[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW Group U.S. September 2012 Sales Up 3.5%

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BMW Group U.S. Reports September 2012 Sales

02.10.2012

BMW brand up 4.9 percent year-to-date
MINI brand up 16.6 percent year-to-date, best September ever

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – October 2, 2012… The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported September sales of 26,660 vehicles, an increase of 3.5 percent from the 25,749 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group is up 7.1 percent on sales of 234,928 in the first nine months of 2012 compared to 219,314 in the same period in 2011.

“The economic indicators and consumer confidence are showing improvement and the traffic in our showrooms is further encouraging our optimism for the fourth quarter of the year as the BMW new model ramp-up continues”, said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America, LLC. “The X1 in its first full month is largely sold out and MINI set another sales record; both are strong indicators of what’s to come.”

BMW Brand Sales

Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 0.1 percent in September for a total of 21,761 compared to 21,750 vehicles sold in September, 2011. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 4.9 percent on sales of 186,397 compared to 177,679 sold in the first nine months of 2011.

In September, the X1 SAV in it full sales month, sold 1,570 units. Other best performing vehicles for the month include the 6 Series, up 80.2 percent to 609 units; and the X3 SAV, up 63.7 percent to 3,034 units.

BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles

In September, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 3.8 percent to 13,624 vehicles from the 13,129 vehicles sold in September 2011. January through September, BMW used vehicle sales are up 2.6 percent on volume of 122,575 compared to 119,424 in the same period of 2011.

MINI Brand Sales

MINI USA reported the best September ever with sales of 4,899 automobiles, an increase of 22.5 percent from the 3,999 sold in September, 2011. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 16.6 percent on volume of 48,531 compared to 41,635 in the first nine months of 2011.

[Cl0ud7]

Any reports on whos #1 for the yr in the US?


Last time it was posted a few months ago BMW was behind MB by a couple thousand?

[kpjo4]

Only reason why there is a net increase is because of the new X1.

[simianspeedster]

Another poor performance for the new 3 Series -- sales down 17% from September 2011 and YTD 3 Series sales are coming in slower than 2011 as well. The 5 and 7 did even worse last month, but they're slightly higher YTD from 2011. The 5 and 7 aren't new for 2012 models, though. Considering that the 3 sedan is a completely new car, the sales figures look even worse in context.

Like it or not, the X1 and X3 are basically saving BMW's bacon right now in the U.S.

http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/10/...september.html

[buckeyede06]

Originally Posted by simianspeedster

Another poor performance for the new 3 Series -- sales down 17% from September 2011 and YTD 3 Series sales are coming in slower than 2011 as well. The 5 and 7 did even worse last month, but they're slightly higher YTD from 2011. The 5 and 7 aren't new for 2012 models, though. Considering that the 3 sedan is a completely new car, the sales figures look even worse in context.

Like it or not, the X1 and X3 are basically saving BMW's bacon right now in the U.S.

http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/10/...september.html

too true, the 3 series is in need of some series ad dollars. Audi and Benz are outspending BMW in the US REALLY BAD. It is hurting them. Too bad the BMW is a better car, no ones knows about the new f30 though....

[smashhell]

@sol01
Wait! How is Mercedes ahead?
Mercedes group 214k
BMW group 219k

[justinnum1]

inventory has been low on F30, and a lot of people are having to order the car they want

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

inventory has been low on F30, and a lot of people are having to order the car they want

People keep trotting out variations of the supply excuse, but it's just not valid for mainstream buyers. Check out cars.com and you'll see there's plenty of 328i supply all around the country. Search any mainstream zip code with a 100 mile radius and you'll see plenty of available cars. The 335i is harder to find in volume, but the 328i has traditionally outsold the 335i by over 10 to 1, so that's not much of a factor in the big scheme of things. Picky people will always consider ordering, but supply isn't holding back mainstream sales to any substantive degree.

