[Mark]

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 3, 2010... The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported April sales of 21,111 vehicles, an increase of 9 percent from the 19,362 vehicles sold in the same month of 2009. Year to date, the BMW Group also reported a total sales volume of 76,162 vehicles, up 7.9 percent compared to 70,606 vehicles sold in the first four months of last year.

BMW Brand Sales
The BMW brand continued its positive results in April with good sales in the key volume segments of the premium market. In total, sales increased 10 percent to reach 17,268 vehicles. Year to date, sales increased 8.8 percent to 63,591 vehicles.

In the important midsize sports sedan segment, BMW maintained its leading position with sales of the 3 Series sedan up 63.7 percent to 5,464 units. After just one year in the market, the BMW 7 Series also kept its lead in the large luxury vehicle segment with sales up 96.3 percent to 1,555 units in April. With the 1 Series and Z4, BMW also continued its lead in two smaller volume segments of the premium market.

“April’s positive results are an achievement keeping in mind we have two high volume models in short supply due to the end of their lifecycles,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. “Both the X3 and 5 Series are in transition and we anxiously await the new 5 on sale in June as it has received superb early reviews in comparisons with the competition. The all-new X3 arrives at the end of this year and we anticipate strong demand for this new entry in the hot premium smaller crossover segment.”

To prepare for the production of the X3, BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, SC undergoes a $750 million expansion to be completed in late summer of this year. The local manufacturing of the X3 will provide the company a range of opportunities when the vehicle is introduced to the market.

BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles
In April, sales of BMW’s used vehicles (including certified pre-owned vehicles) sold through BMW’s dealership network increased 23 percent to 15,472 vehicles. Year-to-date, used vehicle sales were up 6 percent to 55,320 vehicles.

MINI Brand Sales
While the premium small car segment is lagging other segments, MINI continued to show a strong performance and increased its segment share. In April, 3,843 MINI’s were sold, up 5.1 percent versus the 3,657 units reported in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 12,571 automobiles, an increase of 3.3 percent.

MINI’s long term growth prospects continue to be strong due to macro economic developments in the U.S. To prepare for this future growth, MINI’s product range will double from three to six models starting in 2011 and the dealer network is being expanded to 100 exclusive stores by summer of this year with dealers investing a combined $200 million this year and last.

Table: Sales BMW of North America, LLC – April 2010

[Vintage]

great news for my favorite car brand - sell, sell, sell

[LJS330i]

Not really great numbers seeing April 08 was one of the worst car sales months in decades. Also Audi was up 32%, Merc up 21%, Cadillac up 35%. Lexus 30%.

Not impressed.

[Kiemyster]

^^

i guess someone had to piss on the parade. nice job.

[LJS330i]

Originally Posted by Kiemyster

^^

i guess someone had to piss on the parade. nice job.

I guess corporate spin has it's believers.

[Oulixes]

Originally Posted by LJS330i

Not really great numbers seeing April 08 was one of the worst car sales months in decades. Also Audi was up 32%, Merc up 21%, Cadillac up 35%. Lexus 30%.

Not impressed.

BMW April's 9 percent sales increase does not seem to compare well with the competition, but in midsize sports sedan segment, BMW claims to be up 63.7 percent. Many of the sports sedans are powered by the N54 engines. It likely means that the fuel delivery problems one hears about do not have much impact on the sales.

[Kiemyster]

Originally Posted by LJS330i

I guess corporate spin has it's believers.

I'm just saying, you had to piss all over this parade with post #2.

'tis all.

edit: Heres a question for you, is BMW's total production still higher than the competitors?

[hubble bubble]

9% over 2009s miserable sales doesn't sound like something to celebrate. Ford is up 40%, Nissan is up 25%, Audi up 30% in feb 2010 vs 2009. At least they beat MB (up 5%).

[jaybird124]

First off, I'm EXTREMELY frustrated with BMW's strategy on everything right now, car design to incentivizing everything to make up for getting killed by Audi.

With that said, one of the reasons their month was dismal was because of limited availability of the 5 and 6 series, X5's had also stalled because of the volcano fiasco.

[LJS330i]

Originally Posted by hubble bubble

9% over 2009s miserable sales doesn't sound like something to celebrate. Ford is up 40%, Nissan is up 25%, Audi up 30% in feb 2010 vs 2009. At least they beat MB (up 5%).

MB was up over 20% year over.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/03/b...r-out-edition/

[westend117]

I would have been surprised if the April numbers were solid given how many cars/SUVs are being held at VPCs right now if the intel on this forum is accurate (plate brackets, EPA testing, seat modules). I have car, for example, that has been at a VPC since April 7 and has still not been delivered.

You can't sell what you can't deliver, and the volcano came later in the month as an excuse.

[HedgHog]

happy to be apart of that success

[Shazmonkee]

Originally Posted by hubble bubble

9% over 2009s miserable sales doesn't sound like something to celebrate. Ford is up 40%, Nissan is up 25%, Audi up 30% in feb 2010 vs 2009. At least they beat MB (up 5%).

First off, I would like to see solid numbers, not percentages--they're so deceiving sometimes.

Second, I understand Audi, but I don't think we can compare Ford and Nissan in terms of percent sales. They offer vehicles that cost significantly less than what BMW offers.

[roundel]

Merc passed BMW in US sales. Audi passed BMW globally as the largest luxury make. The more I read about this HPFP quality issue and lack of brand cohesiveness the more I'm inclined to purchase an Audi. Still haven't made up my mind what will be my next car.

[///RedlineCars]

Originally Posted by roundel

Merc passed BMW in US sales. Audi passed BMW globally as the largest luxury make. The more I read about this HPFP quality issue and lack of brand cohesiveness the more I'm inclined to purchase an Audi. Still haven't made up my mind what will be my next car.

HOLD ON, Audi didnt pass BMW, i was reading the other day BMW still sold more cars then both Audi and MB, plus it became the most valuable car company in the world, so nobody passed BMW. true Audi was close but still didnt pass so GOOO BMW. still the BEST

[vladberca]

with the new 5, the BMW sales will grow up very strong

[Kiemyster]

Originally Posted by vladberca

with the new 5, the BMW sales will grow up very strong

I just dont think the new 3er is gonna make up to standards, and no 4dr M3 is not going to help them either. hopefully their mentality for breaking tradition just to make money will continue onto the new platform and they will still allow a 4dr m3. I dont feel satisfied with the new 5er either, as well as the newer line up because now tat bangle is out of the picture its no secret that they are going back to this "same sausage different length" thing.

Being one of the most ignorant die hard BMW fans you can probably find here on bimmerpost, I cant say I am going to be able to love the new BMW's nearly as much.... But considering the competiton and my distaste for audi's new styling and disgusting interiors still assures me I will continue to be a lifelong customer.