BMW sales declining? Is the egg finally starting to crack?

BMW tackles falling profit

BMW's first-quarter pre-tax profit fell 4.6 per cent, with disappointing sales of its 3-Series vehicle, the world's largest premium carmaker said overnight.

However, the launch of BMW's revamped 3-Series saloon is expected to boost sales. The company also hopes the BMW brand may take over the pole position from Mercedes-Benz as the world's best-selling luxury marque this year.

BMW said it expects earnings this year to roughly match its record 2004 result, helping soothe investor fears after rumours of a profit warning surfaced last week.

Earnings before taxes declined to 812 million euros ($1.35 billion).

"Significantly higher raw material prices, currency factors and increased competitive pressure all had a negative impact during the first quarter 2005," the company said.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Homer008 - 5/6/2005 3:33:43 AM

+1 Boost

World's best selling Luxury car company is?

Lexus

Homer008 - 5/6/2005 3:33:43 AM

+1 Boost

World's best selling Luxury car company is?

Lexus

Homer008 - 5/7/2005 3:54:07 AM

+1 Boost

you bunch sad imbiciles..listen you fart brains. The reason why BMW and Mercedes are fast losing market and becoming another GM is b/c of Lexus, Infiniti and Acura. End of story nerds! Whether you agree or not..I know the facts and obviously you GED turds don't know a damn thing about cars in here! Lexus has set the new standards for ALL luxury cars to follow but so far none has even come close to Lexus! Secondly, you fart heads...Infiniti's just made a statement by kicking all Germany or whatever cars ass easily. Thirdly Acura has came out with Super handling hooya that makes all German crappy cars drool including porsche piece of s..t. Anyhow that is my opinion and if you don't like it..go jump off the balcony!

Homer008 - 5/7/2005 3:54:07 AM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 5/7/2005 3:29:25 PM

+1 Boost

Listen you fat moran..Lets' be honest here...and stop your DAY DREAMING..Here I go. You must really be stupid..have you read what i said? I said that Lexus has been untouchable with anything coming out of small european car makers. Obviously you are making s..t up b/c Lexus is dominating front pages on the covers of slew of car mags in europe and the sale is great. Listen you imbicile you are the exact fart heads that probably would have worked for Ford or a GM and made this mess. B/C you obviously have no clue about cars as i said b4. Little audis, BMW and Mercedes whores cannot compete with Lexus, ACura or Infiniti. School is out. Don't reply unless you say you are sorry and you now understand.

Homer008 - 5/7/2005 3:29:25 PM

+1 Boost

Chip - 5/7/2005 8:51:30 PM

+1 Boost

Bruce- Are you 5 years old. Or just plain stupid.

Do you realize that youre drive a Toyota with good leather?

Your bashing makes no sense and you dont know what youre talking about in the slightest

Acura,Infiniti and Lexus dominating the market?

Lexus setting the standard. Porsche being shi*ty.

Calling BMWS, AUDIS and BENZES crappy.

You really gave me a good laugh. so thanks.

Matthew1 - 5/7/2005 9:51:00 PM

+1 Boost

First it was that BMW guy, making false accusations against Audi and rubbishing their designs with photoshop pictures as his defence, now its this 'Bruce' dude.
e
Obviously, if it is a bland Japanese rep-mobile, he gives it two thumbs up. If it is a classy well-designed, innovative European car, he jumps on the bandwagon and starts his immature bashing.

'fart brain'? Takes me back to my childhood. Ahhh the memories.....

Homer008 - 5/8/2005 1:08:12 AM

+1 Boost

Acura,Infiniti and Lexus dominating the market?
-yes they surely are! They are the new leader everyone has to follow from now on...its damn true..are you a retard?
Lexus setting the standard.
-Lexus has set a new standard for the world to follow but no others have even come close.
Calling BMWS, AUDIS and BENZES crappy.
-yes, its true..they fall apart before a $13,000 Hyundai Elantra.
You really gave me a good laugh. so thanks.
-no problem as.hole.

