car, there is a premium being paid with these luxury brands such as BMW/Merc for exclusivity and that component is just not there anymore

Porsche is going the same way too. Lots of cheaper models around $55K, then you have the Turbo S base price starting at $208,000!

Lamborghini here I come lol (i wish)

[Shaw]

It is still comparative and relative...although true that depreciation has accelerated, but IMO, BMW still maintains highest value compared to its rivals...
Also, selling a BMW is easi"er" compared to its rivals...
But you need to look at the other side of a coin too: I buy a Nissan or a Mazda for $30k and after a few years, the car is almost worth nothing! still easy to sell, but when you buy a car like that, you can forget about any capital asset... in regards to a BMW, the brand still lives up to its attractiveness in the market, because a 3-4 year old BMW (Mercedes, Audi as well) are still considered acceptable "featured" cars vs. other brands after 3-4 years... my 2 cents...
Example: I sold my 2011 X3 for only 25% lower than the original purchased price after 3 years in less than a month...that tells me something!

[hyperboost]

Originally Posted by bosz

In canada a Loaded 7 Series with x drive and M sport is like $150K brand new. You can now get a 2010 or 11 fully loaded with like 50,000 km for like $45,000 to $55,000

Then again, to be fair, even the S Class (not sure about A8), depreciates HEAVILY.

Point is BMW is just not what it used to be in terms of exclusivity. Were paying so much, yet are just another fish in the sea.

No matter what reasons are for buying a car, there is a premium being paid with these luxury brands such as BMW/Merc for exclusivity and that component is just not there anymore

Porsche is going the same way too. Lots of cheaper models around $55K, then you have the Turbo S base price starting at $208,000!

Lamborghini here I come lol (i wish)

I agree with you. These german cars depreciate fast. especially out of factory warranty. My friend can buy them from auction and the price there is insanely cheap!

[TheBry]

Opinions are subjective, but I'll say it anyway... all this talk about depreciation misses the mark. Anyone going into a car purchase with the expectation that they'll be able to sell it some years later for anywhere near what they originally paid for it brand new, is deluding themselves.

Of course, I own a 2012 7-Series that has depreciated about 60% largely due to the 65K miles I've put on him so far -- I drive the hell out of this car and have had no major problems. In late 2011, I paid $112K for the car, and private sale value is now $45K. But I'm ok with that, and knew what I was getting into from the beginning. It's about the day-to-day experience for me, not what it'll be worth when I sell it or trade it in. But this position is not for the faint of heart

Another way of looking at it is that I've had the car for roughly 930 days now. If I take the lost value (roughly $67K) and divide that by 930, I get $72. For me, the ownership experience has definitely been worth $72 per day -- especially on long road trips (I drive 500 miles each way between San Francisco and Palm Springs several times per year). Again, just my situation / opinion.