Munich. 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).
In Western Europe BMW Group sales also declined in September as a result of the economic downturn (74,231 units / -16.9%). Nevertheless, with 637,018 units sold, absolute sales figures to the end of September are 2.1% higher than those for the same period last year (624,080 units).
“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.”
Numerous premieres in Paris
At the current Paris Motor Show, the BMW Group is presenting a range of new models and technologies which will help drive growth over the next years: The new BMW 7 Series, the revised BMW 3 Series Sedan and Touring models, the BMW Concept X1 and the MINI Crossover Concept. A concept study of the BMW 7 Series, with an integrated electric engine as an auxiliary drive, is also being showcased: the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid. The BMW Group’s first series-produced hybrid vehicle, the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, will be launched on the market next year.
The extensively revised new models will boost growth over the next few months. The same applies to the new BMW 7 Series, which will be delivered to customers starting 15 November.
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