If you don't like my blog..then go eat s..t and die! ha ha ha ha

Homer008 - 5/8/2005 1:08:12 AM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 5/9/2005 2:04:56 PM

+1 Boost

April Sales 2005 in the USA
---------------------------------
Lexus 26,064 units
BMW 25,382
Cadillac 20,251
Acura 19,102
Mercedes 18,162
Infiniti 11,639
Volvo 10,725
Lincoln 9,981
Audi 7,202
do the math folks!
Japanese total = 56,805
Germany total = 50,706
U.S. =30,232
Acura outsell Mercedes! hmmm..slew of new models coming out from Infiniti and Acura now! top 3 spots are to be foreseen by the world's leader Acura, Infiniti and Lexus!
case dismissed.
p.s. Enough with your predictions morans. Bring me the proof. I have it right here!

Homer008 - 5/9/2005 2:04:56 PM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 5/10/2005 8:09:36 AM

+1 Boost

Just got off work and tired as hell but, i'll say this to ya..world class my a..! World class should offer #1 Highest quality built automobile. #2 Should offer world's finest service available. #3 World Class car with (awesome heritage might I add) world class price tag should not be chasing after kia and Hyundai for reliability! #4 World Class BMW mini uses a Japanese engines!
World Class my a..! Its a junk.

Homer008 - 5/10/2005 8:09:36 AM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 5/10/2005 8:14:48 AM

+1 Boost

Brand Problems per 100 vehicles (2004 and up)

Subaru 8

Honda 9

Acura 10

Toyota 10

Hyundai 11 <---World Class beater!! LOL

Infiniti 11

Lexus 11

Audi 12 <---Good

Mini 13 <--Good*Japanese built Engine!

Ford 15 <---Good!

Pontiac 15

Cadillac 16

Chevrolet 16

Chrysler 16

GMC 16

Jeep 16

Mazda 16

Saab 16

Dodge 17

Mercury 17

Volvo 17

Buick 18

Nissan 19

Saturn 19

BMW 21 <----World Class!! LOL

Volkswagen 23 <---Another German built cr.p! LOL

Mercedes-Benz 25 <---World Class!! LOL

Lincoln 26

You say world Class? I say bottom 4! ha ha

Homer008 - 5/10/2005 8:14:48 AM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 5/11/2005 8:22:44 AM

+1 Boost

Most Reliable Least reliable
---------------Small Cars---------------
Honda Civic VW Golf
Toyota Corolla VW Jetta (4-Cyl)
Toyota Echo VW New Beetle
---------------Midsized Cars------------
Acura RL Audi A6 3.0
Buick Regal BMW 7-series
Infiniti I35 Cadillac CTS
Infiniti Q45 Jaguar S-Type
Lexus ES330 Jaguar X-Type
Lexus GS300/GS430 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Lexus IS300 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Lexus LS430 Pontiac Bonneville
Mazda 6
Nissan Maxima
Toyota Camry
Toyota Avalon
--------------Sporty Cars-------------------
Acura RSX Chevrolet Corvette
Honda S2000 Mercedes-Bens SLK
Mazda MX-Miata Mini Cooper
---------------SUVS-------------------------
Acura MDX Cadillac Escalade
Honda CR-V Chevrolet Blazer
Honda Element Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Infiniti FX Ford Expedition
Lexus RX300 GMC Envoy
Mitsubishi Montero Hummer H2
Mitsubishi Montero Sport Jeep Grand Cherokee
Nissan Pathfinder Land Rover Discovery
Totota 4Runner(V-8) Land Rover Freelander
Toyota Highlander Lincoln Navigator
Toyota Land Cruiser Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Toyota RAV 4 Oldsmobile Bravada
Saturn VUE
Toyota 4Runner (V6)
Volvo XC90
-----------------Minivans-----------------------
Toyota Sienna Chevrolet Astro
GMC Safari
-----------------Pickups------------------------
Toyota Tundra Chevrolet S-10 (V6,4wd)
GMC Sonoma(V-6,4wd)
Subaru Baja

Homer008 - 5/11/2005 8:22:44 AM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 5/12/2005 8:17:02 AM

+1 Boost

I'm sure you are wondering what the heck i put up there...here is what i meant to tell ya.

