The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 29,806 vehicles, an increase of 13 percent from the 26,382 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) achieved its best first quarter sales since the record year of 2007 retailing 75,729 vehicles, up 16.6 percent compared to 64,957 vehicles sold in the first three months of 2011.

“The 1st Quarter record affirmed our increasing sales momentum and shows that customers feel more confident about the future,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “The year is still young and BMW alone will introduce in 2012 more new and refreshed models in the U.S. than it ever has before in any one year making us strongly optimistic about the months ahead.”



BMW Brand Sales

Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 18 percent in March for a total of 23,940 compared to 20,295 vehicles sold in March, 2011. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 17 percent on sales of 61,549 compared to 52,616 sold in the first three months of 2011.

In March, best performing vehicles included the X5 SAV up 41.3 percent to 2,841 units; the 5 Series, up 21.4 percent to 5,451 units; the 6 Series, up 1,050 percent to 759 units and the 7 Series, up 24.6 percent to 1,280 units.

BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles

In March, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 10.2 percent to 16,278 vehicles from the 14,773 vehicles sold in March 2011. January through March, BMW used vehicle sales are up 5.4 percent on volume of 41,351 compared to 39,214 in the same period of 2011.

MINI Brand Sales

MINI USA reported sales of 5,866 automobiles in March, a decrease of 3.6 percent from the 6,087 sold in March 2011. Year-to-date, MINI achieved its best first quarter sales since the record year of 2011 retailing 14,180 vehicles, up 14.9 percent compared to 12,341 vehicles sold in the first three months of 2011.

Table: Sales BMW of North America, LLC, March 2012

March 2012
March 2011
%
YTD
2012
YTD 2011
%
BMW brand 

23,940
20,295
18.0
61,549
52,616
17.0
BMW passenger cars
18,715
15,361
21.8
45,188
38,175
18.4
BMW light trucks
 (SAVs)
5,225
4,934
5.9
16,361
14,441
13.3
MINI brand 

5,866
6,087
-3.6
 
14,180
12,341
14.9
 
TOTAL Group 

29,806
26,382
13.0
75,729
64,957
16.6

[Source: BMW]