The problem is the car itself (underwhelming to drive, especially for a BMW), the terrible packaging strategy and the overambitious pricing. It also doesn't help that BMW has made the leases less attractive in recent months. There's no question that BMW is losing 3 Series sales to Audi and Mercedes which can only be viewed as a failure considering the current A4 and C Class models are fairly old and the F30 is new. BMW should seriously consider moving the mid-cycle refresh forward a year or so as Honda recently had to do with the Civic to get sales back on track and adding sales/lease incentives in the meanwhile.

[mapezzul]

Originally Posted by simianspeedster

People keep trotting out variations of the supply excuse, but it's just not valid for mainstream buyers. Check out cars.com and you'll see there's plenty of 328i supply all around the country. Search any mainstream zip code with a 100 mile radius and you'll see plenty of available cars. The 335i is harder to find in volume, but the 328i has traditionally outsold the 335i by over 10 to 1, so that's not much of a factor in the big scheme of things. Picky people will always consider ordering, but supply isn't holding back mainstream sales to any substantive degree.

The problem is the car itself (underwhelming to drive, especially for a BMW), the terrible packaging strategy and the overambitious pricing. It also doesn't help that BMW has made the leases less attractive in recent months. There's no question that BMW is losing 3 Series sales to Audi and Mercedes which can only be viewed as a failure considering the current A4 and C Class models are fairly old and the F30 is new. BMW should seriously consider moving the mid-cycle refresh forward a year or so as Honda recently had to do with the Civic to get sales back on track and adding sales/lease incentives in the meanwhile.

It has little to do with the design of the car- it is selling well outside the US. From sources in Germany I have heard that there is no understanding as to why BMWNA chose to package cars as they did during the initial launch in February and why they have chosen to add more luxury to the car as standard while decreasing the sportiness.

Keep in mind that outside the US a 3 Series can be built as one likes, sport seats in any model, sports suspension in any model, Xenons in any model etc.

The car doesn't need a refresh- the people making product decisions need to refocus on customers needs rather than pushing packages and increasing the avg. sales price.

MB and Audi are reaping the rewards of marketing spending, trunk money and in general lower cost products- people are less loyal to a brand after the economic downturn than they were prior. Value is what people seek. Before the down turn people would spend more to have the so-called "best" now second best for less money is a better "deal". BMW in the US missed this.

As for the 7 series- it just had its LCI and supply is very limited hence the numbers. The 5 series has no excuse except lack of support.

[VaderWagon]

I saw an X1 on the road for the first time yesterday. Man, it's hideous....or at least boring, But the big issue I see is that most if what BMW is churning out is uninspired and looks the same. I'm getting bored with them. My 2012 3 series may be my last. Time will tell.

[axztx]

Originally Posted by VaderWagon

I saw an X1 on the road for the first time yesterday. Man, it's hideous....or at least boring, But the big issue I see is that most if what BMW is churning out is uninspired and looks the same. I'm getting bored with them. My 2012 3 series may be my last. Time will tell.

I sat in a X1 at the dealer and I was surprised - kind of liked it. It's bigger inside than I expected. Didn't drive it though since I was on my lunch break - I spent some time talking to salesmen about the new F30 (i had an F30 328 luxury loaner and didn't care for it) and he practically begged me to take a test drive in a 328 msport. They also had a new F30 in the showroom with the black wheels w/ red stripe - wow that was one ugly car.

As far as supply of the new F30 - my dealer, Atlantic City BMW had a ton of them on the lot and 2 or 3 in the showroom including Sport line and MSport.

[justinnum1]

Originally Posted by simianspeedster

People keep trotting out variations of the supply excuse, but it's just not valid for mainstream buyers. Check out cars.com and you'll see there's plenty of 328i supply all around the country. Search any mainstream zip code with a 100 mile radius and you'll see plenty of available cars. The 335i is harder to find in volume, but the 328i has traditionally outsold the 335i by over 10 to 1, so that's not much of a factor in the big scheme of things. Picky people will always consider ordering, but supply isn't holding back mainstream sales to any substantive degree.