Cars on the left side are most reliable cars built and sold in U.S. for 2004. The cars on the right side was most heinous cars sold in the U.S. for year 2004. These numbers are not made up and if you are wondering where I attained these stats, ask me. Don't keep the stones unturned. As, I said b4 Acura, Infinti and Lexus is the superior built cars at present time and none others were able to copy the solid dependability of these stupendous cars thus far.
--------------Midsized Cars------------
Acura RL ------------------ Audi A6 3.0
Buick Regal--------------- BMW 7-series
Infiniti I35------------------- Cadillac CTS
Infiniti Q45------------------ Jaguar S-Type
Lexus ES330 ---------------Jaguar X-Type
Lexus GS300/GS430---------Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Lexus IS300 ---------------Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Lexus LS430----------------Pontiac Bonneville
Mazda 6
Nissan Maxima
Toyota Camry
Toyota Avalon
the correction.

Homer008 - 5/12/2005 8:17:02 AM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 5/13/2005 8:47:05 AM

+1 Boost

Silly man, Dash..Don't get mad. Its only an internet web sites. Seems like you are taking it personal. Go take a s..t and relax and next time bring me a proof like I did...instead preaching about "World Class" bulls..t ha ha ha
Have a nice day :)

Homer008 - 5/13/2005 8:47:05 AM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 5/13/2005 8:52:47 AM

+1 Boost

Another thing moran..
Here is what you said to me:Question is, will they ever build a non sterile car and take chances that "shake up" the industry? Can they build a vehicle on par with the "AMG" and "M" cars of the world? I don't think so. So with that said, take your stats from wherever you got them from and your jar of prunes <---Good one, very cute! gay boy

Here is my reply:
World's fastest Production car as of now is built by Nissan Skyline GT-R.

Enough said.

Homer008 - 5/13/2005 8:52:47 AM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 5/13/2005 8:59:17 AM

+1 Boost

Here is what you said: Let me ask you something tough guy, if the cars you're speaking of (but can't afford for yourself, obviously), are so great and as you put it, are much better vehicles than BMW, Benz and Audi,

My reply to idiot Dash: I'm a tough guy. Not only am, I a former Combat U.S. Marine but I'm also a Man, unlike you.
Even if I could afford a Benz, I'd rather buy me a Chevrolet S-10 that would last longerthan crappy built Benz.
Hey!!!! kiddo don't argue with me go f..k with Consumer Report folks!

Now leave me alone and you go on and take a dump! ha ha ha

Homer008 - 5/13/2005 8:59:17 AM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 5/14/2005 8:34:15 AM

+1 Boost

You have absolutely NO IDEA what you are saying so, I'll try to explain something very simple to your little brain to get you realize what the facts are!
#1 FACT: If anyone truly knows about Toyota it is an extremly rich company.

Toyota was worth more than GM, Ford, and Daimler Chrysler combined. And Toyota probably could buy GM outright right now with the operating profit it made last year ALONE-roughly $16 billion. <--reported by Angus Mackenzie.
#2 FACT: Toyota begins to chase down that 15% share of the global market: Lexus now has its own design, development, and engineering resources and is being sold as a brand in its own right in Japan; new diesel engines and a new low-cost small car, the Aygo, will accelerate sales in Europe; hybrid power trains are being pushed upmarket to become a premium vehicle technology; the site of a seventh North American assembly plant will be announced by the end of teh year; and plans are already in place for an eighth. Even the Toyota Formula 1 team is looking seriously competitive this season. Toyota's already achieved plenty. But I get the feeling we ain't seen nothin yet. <--excerpt from the author.
It was in late 80's when Toyota had so much cash in their pocket..They could have believe it or not wiped out many auto industies including G.M. by selling Toyota product at a such low price that others could not possibly compete. This of course came with millions of loss to Toyota but having enough funds to keep losing the money from each Toyota cars they would sell around the world..Toyota did a math and result was astonshingly that they could still have survived for next 10 years. In which by that time..very few Auto manufactueres would even see the light of the day. However Toyota didn't opt for this and kept piling cash in their account. Presently Toyota have enough cash to buyout virtually all other car manufacturer whether in N.America or Europe! This is the company that are making roughly $16 billion dollars in profit per year! I can't tell you how much they have stashed away since late 80's but can only imagine. In conclusion, ppl may make smart remarks or copy cat this or that...To Toyota folks...either way, war was won ever before battle was taken.

