BMW Group Reports January Sales: BMW down 22 percent while MINI goes up 20 percent

BMW Group (BMW and MINI) Reports January Sales

BMW Group sales down 22 Percent as expected for the month. MINI brand Sales
Up 20 Percent for January. U.S. full year forecast confirmed.


WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The BMW Group in the U.S.
(BMW and MINI combined) today reported January vehicle sales of 16,935,
down 22.4 percent as expected from the 21,811 vehicles sold in the same
month of 2007. Sales were impacted by lower than normal inventory levels
due to a very strong retail performance in December and high demand for
all-wheel drive models.

The BMW Group expects that BMW Group retail sales in the U.S. will be
slightly ahead of 2007 at the end of this year.

BMW Brand Sales

BMW brand sales were down 26.7 percent, to 14,475 vehicles compared to
19,761 vehicles sold during January 2007.

BMW Automobile Sales

Monthly sales of BMW brand automobiles decreased 28.8 percent in
January, to 11,053 versus 15,528 in 2007.

BMW Sports Activity Vehicles

Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles were down 19.2 percent for the
month, to 3,422 vehicles compared to the 4,233 reported last January.

MINI Brand Sales

MINI USA reported a 20 percent increase in January sales, to 2,460 cars
compared to 2,050 cars sold in the same period a year ago.

BMW Certified Pre-Owned

CPO sales were up 33.8 percent, to 7,313 over the 5,464 reported in the
same month a year ago.

SOURCE BMW of North America, LLC

Sales BMW of North America, LLC, January 2008

Jan Jan % YTD YTD %
2008 2007 2008 2007
BMW brand 14,475 19,761 -26.7 14,475 19,761 -26.7
BMW passenger cars 11,053 15,528 -28.8 11,053 15,528 -28.8
BMW light trucks
(SAVs) 3,422 4,233 -19.2 3,422 4,233 -19.2
MINI brand 2,460 2,050 20.0 2,460 2,050 20.0

TOTAL Group 16,935 21,811 -22.4 16,935 21,811 -22.4

Sales BMW of North America, LLC, January 2008
YTD YTD
Jan 08 Jan 07 % Jan 08 Jan 07 %
3 Series 6,844 10,199 -32.9% 6,844 10,199 -32.9%
Z4 Roadster and
Coupe 363 472 -23.1% 363 472 -23.1%
5 Series 2,771 3,331 -16.8% 2,771 3,331 -16.8%
7 Series 710 1,003 -29.2% 710 1,003 -29.2%
6/8 Series 365 523 -30.2% 365 523 -30.2%
BMW passenger cars 11,053 15,528 -28.8% 11,053 15,528 -28.8%
X3 1,091 1,787 -38.9% 1,091 1,787 -38.9%
X5 2,331 2,446 -4.7% 2,331 2,446 -4.7%
BMW light trucks
(SAVs) 3,422 4,233 -19.2% 3,422 4,233 -19.2%
BMW brand 14,475 19,761 -26.7% 14,475 19,761 -26.7%
Cooper Hardtop 2,157 1,669 29.2% 2,157 1,669 29.2%
Cooper Convertible 303 381 -20.5% 303 381 -20.5%
Cooper Clubman 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0.0%
MINI brand 2,460 2,050 20.0% 2,460 2,050 20.0%
TOTAL BMW of North
America, LLC 16,935 21,811 -22.4% 16,935 21,811 -22.4%

1970toyotamarc1970toyotamarc - 2/5/2008 9:48:18 AM
+4 Boost
Wow, no wonder BMW delayed this report. It's actually kinda shady of them. Ya know, let people fret and argue over other brands' sales woes for 2 days, then slide your report in after everyone's attention has moved on. And BMW can try to spin it anyway they want ("as expected," "sligtly ahead of 2007 at the end of the year"), but bad news is bad news.
Thanks Xero for the find.


KingerKinger - 2/5/2008 10:11:31 AM
-6 Boost
Can you read?

"Sales were impacted by lower than normal inventory levels
due to a very strong retail performance in December and high demand for
all-wheel drive models."


1970toyotamarc1970toyotamarc - 2/5/2008 11:37:29 AM
+7 Boost
can you read between the lines?


0to600to60 - 2/5/2008 11:37:35 AM
+4 Boost
sounds like a ploy to keep shareholders happy...


1970toyotamarc1970toyotamarc - 2/5/2008 12:40:40 PM
+3 Boost
I never claimed that I didnt have a bias, its clearly in my name. That, however, does not change facts, whether they be good or bad for Lexus or BMW. These just happen to be bad for BMW, no matter how they or the posters here spin it.

