BMW Group U.S. Reports March 2010 Sales

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 1, 2010... The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 21,670 vehicles, an increase of 2.6 percent from the 21,125 vehicles sold in the same month of 2009.  For the first quarter, the BMW Group also reported a total sales volume of 55,051 vehicles, up 7.4 percent compared to 51,244 vehicles sold in the first three months of last year. 

BMW Brand Sales
Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 3.1 percent in March for a total of 18,060 vehicles mainly driven by BMW’s 3 Series (9,413 units; +11.2%) and the Sports-Activity-Vehicles range consisting of the X3 (716 units; +58.1%), X5 (2,536 units: 26.7%) and X6 (363 units; +21.4%). January through March, BMW brand sales were up 8.4 percent to 46,323 vehicles compared to 42,731 vehicles sold in the same period of 2009.

Diesel-powered vehicles continued to show good acceptance. Combined sales of the two vehicles available in the US – the BMW 335d and X5 xDrive 35d – introduced at the beginning of 2009, increased more than fivefold to 991 units in March. With 2,154 units sold in the first quarter, the X5 Advanced Diesel remains the best selling premium diesel powered vehicle in the US.

“This month concludes a very positive first quarter for BMW as we are on track with our profitable growth targets,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC.  “In reality, we are anxiously awaiting the market introduction of our new 5 Series in June and while we manage the challenge of very little inventory of the current version until we get there, we are delighted with the performance of our other products picking up the pace.”

BMW Used Cars
In March, sales of BMW’s used vehicles (Including certified pre-owned vehicles) sold through BMW’s dealership network increased 26.5 percent to 15,938 vehicles. January through March, used vehicle sales were up 0.6 percent to 39,848 vehicles, again with over half of these buyers new to the BMW brand.
 
MINI Brand Sales
MINI USA’s sales volume remained stable at 3,610 cars, versus the 3,605 units reported in the same month a year ago.  Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 8,728 automobiles, an increase of 2.5 percent.

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

Mar. 2010
Mar.
2009
%
YTD
2010
YTD 2009
%
BMW brand

18,060
17,520
3.1
46,323
42,731
8.4
   BMW passenger cars

14,445
14,767
-2.2
35,774
34,240
4.5
   BMW light trucks
   (SAVs)
3,615
2,753
31.3
10,549
8,491
24.2
MINI brand

3,610
3,605
0.1
8,728
8,513
2.5
TOTAL Group

21,670
21,125
2.6
55,051
51,244
7.4