Homer008 - 5/14/2005 8:34:15 AM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 5/14/2005 6:06:37 PM

+1 Boost

Fact #1: Last year, Toyota sold 7.54 million cars and trucks worlkdwide, up from 6.78 million in 2003. It has officially forecast global sales of 8.5 million vehicles in 2006, and a leaked report in Japan suggested it would be selling 9.7 million worldwide by 2008. Within 4-5 years, Toyota's global domination in Automarket is being realized taking control of 15% of the world market. In retrospect, majority of the world consumer does not feel what you feel. I respect what you say about heritage and brand establishment as you have stated; however, if this is so, British Automobile should be blossoming with profit in European sector. The reality is that most if not all British car company are in a dismal status. Either owned by others or being perished i.e. range rover. So here are the FACT#2: I understand what you say when..who cares if $13,000 hyundai is more reliable than a $300,000 Enzo ferrari. And, I agree with you. Certainly if I could affard a $300,000 car, I wouldn't care about it either! However, let's look at the reality here! Average income in America or most of the world population cannot afford a $300,000 Enzo Ferrari. So, unlike what you said "who would give a damn", most of us..Average Americans do give a damn about how much we have to spend money on a car after a few years of owning one and start breaking down. Gas price of up a few cents or a stamp price jump a couple cents and we are about to lose our minds..and this is the new mind setting in the world.
FACT#3: I say it again..its a fact that BMW and Mercedes are one of the most crappiest cars you can buy in the world. (since 96..started crappylization). They rank on the bottom of the list..so much for heritage crap.
FACT#4: Get the fact straight here dude. In Europe one of the best selling cars are actually Kia's, Mitsubishi and Nissans. Especially kia's are doing very well at a time when their own homeland cars are going bankrupt ie. Range Rover <--poof! So much for Heritage crap b/c obviously Brits don't even support their own homeland legend that's been around for ages. They are buying Kia's! Fact #5: your FACT#6 is so out of place and wrong that, I refuse to even make a comment on that. All, I gotta say is that you are so wrong on that one..please do your homework before you preach about how utterly horrible Lexus is...okay!

Toyota's success so far has a lot to do with the FUNDAMENTALS. Like making mainstream cars and trucks that a lot of people are HAPPY to own.
FUNDAMENTALS=MAINSTREAM CARS is the key words. Copy and improve upon it.
Copy and destroy your opppents sales.
Copy and re-innovate.
Copy and make consumers enjoy owning one
Copy and make consumers feel comfortable.
Copy and re-invent and don't re-invent.
Its a proven succesful strategy. Lexus, Infiniti and Acura are next batter-up in European sector. Guess what? Fundamentals have not changed. Build mainstream cars for European people to enjoy driving with good value, good looks, good, reliablility, good resale, good service etc..you can't go wrong! Its proven by Toyota! It doesns't necessitate 0-60 in 2.5 seconds to do this. It doesn't require 400 years of car making heritage! It doesn't require a $300,000 Enzo Ferrari! Infact it doesn't require to be a #1 in every category at all. All they have to do is just be good on everything. No exception. Must be well-rounded and European's well soon realize what Americans have been realizing since the 80's.

Homer008 - 5/14/2005 6:06:37 PM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 5/15/2005 6:02:51 AM

+1 Boost

Get the facts straight knocklehead before you say crap like this: "Japanese gotta really watch out from Hyundai and Kia who are growing alot fasterthan them"<--Are you snorting crack???