I like BMW, I have owned one in the past (and a Mercedes, surprisingly no Lexuses) and will no doubt own more in the future (BMW, not more Mercedes, yechhh). But I will still have a lot of fun when numbers like these roll out.

Lighten up people. Unless you are a dealer or a stock holder, your life will go on.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 2/5/2008 12:56:21 PM
-7 Boost
can you read toyota?

bmw has a all-time RECORD month in december. they sold a HUGE amount of cars. as a result, inventory was low. and guess what, you need inventory to sell cars.

so, surprise, sales are down 4,000 units compared to january 2007.

furthermore, they stated multiple times that 2008 sales goals will EXCEED 2007.


1970toyotamarc1970toyotamarc - 2/5/2008 1:10:40 PM
+6 Boost
Why do you consistently make tyhings up enthusiast???

"In December BMW brand sales declined slightly by 2.4 percent for a total of 30,199 vehicles compared to 30,945 vehicles reported in the same month a year ago."


0to600to60 - 2/5/2008 3:21:39 PM
+4 Boost
BMW made up the excuse of having low inventory to keep shareholders happy.


VISOVISO - 2/5/2008 4:05:07 PM
-1 Boost
It is always interesting when BMW reports negative sales it is always due to "lack of inventory" issues. So, in January all their customers had to wait while BMW builds up inventory I guess is the way to read this. So, in February we expect BMW sales to be at 22% higher then as all these customers take possession of their cars. Is this the way to read it?


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 2/5/2008 9:58:51 AM
-2 Boost
yeah, it's a total conspiracy. Well, except that BMW always releases these reports a day or two behind the other brands. It's like that every month regardless of sales figures, this month is no different (except for the figures being down).

But aside from that little fact, you're right, total conspiracy.


1970toyotamarc1970toyotamarc - 2/5/2008 11:38:09 AM
+1 Boost
no they dont, dont make excuses.


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 2/5/2008 12:26:04 PM
-1 Boost
oh yes, they do. Every... single... month. And without getting too deep into it, one of us has a job where knowing that is part of the job description. Obviously that "one of us" isn't you, so I wonder who that leaves? Oh, right, me.


1970toyotamarc1970toyotamarc - 2/5/2008 12:35:02 PM
0 Boost
prove it then. you know what i dont even care. think what you want, anyone who has spent any time on this or any other auto site knows that almost every mfr, almost every month reports on the 1st of the month unless there is a holiday or weekend. BMW has been no different, except in your fantasy world.


BMW4me4everBMW4me4ever - 2/5/2008 12:44:22 PM
-2 Boost
they did report on the first of the month. I work for BMW and we had our sales figures on Friday Feb 1st at 3pm central . BMW has a national online dealer meeting to go over changes to programs. What are you talking about?



enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 2/5/2008 12:58:13 PM
-3 Boost
1970 toyota:

are you still bitter because your beloved lexus has NEVER managed to sell as many CARS as bmw?


1970toyotamarc1970toyotamarc - 2/5/2008 1:07:11 PM
+2 Boost
it is you who is sounding a little bitter, enthusiast, I am actually quite gleeful.


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 2/5/2008 1:09:06 PM
+1 Boost
BMW4Me4Ever, the general public doesn't have access to BMW's monthly Sales Roundtable. I was referring to BMW's practice of not releasing the figures publicly until two or three days into the new month, by which time the other manufacturers already have disclosed theirs. Watch sites like this one at the end of each month. Typically BMW is one of the last "sales results" threads to get posted, because GOOD OR BAD, they're one of the last ones to make them available publicly.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/6/2008 12:27:11 AM
+1 Boost
The key word there was CARS, not "vehicles." CARS, as in, no SUVs.


KingerKinger - 2/6/2008 4:36:28 AM
+1 Boost
"a vehicle moving on wheels"

Eh, that covers alot of vehicle types. So you would consider both of these cars I presume?

http://www.carchaos.com/miscellaneous/mine_trucks/caterpillar_797/cat3.jpg


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/7/2008 12:02:03 AM
+1 Boost
Excuse me, but you know what I meant.


TauronB2GTauronB2G - 2/5/2008 10:09:33 AM
-3 Boost
I would swear that last week we had an article saying that BMW had a record sales year. Just juking the stats huh?
T


1970toyotamarc1970toyotamarc - 2/5/2008 11:39:07 AM
+1 Boost
BMW released that report to blunt this upcoming blow. They're not stupid over in Bavaria.


