BMW Sales Plummet 40.2% Mini Holds The Line With A 0.1% Rise In December Sales

BMW Sales Plummet 40.2% Mini Holds The Line With A 0.1% Rise In December Sales
The BMW Group in the US reported December sales of 21,626 vehicles, a decrease of 35.9 percent over the 33,761 vehicles sold in December 2007. The BMW Group also reported a 2008 sales volume of 303,190 vehicles, down 9.7 percent, compared to 335,840 vehicles in 2007.

Commenting on the 2008 result, Jim O'Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. said:

"Low consumer confidence and tight credit was a double whammy in '08 making it a year we'd all like to forget. One bright spot for us was a December of reasonable sales and gaining share in the premium market for the full year. This is a foundation for our 2009 plan of keeping high value leasing and retail financing and introducing 10 new or significantly refined vehicles in the next 24 months that showcase our classic dynamic values and impressive technology that contributes to our class leading efficiency. This will help manage our way through the immediate turmoil but we'll have an equal focus on doing more of the right things that set us up for the market's return."

BMW Brand Sales
Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 40.2 percent in December for a total of 18,060 compared to 30,199 reported in the same month a year ago. In 2008, BMW brand sales were down 15.2 percent, to 249,113 vehicles compared to 293,795 vehicles sold in 2007.

BMW Automobile Sales
BMW's automobile sales are down 40.2 percent in December to 13,796 versus 23,064 in the same month a year ago. In 2008, sales decreased by 15.4 percent, to 195,085 automobiles compared to 230,535 in 2007.

BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Sales
Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles decreased by 40.2 percent in December to 4,264 vehicles over the 7,135 sold last December. In 2008, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles were down 14.6 percent, to 54,028 vehicles compared to the 63,260 sold in 2007.

MINI Brand Sales
MINI USA reported December sales of 3,566 automobiles, up 0.1 percent from the 3,562 cars sold in December 2007. In 2008, the division reported sales of 54,077 automobiles, an increase of 28.6 percent, compared to the 42,045 cars reported in 2007.

"Fuel efficiency and small cars had a big year in 2008 even with low fuel prices slowing down the positive sales development in the past few months," said Jim McDowell, Vice-President of MINI USA. "A balance of rational and emotional reasons are going to be the way of the future to continue small car growth in the U.S. MINI's success in 2008 may be a good indication of this balance."

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Bmw8terBmw8ter - 1/5/2009 3:27:59 PM
+3 Boost
Itemized Breakdown:

Sales BMW of North America, LLC, December 2008

Dec. 08/Dec. 07 %/YTD Dec. 08/YTD Dec. 07/ %

1 Series 921/0/ N/A /12,018/ 0/ N/A
3 Series 8,490/12,941/-34.4%/112,464/142,490/-21.1%
Z4 Roadster and Coupe 81/1,029/-92.1%/5,87910,097/-41.8%
5 Series 3,699/6,687/-44.7%/45,915/54,142/-15.2%
6 Series 568/901/-37.0%/6,533/9,033/-27.7%
7 Series 37/1,506/-97.5%/12,276/14,773/-16.9%
BMW passenger cars 13,796/23,064/-40.2%/195,085/230,535/-15.4%
-------------------------- ------------ ------- -----
X3 960/2,194/-56.2%/17,622/28,058/-37.2%
X5 2,872/4,941/-41.9%/31,858/35,202/-9.5%
X6 432 / 0 / N/A /4,548/0/ N/A
BMW light trucks (SAVs)4,264/7,135/-40.2%/54,028/63,260/-14.6%
-------------- ----- ----- ----- ------------ -----
BMW brand 18,060/30,199/-40.2%/249,113/293,795/-15.2%
--------- ------------ ------------ ------- -----
Cooper /
S Hardtop 2,518/3,035/-17.0%/36,916/34,247/7.8%
Cooper /
S Convertible 78/527/-85.2%/4,880/7,798/-37.4%
Cooper /
S Clubman 970/0/ N/A /12,281/ 0/ N/A
MINI brand 3,566/3,562/0.1%/54,077/42,045/28.6%
--------- ------------ ------------ ------- -----
TOTAL BMW of
North America,
LLC 21,626/33,761/-35.9%/303,190/335,840/-9.7%



Agent009Agent009 - 1/5/2009 4:10:39 PM
+3 Boost
Thanks for the update on that, sometimes the releases don't have the break downs yet when I get them.