The problem is the car itself (underwhelming to drive, especially for a BMW), the terrible packaging strategy and the overambitious pricing. It also doesn't help that BMW has made the leases less attractive in recent months. There's no question that BMW is losing 3 Series sales to Audi and Mercedes which can only be viewed as a failure considering the current A4 and C Class models are fairly old and the F30 is new. BMW should seriously consider moving the mid-cycle refresh forward a year or so as Honda recently had to do with the Civic to get sales back on track and adding sales/lease incentives in the meanwhile.

Not the first 2011 e90 owner i have seen try and put down the F30.

[ATX78703]

agreed on both points

Quite simply, F30 is too expensive for what it is especially in the volume model (328i). A well equipped entry-level luxury sedan should not ring in more than 40-42k range. My 2011 e90 came in at 38.6k msrp and sales price of 36.5 k and had the options i wanted. with the addition of the "lines", the std idrive and the burdensome packages, the f30 is very expensive now.

Originally Posted by simianspeedster

Another poor performance for the new 3 Series -- sales down 17% from September 2011 and YTD 3 Series sales are coming in slower than 2011 as well. The 5 and 7 did even worse last month, but they're slightly higher YTD from 2011. The 5 and 7 aren't new for 2012 models, though. Considering that the 3 sedan is a completely new car, the sales figures look even worse in context.

Like it or not, the X1 and X3 are basically saving BMW's bacon right now in the U.S.

http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/10/...september.html

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

agreed on both points

Quite simply, F30 is too expensive for what it is especially in the volume model (328i). A well equipped entry-level luxury sedan should not ring in more than 40-42k range. My 2011 e90 came in at 38.6k msrp and sales price of 36.5 k and had the options i wanted. with the addition of the "lines", the std idrive and the burdensome packages, the f30 is very expensive now.

Agreed. If you want any of the packages (Modern, Sport, Luxury) your talking around $50K for a 328i based on what my local dealer has on the lot. All of the "standard" 328's are $41-45K, so it looks like they tried to raise their transaction prices $5K or more with the F30. Doesn't appear to have worked so well with these sales numbers...

Also, my local dealer lists an inventory of over 100 to choose from.

[breljohn]

this to add on the topic
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-1...-over-bmw.html

[ATX78703]

I just went on 4 different websites and built comparable cars - all entry level engine, 18" wheels, basic black paint, basic grey leather and with amenities that I think are common/impt: navigation, sport package, auto transmission, rear view camera, xenon lighting pkg.

Options I did not include are excessive driver alert tools, premium sound, excessive sport trim pkgs (like s-line or m-sport), awd, cold weather, etc... these are debatable for most. here's what I came up with:

1) Cadillac ATS 2.0t - premium - $45,790 - no options, just checked the premium trim (which by the way includes MRC, and a LSD)
2) Audi A4 2.0T - Prestige + sport pkg - $45,995 - only needed the sport pkg option (measley $750); also includes AWD, advanced key and B&O sound
3) MB C250 - P1 + sport + lighting + Multi media - $45,135 - needed to add 4 pkg's, but still came out the cheapest; does include heated seats + sirius, but does not include leather
4) BMW 328i - sportline + DA + Tech + Premium + lighting + sports Auto - $49,395 - excessive number of pkg's; tires are not staggered summer performance, shouldn't sports Auto be std in sportline?, had to get the DA pkg to get the camera (weird)

don't get me wrong, I love bmw, but when the competitors are all priced within $800 of each other, you can't be selling for $4000 more on an entry-level engine.

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by Sol01

agreed, 3 series is doing very badly however I think those numbers include both coupe and cabrio and those might be the ones that are dragging the figures down

This is doubtful. The 328i Sedan is the volume leader by far in the U.S. Last I recall, it represents something like 70% of all 3 Series sold across the country. In previous model changeovers when the new sedan predated the introduction of the new coupe/convertible (the usual pattern), overall 3 Series have still gone up because the new sedan sells so well. The lack of F30 sales is definitely the problem in the U.S.