KingerKinger - 2/5/2008 10:13:40 AM
0 Boost
Knowing that buying another BMW will aid you financially might finally be enough to get me to try out one of those new-fangled Lexus I've been hearing about...


KingerKinger - 2/6/2008 4:40:02 AM
+2 Boost
I'm not disputing that their a company and out to make money like any other. But they sell because they are stylish, fun to drive and have character. Saying that all BMW drivers are sheep and only buy the cars because of the badge is just ignorant. There are thousands of BMW enthusiasts the world over who love the cars and are very knowledgeable about these. Thats the real definition of a car enthusiaist, not someone who posts rubbish on here like yourself.


WhelanWhelan - 2/5/2008 10:43:52 AM
+3 Boost
Low inventory and custom orders will hurt monthly sales as they cannot claim a vehicle sold until it leaves the lot. Hence you go to a dealer end of month and they want the car gone today. Car sales is dependent on the delivery.

Let's not also forget that the economy across the entire world is down and in the US, people are not spending as much on 40-50k plus vehicles. That and fuel prices are starting to have an impact as people are becoming more concious on this issue. Hence Honda, and BMW are gearing up to bring diesels over. But for the cost of a diesel car and then the fuel you are pretty much negating the difference in cost of a non-diesel engine running on cheaper gas. Today in my town, gas $3.12, diesel $3.30+

The auto industry already claimed that this year 2008 would be one of the worst for new car sales. And don't forget that Certified Pre Owned cars make up a HUGE amount of totals sales. So if you are basing this off of new sales and not total, then the numbers are different. I always opt for CPO, my last car an 02 Civic EX Coupe was 1 year old with 6k on the odo and I got all my options and the 7yr. 100k powertrain coverage and paid $2,500 less than if it was new. My current 05 Matrix XR AWD was 21k brand new, I bought it for 18k again with 7/100 coverage on powertrain and all my options. Cars today run forever if you take care of them. So what's a few miles.


VISOVISO - 2/5/2008 4:28:56 PM
0 Boost
If MB or Audi used that excuse ally wannabe BMW fanboys would all over how crappy they are in sales, yada-yada-yada. But since it is BMW it is ok that inventory is low. Sorry buds, but a 22% decrease is not the result of inventory issues, it is a result of lower sales and demand period. It happens to all carmakers. BWM is no exception. Live with and get over it.


chuck717chuck717 - 2/5/2008 11:17:41 AM
+6 Boost
Housing market is in the tubes and Wall street can't cry fast enough for the fed to save them wih lower rates all this adds up to is a recession and luxury cars are going to suffer?


LarryLarry - 2/5/2008 11:32:59 AM
-3 Boost
with the new 1 series and x6 and new M3 BMW will rebound from slow start


1970toyotamarc1970toyotamarc - 2/5/2008 11:41:03 AM
+2 Boost
Whenever BMW sales show a decline, someone always says, "wait for ..... model."


KingerKinger - 2/5/2008 11:50:35 AM
-3 Boost
Whenever BMW sales show a decline, the nay-sayers are always speculating that it's the beginning of the end for BMW and the like. Their sales continue to rise every year and with what they have in the pipeline for this year it should be another record year, whetehr the nay-sayers like it or not.


1970toyotamarc1970toyotamarc - 2/5/2008 11:41:34 AM
+6 Boost
Yes I am enjoying this ebcause of all the trash talk about Lexus last week.


WhelanWhelan - 2/5/2008 12:01:57 PM
-2 Boost
You can't just keep throwing the Lex vs. BMW argument out there. Especially because of this. It doesn't mean that because Bimmer sales are down that Lexus sales are through the roof. And if they are marginally better it is more so because people are turning towards affordable luxury instead of dropping 50k+ on a 5 series, they are opting for a GS.

I am not a hater of either, I love both cars depending on models and features, etc. But to say the end of BMW and all is crud. Even though sales are down this year, they are still higher than they were last year in terms of profit and sales. The introduction of the 1 series coming in the mid-high 30's with a peak of just over 40k is going to be a big jolt for BMW if sales go the way they anticipate. Not to mention if they forecast low and show this decrease now, then after two quarters when the 1 comes out they get a huge gain.

My other peeve is all car companies and namely Chevy is the worst with the Camaro are releasing all these figures and picture so early before a car comes out, that when it is unvelied or ready for purchase at your dealer it looks ho hum because you have seen it a million times. And by the time its ready, some competitor has pictures out of their new vehicle with even edgier styling so you wait for that.