0to600to60 - 1/5/2009 3:55:30 PM
+1 Boost
wonder what excuses the fans will make for this...


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 1/5/2009 4:29:25 PM
0 Boost
eh, they're down 15.2% for the year, which isn't great but isn't horrendous, especially since the three biggest drops were the three vehicles they are no longer building anyway because new ones are coming (7-Series, X3, and Z4). Par for the course pretty much.


HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 1/5/2009 4:31:55 PM
+1 Boost
0to60, don't try to stir up trouble. We're in a recession and pretty much every automaker's sales have decreased. No excuses are needed. At the end of the day, BMW makes some great cars.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/5/2009 10:47:01 PM
+4 Boost
no excuses. bmw perform better than its competitors for the year. 9.7% decline isn't even close to lexus 21% decline. it's a shitty market, everyone is down.


topneurotopneuro - 1/5/2009 4:38:33 PM
+1 Boost
When anybody decides to purchase (or should I say lease) a BMW with disposable Run Rock Tires, no oil dip stick, and no spare tire, they should now demand 0.0%APR for 72 months.


BMW4me4everBMW4me4ever - 1/5/2009 5:59:55 PM
+1 Boost
Even though new cars are down pretty substantially, the CPO cars were up 18% YTD. BMW sold 100,000 Certified Pre-Owned cars in 2008. That is impressive ...


BMW4me4everBMW4me4ever - 1/5/2009 6:52:12 PM
-1 Boost
Actually, BMW Sold 104,500 Certified Pre-Owned cars in the US. That is a 16% increase from last year. That is a huge Number. 3x as many as Audi. to put that in perspective. That is with Audi putting up a big increase for them at 34k cars.


VISOVISO - 1/6/2009 2:40:27 PM
+1 Boost
You know BMW4me4ever, why is it that you always need to put down Audi in your posts? What does this blog have to do with Audi sales in the first place? But, I guess your tagline says it all. So what that BMW sold more cars in the US than Audi based off volume.

That being said, I think that Audi's long term strategy of 'organic growth' is really paying off during this downturn. Unlike BMW, Lexus or Merc who have inflated sales through financing programs, I think Audi is relatively less harmed because its buyers want to buy Audis (on the aggregate) versus getting an awesome $399/month lease deal to push metal.

So, BMW4me4ever enjoy your sales volume superiority. Let see who more profitable*(Audi or BMW) at the end of the day (I mean year). We all know the answer to that one.






BMW4me4everBMW4me4ever - 1/6/2009 3:16:51 PM
+1 Boost
viso - I was not slamming Audi. I was just putting it into perspective about the amount of Pre-Owned certified cars BMW sold in the US. What are you talking about in regards to the Audi customer buying more vs leasing? That is so not true. I love how everyone on here finds that leasing a car is the anti-christ, but buying and losing everything u put into the car is the way to go. Especially now days, if u are going to buy something, save some money and buy a Certified, Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc. If you are going with new, unless you have a ridiculous amount of expendable cash reserves, leasing is the way to go. Find me 1 person who wouldn't want to get into a more expensive, more luxurious, faster car that is Alot more money for the same as purchasing a car. Basically, I can lease a 535i sedan for the same cost as buying a 328i sedan. Then you are telling me that I don't have to be held accountable for the depreciation of the car and can turn it in. Of course, to huu & yourself it makes more sense to buy the car. Why would you want a more luxurious, faster, better handling car? idiots


DennyCraneDennyCrane - 1/5/2009 6:21:10 PM
-2 Boost
Don't worry about BMW being down 40%, they'll make it up in volume.

Still cuckoo for Coco Puffs. Who's your daddy? Denny Crane.


diesselxpdiesselxp - 1/5/2009 6:27:12 PM
-4 Boost
OUCH german fanboys...At last count BMW has what, 46 different models? Lexus has what, 18? So with more than twice the number of options BMW should be outselling Lexus 2 to 1 right? But are they? No!

