The BMW Group was able to increase its sales volume for the year to the end of September 2008 by 1.7% compared to the previous year. Global deliveries reached a total of 1,113,972 automobiles (prev.yr. 1,094,849). The BMW brand accounted for 928,230 of the vehicles delivered (prev.yr.: 929,379 / -0.1%), while 184,915 were MINI brand vehicles (prev.yr.: 164,891 / +12.1%). From January to September of this year, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars delivered 827 vehicles to customers, thereby achieving a gain of 42.8% (prev.yr.: 579).
"The situation remains challenging: The recent escalation in the financial crisis is also affecting consumer confidence in the premium-segment," according to Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Sales and Marketing. "However, we do expect the current weakness in demand to pass over time. With many new highly-efficient models being launched in the next months, we are well equipped for the future."
As far as the individual BMW models are concerned, the BMW 1 Series reported strong growth in the first nine month. 173,772 BMW 1 Series had been delivered to customers (prev.yr: 114,330/+52%). Other growth drivers were the BMW X5 and the BMW X6 with a combined total of 107,297 (+33.2% / prev.yr. 80,540) units. The BMW 3 Series Convertible also experienced strong growth with 46,471 (prev.yr.: 38,912 / +19.4%) units sold, as well as the BMW 6 Series Coupé with 6,949 (prev.yr.: 6,859 / +1.3%) units.
Global deliveries of MINI brand vehicles climbed 12.1% to reach a total of 184,915 vehicles (prev.yr.: 164,891) for the year to the end of September. Most notably, the MINI Clubman, which was newly introduced this year, has already secured 36,129 buyers and thus increased its share of MINI brand vehicles sold to almost 22%. For the full year, the MINI brand aims to achieve a new global sales high of more than 240,000 units.
Sales of the Rolls-Royce brand continued their positive trend: by the end of September 827 automobiles have been delivered worldwide. (+42.8% compared to previous year).
By People's Daily Online
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