I wish they would just release some quick spy shots then put the car out there like a month later. Instead of waiting 6 months to a year for production versions.


Dr550Dr550 - 2/5/2008 2:54:58 PM
-1 Boost
You Lexus lovers are about as annoying as the 70 year old ES330 driver who stops 2 car lengths away from car in front. And while light is still red, starts moving and stopping.


1970toyotamarc1970toyotamarc - 2/5/2008 3:23:36 PM
+4 Boost
thats priceless, resort to ad hominem attacks.


autoproautopro - 2/6/2008 2:46:47 PM
+1 Boost
As long as were in your way.That means out in front!


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/5/2008 5:27:20 PM
+5 Boost
amazinBimmer made fun of Audi when they had a 0.3% increase this month.

Now what does he have to say?

I love BMW AND Audi, and I don't think BMW deserves this, but the BMW fanboys make me sick.


1970toyotamarc1970toyotamarc - 2/5/2008 5:45:38 PM
+4 Boost
+1.

My diatribes today have almost* nothing to do with BMW (which I LIKE!!!) and everything to do with the fanboyism (of which I am, hopefully, not quite as guilty of, but who's to say. :) )

*Except for BMW being shady with the timing of their press releases, I still can't get over that.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/6/2008 12:30:04 AM
+1 Boost
This site brings out the worst in most people.

We can't really leave, though, can we?

At least I have two other blogs that keep me sane and give me a reality check.


Dr550Dr550 - 2/5/2008 7:15:36 PM
+1 Boost
Have admired BMW and Audi for years. 1985 M6 was beautiful. Current Audi S5 a classic. S4 is right about feeling sick. I get sick of hearing about IS-F, how German cars are unreliable, BMW stole that design, Lexus sells more cars, Audi's are VW's. I know it goes both ways. Lexus, Audi, BMW, etc. appeal to people for different reasons.





S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/6/2008 12:28:41 AM
+2 Boost
You tell yourself that.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/6/2008 12:30:51 AM
+2 Boost
^That's directed at amazinBimmer, sorry...


VISOVISO - 2/6/2008 2:29:58 PM
0 Boost
And the tooth fairy will bring your quarter tonight. Keep on believing your excuses dude. Sales are not going to be influenced by some lame shipping accident where sales slip 22%. Inventory is always adjusted to meet demand, so that is not an excuse unless BMW business types do not understand inventory control and planning (I could believe that!) Otherwise, shut-up and live with that your little mesiah isn't that special after all. BMW- overhyped and over-rated at all levels


validus00validus00 - 2/6/2008 7:53:48 PM
+1 Boost
wow, and again, you've shown to us that your opinions represent the whole automotive industry once again. it's really what you believe that matters right?

sooo we should believe your "it's-not-inventory" report instead of other reports why? just because your claims contradict official PR reports doesn't make you right.

bmw overhyped and overrated? i've never heard anyone from the car reviewing community make that claim. so for someone like you with your limited sight to make that claim, to see something beyond what's there - it sounds like a symptom of delusion, doesn't it? you should check yourself in, son.


validus00validus00 - 2/5/2008 7:50:23 PM
-5 Boost
14,400 cars in jan 2008? that's only 2.3 times the total amount of audi's sold altogether in america in jan 2008. and to think the winter seasons are audi's best seasons...

january sales are also coincidentally linked to the shipping accident which froze 3% of bmw na's inventory. this well-known news about the mishap have deterred buyers in buying a bmw in january.

bmw na inventory was also down due to the unexpected 4000 more bmw's sold in december.

not really good at math, but 1+1 should equal something.


VISOVISO - 2/5/2008 9:17:11 PM
0 Boost
Delusional as always


validus00validus00 - 2/6/2008 1:50:35 AM
-3 Boost
where did you get your numbers? wikipedia?