BMW >>>>>>>: 249,113
LEXUS >>>>>>>: 260,087(I think Lexus has lead for
nineth year luxury cars in a row
right or not?)

yea i know i will get deboosted for 20 or may be more German boys.

hehehehehehe....


BMW4me4everBMW4me4ever - 1/5/2009 6:47:16 PM
+1 Boost
Actually BMW has currently 35 models in production. 9 are out of production, 750i, 750li, 760li, B7, Z4m roadster, Z4m coupe, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 3.0si coupe. Soon the X3 will be out of production ...

Lexus on the other hand has 21 models.

More power to Lexus, but the average price lexus is about $7k less than the average price for BMW. Even though BMW was down in New cars, they were up big in Certified Pre-owned sales. Over 100k Certified cars in the US, which is more than Lexus & audi combined.




S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/6/2009 2:33:35 AM
-2 Boost
What's your point? Lexus makes cheaper cars across the board. The only car that is "more expensive" is the IS-F vs. M3 sedan, but load them up with options and that doesn't hold water.


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 1/6/2009 9:26:18 AM
+1 Boost
"OUCH german fanboys...At last count BMW has what, 46 different models? Lexus has what, 18? So with more than twice the number of options BMW should be outselling Lexus 2 to 1 right? But are they? No! BMW >>>>>>>: 249,113 LEXUS >>>>>>>: 260,087(I think Lexus has lead for nineth year luxury cars in a row right or not?) yea i know i will get deboosted for 20 or may be more German boys. hehehehehehe...."

GOOD ONE! You're so smart. Oh, by the way, you do of course realize Lexus gets outsold globally by not only BMW, but Mercedes and Audi as well? And it's by more than 2-1 for EACH of them? Lexus is a bit player outside the U.S. They're nothing. But yeah, I'm sure you knew that, because you're such a smart guy, as evidenced by your rapier wit and scathing sarcasm.

Hi Foot, this is Mouth, pleased to meet you.


BMW4me4everBMW4me4ever - 1/5/2009 7:01:35 PM
+7 Boost
huu - BMW never had 0% for 72 months. Being able to sell Certified pre-owned cars helps sustain residual values thus allowing BMW owners to lease cars. Apparently, you misunderstood the full-circle concept that BMW went with in 1996 when their Certification program started. The whole point is to be able to lease new cars, and then offer people a very nice car with low miles with an extended warranty, great financing, and a great value. Most people that lease a car, take better care of the car since they are responsible for the condition. That is a fact.

In your mind, it would be better to buy a car. then when you trade it in, lose 50% to 60% of the money you put in ( invested. which kills me when people put money down and say they invested it ) plus the depreciation. Of course that makes sense. Put money you have in your account that is earning interest and put it into a depreciating asset. Why not lease and let the manufacturer take the hit in loss of depreciation, and in the meantime you can have a little nicer car for the same cost. But that makes no sense and to you, this equals a poser.


Lexus does offer super low financing and lease specials also. They were offering some killer deals on remaining 2008 RX's, ES350, GS's and IS's in the US. take the blinders off


BMW4me4everBMW4me4ever - 1/5/2009 7:03:16 PM
+5 Boost
they did too. read the paper once in awhile. $399 for a Lexus RX350, etc .. You must have missed that one. December to Remember Event .. lol


maikoazumaikoazu - 1/5/2009 10:08:15 PM
+4 Boost
huu is too narrow minded. He can't see beyond his jeep's hood.


topneurotopneuro - 1/5/2009 8:44:14 PM
0 Boost
Most Lexus are purchased.
Most BMW, Audi, and MB are leased, they fall apart after 2 or 3 years.

America 10 most leased cars

1. BMW 7 series
2. Saab 9-7X
3. Audi 6
4. BMW Z4
5. MB E-Class
6. Land Rover Range Rover
7. BMW 6 Series
8. Audi A4/S4
9. BMW X3
10. Jaguar XJ Sedan


david999david999 - 1/5/2009 8:52:24 PM
+2 Boost


It's nice when somebody posts the facts.


