BMW BLOG

The BMW Group in the US reported September sales of 18,506 vehicles, a decrease of 25.8 percent over the 24,932 vehicles sold in September 2007. The BMW Group also reported a year-to-date sales volume of 236,327 vehicles, down 4.8 percent, compared to 248,273 vehicles in the same period of 2007.

BMW Brand Sales
Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 29.5 percent in September for a total of 14,744 compared to 20,901 reported in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date BMW brand sales were down 9.6 percent, to 195,633 vehicles compared to 216,337 vehicles sold in the same period in 2007.

“At BMW, we are fortunate to have set a rational plan in place for the entire year. While our sales this month are on a level with others, in the year to date, we are still tracking better than the overall premium market,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. “New products such as the just refreshed 3 Series with its new look and new iDrive Control will keep us attractive in the market place. A new dimension will be added to our range of vehicles with the introduction of the Advanced Clean Diesels in the 3 Series and the X5, which will be available in all 50 states. We are also getting ready for the U.S. launch of the all-new 7 Series which comes early in the new year.”

BMW Automobile Sales
BMW’s automobile sales are down 35.9 percent in September to 10,552 versus 16,457 in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales also decreased 9.9 percent, to 152,988 automobiles compared to 169,760 in the same period of 2007.

BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Sales
Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles decreased by 5.7 percent in September to 4,192 vehicles over the 4,444 sold last September. Year-to-date, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles were down 8.4 percent, to 42,645 vehicles compared to the 46,577 sold in the first nine months of 2007.

MINI Brand Sales
MINI USA reported September sales of 3,762 automobiles, down 6.7 percent from the 4,031cars sold in September 2007. Year-to-date, the division reported sales of 40,694 automobiles, an increase of 27.4 percent, compared to the 31,936 cars reported in the first nine months of 2007.

“Tight inventories restricted September MINI sales, which were 269 units below prior year levels,” said Jim McDowell, Vice-President of MINI USA. “Despite high gas prices, limited credit opportunities, and concern about the overall economy, more and more Americans are rethinking automotive choices they have always made. We think this is the reason why we ended the month with only a six day supply of cars in our retailers’ showrooms. In the coming month, we look forward to increased production for our market to help replenish our dealer stocks.”

BMW Certified Pre-Owned
Sales of BMW’s Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are up 3.9 percent, to 7,707 CPO vehicles versus 7,421 vehicles reported last September. Year-to-date, CPO sales are up 19.7 percent, to 77,144 over the 64,445 reported in the same period in 2007.