30,945 cars were sold in december 2007 compared to 26,464 cars sold in december 2006. that's accounting only bmw brand in the US. that's 4000 more cars or 16.93% increase in the month of december 2007. but seriously, who gave you those numbers?


validus00validus00 - 2/6/2008 5:38:25 AM
-2 Boost
it's not a demand issue that bmw loss 26.7% car sales because then we would have expected a demand hike in its competitors (substitute goods), say audi, mb, and lexus. since US lexus' sales fell 8.2% in january, we can safely conclude it's not lexus who "benefitted" from this "lack of demand" for bmw cars. mbusa did report a increase of 7.1% in sales in january. but that couldn't have accountted for the "lack of demand" for bmw cars, but that's still 4000 cars unaccounted for (because mbusa's sale increase is only 1500 cars). audi's 0.3% or a mere 20 cars increase in sales has virtually no impact from bmwusa's "lack of demand" in january and, therefore, implies that audi fanboi01's "lack of demand" theory doesn't explain bmwusa's 27% decrease in january 2008.

if your "load of crap" refers to the well-reported shipping accident, then it must mean that bmw clients are well informed and wise about their relatively expensive purchases, not stupid. so it's okay - you shouldn't be offended.


krackerhatesmekrackerhatesme - 2/6/2008 5:10:03 AM
+5 Boost
So much for "Lexus buyers are more sensitive to the slumping economy" theory...


1970toyotamarc1970toyotamarc - 2/6/2008 3:57:43 PM
+2 Boost
indeed


autoproautopro - 2/6/2008 2:57:13 PM
+2 Boost
All the major players were down,its all the bad press about the "RECESSION".Most people up north have been frozen in their holmes,as soon as spring weather gets here people will start buying again.


validus00validus00 - 2/7/2008 12:22:31 AM
+1 Boost
don't confuse demand and supply with each other. the report says the problem is in inventory, not demand, so maybe you should take macroeconomics.

audi posers buy vdubs when they can't afford audi's since there's virtually no difference between the two brands anyway. but wait, that doesn't explain the audi's stagnant growth and vwusa's 13% decrease in sales for january 2008. i guess when audi posers have no money, they really don't have any.

and bmw will never fire chris bangle, who's brought more international awards to bmw than audi has ever gotten altogether. maybe audi will finally do something smart and hire the next chris bangle to bring some masculine and exciting lines to the audi's current boring lineup.

Those 8000 bmw assembled in malaysia are exported to "asean" countries, not asian countries. that is not a typo. asean composes of 10 southeast asian nations. far east asian countries (such as japan, south korea, taiwan) still get their 3, 5, 7, x3's from germany. these 8000 malaysian units represent less than 6% of the 140,000 bmw's sold throughout asia in 2007.

car companies build cars locally for regional customers all the time. india's already producing more than 2000 a6's and starting production on the new a4's. not sure about chinese bmw's yet, but the "new money" in china certainly love their new audi's made in china.


PorschinatorPorschinator - 2/7/2008 11:40:59 PM
-1 Boost
To make things straight and not make things up like most of you fan boys. BMW sales were up for 2007 and Down for January 2008 comapred to last year. BIG DEAL!!!

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=4107664

http://www.autospectator.com/cars/bmw-corporate/0036066-bmw-group-reports-71-percent-sales-increase-2007


validus00validus00 - 2/9/2008 1:04:39 AM
+1 Boost
bmw increasing sales have to be met with increasing production. when they announce laying off workforce in germany, they didn't specify workforce from what department. laying off factory workers doesn't make any sense at all. i bet you anything they're hiring factory workers elsewhere to compensate for lost workforce in factories if there's even any factory worker lay-offs to begin with.

inventory issues is not necessary due to lack of production. distribution and inventory stock explain inventory problems.

then put a blue and white propeller on a cucumber and win an award, if it's really that easy. your example is retarded.

you can't explain precisely why inventory issue isn't the underlying cause for lower sales in january. fact is that not every bmw can be sold immediately if colors/options don't match with tastes of individual buyers. inventory in december went down 4000 all across the US due to higher sales. and i compared bmw january sales with competitor sales, so it's not a demand issue. by method of elimination, we can conclude that it's not a demand issue. therefore it has to be an inventory issue, as stated by the report. i've read and agreed with the report and offered my theory. whereas you chose to ignore the report and chose to deny plausible causes. besides, why is your theory better than mine?


validus00validus00 - 2/13/2008 2:53:48 AM
+1 Boost
by god, you're a moron who needs glasses


validus00validus00 - 2/14/2008 1:55:39 PM
+1 Boost
There's nothing "budget" about the 1 series. It shares platform, engine, interior with the 3 series. If there's any car that's even close to budget then it'd be the lexus es350, which is practically a camry.

Since bmw continues to be the #1 luxury brand in the world, there's gotta be something they're doing right in Munich. Don't be retarded.

There are several reports about December sales actually up if you took some time and reseached. In fact it was posted here on autospies. Your previous posts show that your ability to "google" anything is pathetic. You should just stick to what you're good at.
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