Here is the fact you dumb...k!

Last year, Toyota sold 7.54 million cars and trucks worldwide, up from 6.78 million in 2003. It has officially forecast global sales of 8.5 million vehicles in 2006, and a leaked report in Japan suggested it would be selling 9.7 million worldwide by 2008. Within 4-5 years, Toyota's global domination in Automarket is being realized taking control of 15% of the world market.

p.s. Toyota's revenue per year are morethan combined total of Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz. Its $16 Billion Dollars per year!

Next time bring me the facts not your stupid ass commentary such as the one Dash wrote. Dash is a one stupid f..k! That's all..now go get a life you loser!

Homer008 - 5/15/2005 6:02:51 AM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 5/15/2005 6:28:28 PM

+1 Boost

Stones are being turned.
Let's not keep the stones unturned!

Homer008 - 5/15/2005 6:28:28 PM

+1 Boost

Stones are being turned.
Let's not keep the stones unturned!

Homer008 - 5/16/2005 6:26:24 AM

+1 Boost

Car and Driver's May Results

Jaguar S-type 4.2 VDP Edition (8th Place)
Highs: Supple ride, smooth powertrain, elegant interior.
Lows: Not that fast, not that roomy, not that young.
The Verdict: Still a charming car for those with subtle sensibilities.

Cadillac STS V-8 (7th Place)
Highs: Punchy motor, plenty of room, friendly ergonomics.
Lows: Polarizing looks, sofa-like seating, relentless understeer.
The Verdict: Tries to pass for European, and almost makes it.

BMW 530i (6th Place)
Highs: Amazing interior space, exemplary chassis calibrations, good balance.

Lows: Weak performance, pigheaded manumatic, quirky cup holders, iDrive.

The Verdict: Still a driver's car.

Audi A6 4.2 Quattro (5th Place)
Highs: Attractive styling, detailed interior, four-wheel traction, good power.

Lows: Controversial nose, overly sensitive throttle and brake responses, a tad sterile.

The Verdict: A paragon of all-season high-performance luxury.

Mercedes-Benz E350 (4th Place)
Highs: Effortless engine torque, great roadgoing poise.

Lows: Overly managed chassis, resists being chucked around.

The Verdict: A good, solid, safe, rewarding car with mainstream attributes.

Lexus GS430 (3rd Place)
Highs: Exquisitely smooth mechanical interface, refined operations, excellent performance.

Lows: Too much sensory deprivation for some.

The Verdict: Almost too subtle for the talking primates who buy cars.

Acura RL (2nd Place)
Highs: Nimble handling, strong high-rpm thrust, comfy seats and ride, great value.

Lows: Not much low-end torque, wide gear-ratio stack, rear seat could be bigger.

The Verdict: A bit of everything in this artful concoction.

Infiniti M45 Sport (First Place)
Highs: Kick-ass engine, telepathic transmission, athletic chassis, voluminous interior.

Lows: Sport package gives a firm ride, interior décor lacks finesse.

The Verdict: Puts the sports back into sports sedan—with a sledgehammer
Here it is, folks: Infiniti's take-no-prisoners assault on the sports-luxoid segment. More power, more space, more right-now response to the driver's wishes. It's a heady cocktail of rumbling V-8 thrust, clawing big-tire grip, and let's-go chassis exuberance.
What's not to like? For us, hardly anything. Out here at the Lunatic Fringe Café, the customers are all looking for extreme involvement with vehicles that are fast and responsive, cars with tons of grip and tautly cinched ride motions. That's not to say the M45 is incapable of conveying sensitive passengers into town for tea, or whatever, because it can. The 335-hp V-8 has ample torque and abundant civility and will rumble about politely running chores. The five-speed automatic plays along, too, slurring smoothly from one ratio to another as needed.

Homer008 - 5/16/2005 6:26:24 AM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 5/16/2005 7:02:13 AM

+1 Boost

Sorry for cursing.

Homer008 - 5/16/2005 7:02:13 AM

+1 Boost

Sorry for cursing.