Is BMW changing direction AGAIN in the U.S.?

JSpira · 01-06-2009, 10:26 PM

A Wall Street Journal article quotes BMW NA CEO Jim O'Donnell as saying the U.S. "will be the growth engine of the future. This is where we will continue to focus our efforts." The Journal's Kate Linebaugh (indirectly quoting O'Donnell) wrote that "BMW expects to gain share after it launches the new 1 Series small car in the U.S., a type of vehicle it hadn't offered previously"—apparently unaware that the 1 Series has been sold in the U.S. for quite some time. As of the end of November—the last period for which BMW reported sales—BMW NA had sold over 11,000 1 Series vehicles in the U.S.

The article seems to contradict September's reports that BMW would lower its sales volume in North America and reduce its allocation by 10%, or about 44,000 vehicles a year. In several interviews at that time, Jim O'Donnell told reporters that a fewer-sales strategy would be part of his presentation to BMW AG management in Munich in January 2009.—Jonathan Spira

E90330iS · 01-07-2009, 04:35 PM

interesting

jaiman · 01-07-2009, 09:20 PM

So the head of operations in NA says his division will be the driver for BMW overall? Shocking!

pmeloche · 01-07-2009, 09:55 PM

The 1 Series coupe and convertible have only been available in North America for less than a year. The article probably meant the 1 Series 3-door hatchback which sells like cupcakes in Europe and is the smallest 1 Series.

If Mazda and Toyota can sell 3-door hatchbacks in NA I don't see why BMW could not do the same with their elegant little 1 Series.

JSpira · 01-07-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmeloche

The 1 Series coupe and convertible have only been available in North America for less than a year. The article probably meant the 1 Series 3-door hatchback which sells like cupcakes in Europe and is the smallest 1 Series.

No, it didn't. That model is not slated to come over here (unfortunately).

JSpira · 01-07-2009, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaiman

So the head of operations in NA says his division will be the driver for BMW overall? Shocking!

Yes, if you read what he said earlier.

abhik382 · 01-15-2009, 09:47 PM

This sounds good.

marcus1701 · 01-16-2009, 05:22 AM

bring the 1 series hatchbacks here....better yet make them diesel!! A German commuter car with good fuel economy will sell!! I like the VW Jetta TDI but only b/c it's German and Diesel. It's ugly and the VW badge is blah.

01-06-2009, 10:26 PM	#1
JSpira Freude am Fahren 358 Rep 5,254 Posts Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, + Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New York, München, Wien iTrader: (1)	Is BMW changing direction AGAIN in the U.S.? A Wall Street Journal article quotes BMW NA CEO Jim O'Donnell as saying the U.S. "will be the growth engine of the future. This is where we will continue to focus our efforts." The Journal's Kate Linebaugh (indirectly quoting O'Donnell) wrote that "BMW expects to gain share after it launches the new 1 Series small car in the U.S., a type of vehicle it hadn't offered previously"—apparently unaware that the 1 Series has been sold in the U.S. for quite some time. As of the end of November—the last period for which BMW reported sales—BMW NA had sold over 11,000 1 Series vehicles in the U.S. The article seems to contradict September's reports that BMW would lower its sales volume in North America and reduce its allocation by 10%, or about 44,000 vehicles a year. In several interviews at that time, Jim O'Donnell told reporters that a fewer-sales strategy would be part of his presentation to BMW AG management in Munich in January 2009.—Jonathan Spira __________________ Freude am Fahren. Jonathan E90 2006 330xi E90 2006 325i E39 2003 530i Sport* E46 2000 328Ci* E36 1996 328iS* E36 1992 325i* E30 1991 318is E21 1982 320iS* E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)* *retired Nominated: Most Contributing Member
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

01-07-2009, 04:35 PM	#2
E90330iS Major General 148 Rep 6,333 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arcadia, California iTrader: (56) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	interesting __________________ 2017 BMW M4 DCT Lease Transfer: https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8#post23736398
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-07-2009, 09:20 PM	#3
jaiman Captain 22 Rep 658 Posts Drives: very fast Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	So the head of operations in NA says his division will be the driver for BMW overall? Shocking!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-07-2009, 09:55 PM	#4
pmeloche Lieutenant Colonel 24 Rep 1,604 Posts Drives: 2013 F25 X3 xDrive35i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Montréal, Canada iTrader: (0)	The 1 Series coupe and convertible have only been available in North America for less than a year. The article probably meant the 1 Series 3-door hatchback which sells like cupcakes in Europe and is the smallest 1 Series. If Mazda and Toyota can sell 3-door hatchbacks in NA I don't see why BMW could not do the same with their elegant little 1 Series. __________________ Patrice 2013 F25 X3 xDrive35i Vermillion Red
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-15-2009, 09:47 PM	#7
abhik382 Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: India iTrader: (0)	This sounds good. __________________ Abhik BMW Grilles
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-16-2009, 05:22 AM	#8
marcus1701 up all night 1 Rep 113 Posts Drives: 3.0si, alpine white, auto, nav Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Orinda, CA iTrader: (0)	bring the 1 series hatchbacks here....better yet make them diesel!! A German commuter car with good fuel economy will sell!! I like the VW Jetta TDI but only b/c it's German and Diesel. It's ugly and the VW badge is blah. __________________ 02 Silver Audi TT 225 Roadster, APR Stage 2+ ,ECS underdrive Pulleys, S-Line Bumpers, APR Exhaust, APR Silicone Hoses, APR FMIC, Suntek 50% tint, 08 White Subaru Forester 03 Mineral Grey Ford ZX2 DIU Car- American Pride
	Appreciate 0 Quote