BMW4me4everBMW4me4ever - 1/6/2009 5:07:27 PM
+1 Boost
tonepro - what is the tax write off for a company that leases a car vs a company that buys the same car? In a lease, if a company uses their vehicle for more than 50% for business, then they can write off 100% of the payment. Same company buys it under the company name, can write off miles based on a percentage, insurance ( which can still do in a lease ), wear and tear ( on a BMW doesnt impact you til around 35k miles ) ... In today's market, people who use the manufactures money vs their money are the smarter ones. I lease both my BMW's, cause I like being under warranty, enjoy the fact I can get more car for buck, and I dont have to be held accountable for lost value due to market swings ... I could buy it, but why throw good money after bad ...


Dr550Dr550 - 1/5/2009 9:11:07 PM
+1 Boost
Yeah, like the fact that Lexus bread and butter ES/RX are based on Toyota Camry platform. Friend works at Longo Lexus/Toyota. Great way to keep costs low.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/5/2009 10:45:31 PM
0 Boost
december sucked for bmw, but the year overall wasn't bad given market conditions.

"The BMW Group also reported a 2008 sales volume of 303,190 vehicles, down 9.7 percent, compared to 335,840 vehicles in 2007."

that's a hell of lot better than lexus decline of over 21% and only 260,000 cars sold. guess lexus lost it's #1 luxury nameplate in volume too. schadenfreude.


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 1/6/2009 9:19:21 AM
+2 Boost
Yea, the layout is aggrivating the sh*t outta me too.


BMW4me4everBMW4me4ever - 1/6/2009 1:23:19 PM
+1 Boost
and lexus lease specials? you are ridiculous. Did you not understand that concept of leasing cars? I would have really disliked to have bought a car a few years ago, and trying to trade it in today's market. The value that is lost is astronomical vs the smart lease customer who let the manufacturer take the depreciation loss. I know that makes way too much sense. Since we are on it, I have a bridge to sell you.


2ndbimmer2ndbimmer - 1/6/2009 12:54:36 PM
+1 Boost
the 128 is not a poser model since they are not flooding the market with the 1 series. They are not expecting it to overtake the 3 series by any means. just a fun small car that handles well. anyone catch on to this yet?


diesselxpdiesselxp - 1/6/2009 11:27:57 PM
0 Boost
EVERYBODY SAID LEXUS IS TOYOTA IS TRUTH,BUT HOW IS POSSIBLE "TOYOTA" CAN BE NUMBER 1 IN LUXURY CARS THAN MB,AUDI AND BMW?
BM,AUDI AND BMW HAVE MORE TIME IN THE MARKET THAN LEXUS,AND WHO'S THE NUMBER 1? LEXUS UPS,I'M SORRY,GERMAN BOYS LIKE TU SAY :"TOYOTA"

BOOST UP? please....


M53RM53R - 1/7/2009 3:30:51 AM
+1 Boost
calm down... please... before you pull a nerve or something.


XYZZXYZZ - 1/7/2009 7:11:07 AM
+1 Boost
BUCKING the trend, lexus LX sales are UP 220% for 2008! for december alone, UP 285%.




M53RM53R - 1/7/2009 10:32:54 AM
+2 Boost
Maybe because the last one was one of the ugliest trucks, with rebadging being 100% clear to even a 5 year old. Ofcourse it's going to be up!


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 1/13/2009 6:24:46 PM
+1 Boost
so they sold 220% more LX's than they did last year, so what? Why does everyone get so caught up with raw figures, without even the slightest ability to put those raw figures in context?

Let me help you with an example. When the new IS came out a few years ago, Lexus IS sales went up about 11000% from the year before. Yes, 11000%. And every single booger eating Lexus fan was screaming from the mountain top about that 11000% increase. And yet the IS barely made a dent in competitor (primarily 3-Series) sales. But how could that be, you ask? They went up 11000%! IT'S BECAUSE THEY HARDLY SOLD ANY THE YEAR BEFORE. When you sell almost none of something, having even mediocre success with the replacement can yield you some amazing "growth percentages". That's called "applying context" to those raw figures.


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