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by mapezzul

It has little to do with the design of the car- it is selling well outside the US. From sources in Germany I have heard that there is no understanding as to why BMWNA chose to package cars as they did during the initial launch in February and why they have chosen to add more luxury to the car as standard while decreasing the sportiness.

I agree that packaging is the main culprit, but I also think it's the overall lack of sportiness in consideration of the high price. These factors are conspiring to make the F30 simply seem "not worth it."

Previous 3 Series have substantially differentiated themselves from the competition by having better steering, better brakes, better handling and sweeter engines -- building the better driver's car was BMW's forte. But the F30 is less distinguished from its competition, and that makes a big difference in the U.S. market.

Consider: the N20 is a efficient engine, but it's not a sporty engine and it makes the 328i easier to compare with an A4 or C250 because they look more comparable on paper. Add in the newly lifeless F30 steering -- another differentiation point gone -- and the 328i just seems like one of many cars with little distinction. Then layer on the 10% price premium and you have a recipe for slow sales.

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

Not the first 2011 e90 owner i have seen try and put down the F30.

It's obvious that you're defensive about your new car and you're letting that get in the way of logical thinking and open discussion. The sales figures don't lie and there's no significant supply issue. Did you look at cars.com? Even my dealer candidly agrees with me on many of the packaging issues and how they're negatively impacting sales.

Criticism can be healthy when warranted. Many of us care enough about BMW to be honest about what is causing them to fail and we can discuss it openly without getting our feelings hurt. Blind faith in any brand is not warranted.

Oh, and you're overlooking one important tidbit: I have a 2011 E92 and a 2012 F30, so let's not make this an E90 vs. F30 thing.

[VaderWagon]

I personally don't think the F30 is a bad looking car, but its so similar to last one that's its like "whatever". Zzz. Kinda like iPhone 5 vs 4. Big deal. There's more interesting stuff to be had now.

[Wideboy]

Nice.. My expenses on repairs this year - 2000 euro

[wcinvest]

The sales decline is do to a combination of factors and BMW only has control over some of them.

1) As others have states not having new versions of the AWD 3 series hurts sales. Obviously this situation is changing.
2) the real world price seems higher. The lines may be a positive for the bottom line at BMW since they probably have very high margins but they are a negative for sales.
3) a little less sporty looking/driving base sedans compared to the previous version.
4) The 3 series has gotten so long over time that IMHO it no longer looks like a 3 series. If you really like the new 3 series looks/length, you may like cars like the A5 as well. Overall I think the 3 series is still a good looking car but I no longer consider it a good looking sports sedan.
5) external competition has gotten stronger. If I was on the fence between a Mercedes C class and BMW 3 series and it was an extremely close call based upon what's important to me, I would choose the Mercedes C class every time simply because you see many less of them on the road. And many of the prior C class sedans were rather ugly so you have a car that simply looks like a different car without a zillion of them on the road in places like Northern California.

And with the ATS that is just more competition coming after BMW's market. Based upon the reviews, the 3 series appears better but if you really put the emphasis on driving fun, you might overlook the 3 series advantages.

In addition, there are many people who will buy American when the American car is close enough and others that probably want the ATS simple because its new and more exclusive right now.

The Infiniti G37 may be old but it still gets stellar reviews from Consumer Reports and it has been offering great lease/purchase deals. I don't care what some of the car magazines state, a lightly optioned Infiniti G37 is simply a better value then a lightly optioned 328i for the truly value minded driving enthusiast that isn't seeking ultimate performance. (I am not talking about the BMW sportline since some people may not want to spend that much on that one option). For the BMW to be the better value, the customer either has to do European delivery or drive tons of miles.

6) internal competition is stronger. In addition, I believe 15-25% of the people who buy an X1 may have been 3 series customers. I would have probably gotten the 3 series if I didn't buy an X1.

Some people may simply want a BMW so I could even see BMW losing some 3 series sales to the X3 now that SUV has improved.