A lot of sheer driving pleasure
BMW Group posts its highest vehicle sales ever in 2012 by recording an increase in sales of 10.6 per cent.
In absolute terms, a total of 1,845,186 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles delivered worldwide compared 1,668,982 in 2011, the previous record year.
Sales for BMW cars rose 11.6 per cent to 1,540,085 vehicles, also a new record. Strong performers for the brand included the much maligned and ugly BMW 1 Series, with a total of 226,829 vehicles sold in 2012 despite its challenging looks. Its equally visually challenged SAV brother, the BMW X1, experienced sales growth of 16.9 per cent to end 2012 with 147,776 sales
Prettier BMW products also did well and the standard setting F30 3 Series had a mega year. The sedan hit 294,039 sales; an increase of 22.4 per cent over last while combined 3 Series variant Sales rose by 5.8 per cent to a total of 406,752 vehicles. Other star performers include the BMW X3 and BMW 5 Series, which is a segment leader. Rather surprisingly, the BMW 6 Series had an extraordinary year by racking 23,193 sales or a 146.8 per cent increase.
Global sales for MINI broker the 300,000 barrier and climbed to 301,526 vehicles. The growth is spurred on by sales of new products like the MINI Countryman and MINI Coupé. The trend is expected to continue in 2013, as the smaller MINI Paceman will be launched in spring.
The group’s ultra-luxury brand, Rolls-Royce, remained as the clear market leader in its segment. Sales for 2012 reached a record result of 3,575 cars, the highest annual sales in the 108-year history of the brand and the third consecutive record sales year. Demand for all Phantom and Ghost variants was strong and was helped by the introduction of the Phantom Series II.
Cars weren’t the only big gainer for the BMW Group. Its Motorrad division delivered 106,358 motorcycles in 2012, the most ever in their 90-year history. Motorrad subsidiary, Husqvarna, grew its sales by 15.8 per cent with 10,751 motorcycles sold.
“2012 was a very successful year for us. The BMW Group achieved its best-ever sales result for the second year in a row and expanded its lead in the premium segment. Our success can be attributed to our attractive model portfolio, the strength of our premium brands, as well as a strategy of balanced sales across all continents,” said Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing BMW. He continued “We enter 2013 with positive momentum and despite the prevailing headwinds in some markets, we aim to achieve another record year in sales in 2013. This year marks the beginning of a new era for the BMW Group, as we launch the all-electric BMW i3 towards the end of the year.”
With their brand and product image at an all time high, we can expect even more great things for BMW in 2013 as they continue to battle Mercedes-Benz and Audi for dominance in the premium car segment.
