BMW planning new niche models, 3-Series derivative in the works

BMW planning new niche models, 3-Series derivative in the works
In an effort to offset sluggish sales in its traditional vehicle segments, BMW is planning more niche models like the X6 and the upcoming Progressive Activity Sedan that will hit the market in 2009. According to a BMW spokesman, the company is working on a derivative of the next 3-series.

A 3-Series derivative could allow the assembly plant to operate more profitably, said the spokesman. Currently the plant only builds 1,000 3-Series sedan and wagon models. A new plant could help BMW make up for the falling demand in those two segments.

BMW is planning a similar strategy for the new 5-Series. Let’s just hope these models don’t turn out to be another X6.
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LexSucksLexSucks - 9/15/2008 12:15:01 PM
-13 Boost
Why would anyone Choose a BMW over A Lexus?


ThierryHenry14ThierryHenry14 - 9/15/2008 12:17:47 PM
+7 Boost
haha... I needed a good laugh on monday...


dlindlin - 9/15/2008 4:04:00 PM
-9 Boost
Probably the same reason people choose a INFINITI over BMW.

Confused?


ExarSadow11ExarSadow11 - 9/15/2008 7:34:44 PM
+8 Boost
At least Infiniti gives BMW more competition with the G35, G37, M35/45, FX, EX than Lexus does with their cars. Infiniti makes really nice cars.


superchicagoman11superchicagoman11 - 9/15/2008 7:37:07 PM
+5 Boost
Ya i give them a pat on the back for competing with a German brand soo good! Especially when its BMW (the top dog most of the time).


snatchandgrabsnatchandgrab - 9/16/2008 12:41:49 PM
+2 Boost
People choose cars because of personal preference dumb ass.


E36erE36er - 9/15/2008 12:19:44 PM
+1 Boost
Here we go again.


DaHarderDaHarder - 9/15/2008 1:11:40 PM
+1 Boost
To BMW I ask the following...

Just how many niches do you find it reasonable to (attempt to) create?

With every pseudo-new entry, BMW appears to be doing little more than losing their enthusiast-oriented focus.

I say Keep It Simple Stupid!


LarryLarry - 9/15/2008 1:14:08 PM
-3 Boost
many people like the bmw x6, you can not judge it's success by it's sales. the x6 was not built to sell like a x3.


GTR35GTR35 - 9/15/2008 3:34:40 PM
-1 Boost
Larry, did you think about your comment before you posted? How do you define "success" in the business world? Neither the X6 or the X3 are selling well in comparison to their main rivals (FX, EX), that to me is closer to failure than success.


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 9/16/2008 12:28:05 PM
+2 Boost
really? So the A5/S5 is a failure then because they sell far in much smaller numbers than a 3-Series coupe? The fact that they're sold out doesn't matter? That's ridiculous. By the way, the X3 outsold the EX all year until BMW stopped building X3's a few months ago (in case you weren't aware BMW is moving production of the X3 to Spartanburg).

Anyway, the X6 is sold out. That's how BMW measures its success. When you have BMW dealers buying BMW NA's DEMO X6's at auction for OVER STICKER, that is "success". And BMW isn't comparing their sales figures for the $65-85k X6 with those of the $45-65k FX. Exclusivity is more valuable than volume. Guess what? Compared to the Infiniti FX, MB sells fewer ML63's and Porsche sells fewer Cayenne GTS/Turbos, but if you walked up to 100 people on the street and said "take your pick, money is no object" I'll guarantee you almost all of them would take the Benz or Porsche. Why? Because they're exclusive. Because they're Porsche's and Benz's. Because most people, if money were no object, want "image". The only difference is money IS an object for most people. The market BMW is targeting for the X6 are the people who can actually afford to MAKE that choice. And considering it's completely sold out, I'd say they're doing a good job hitting that target market.


snatchandgrabsnatchandgrab - 9/16/2008 12:43:24 PM
+1 Boost
Its ugly.


snatchandgrabsnatchandgrab - 9/16/2008 12:44:45 PM
0 Boost
Honestly, Mercedes should have kept the Pacifica and scrapped the R. It looks much better. (I can't believe I said a Chrysler looks better than a Benz). WTH?


CorsisCorsis - 9/15/2008 4:30:58 PM
+1 Boost
Theyre going from the Ultimate Driving machine to the ultimate marketing machine.







JRobUSCJRobUSC - 9/16/2008 12:31:26 PM
0 Boost
"Lexus can cap GX production to 10,000 and sell them out and have a big a 'hit' on their hands."

And when they do, I'm sure you'll be first in line to shout how awesome the sold out Lexus is and how much every BMW sucks. You sure do like to have it both ways.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 9/15/2008 9:56:00 PM
+2 Boost
Can you stick to getting a M3 CSL here in the states?
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