Share

BMW car sales break records

Frankfurt - BMW, the world's largest premium carmaker by volume, confirmed on Wednesday it enjoyed the highest ever first-quarter demand on the back of March sales that broke all previous records, as its three largest markets posted double-digit growth.

Group sales increased by 12% last month to 185 728 vehicles, bringing the cumulative tally so far this year to 425 528 vehicles for an overall gain of 11.2%.

BMW said March sales eclipsed the previous monthly record from last June, thanks to strong showings for its 1 Series volume model and a good start for the revamped 3 Series.

"These outstanding results are due to our attractive, young model range and our strategy of healthy, balanced growth across the globe," said BMW sales chief Ian Robertson.

"We aim to continue the momentum with additional new models this year, such as the luxurious BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé and a model revision of the flagship BMW 7 Series," he said.

BMW reaffirmed its plans to grow faster than the market and achieve new record sales for its BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce brands.

China overtook the United States as the group's largest single market in the first quarter, cementing its place as the biggest driver of growth for the premium car industry.

Last week, BMW's Robertson told reporters at the New York auto show that the company enjoyed all-time high sales in the first quarter with over 400 000 vehicles delivered to customers.

The BMW brand held off rival Audi in their neck-on-neck race for the top spot in the industry. On Tuesday it said it sold 346 100 Audis in the first quarter, only about 10 000 fewer than the BMW brand.

Mercedes-Benz followed far behind with just 313 902 vehicles sold in the first three months.

 
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.94
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.90
-0.0%
Rand - Euro
20.43
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.1%
Platinum
907.85
+1.2%
Palladium
1,012.25
+1.1%
Gold
2,221.12
+1.2%
Silver
24.86
+0.9%
Brent-ruolie
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.8%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.8%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders