BMW Group's April Sales Rise 9%. BMW Brand Up 10% But Still Behind Mercedes-Benz and Lexus

- BMW continues to lead key premium segments - new 5 Series introduction in June to renew challenge in one more

- MINI sales continue to outperform the premium small car segment

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported April sales of 21,111 vehicles, an increase of 9 percent from the 19,362 vehicles sold in the same month of 2009. Year to date, the BMW Group also reported a total sales volume of 76,162 vehicles, up 7.9 percent compared to 70,606 vehicles sold in the first four months of last year.

BMW Brand Sales
The BMW brand continued its positive results in April with good sales in the key volume segments of the premium market. In total, sales increased 10 percent to reach 17,268 vehicles. Year to date, sales increased 8.8 percent to 63,591 vehicles.
In the important midsize sports sedan segment, BMW maintained its leading position with sales of the 3 Series sedan up 63.7 percent to 5,464 units. After just one year in the market, the BMW 7 Series also kept its lead in the large luxury vehicle segment with sales up 96.3 percent to 1,555 units in April. With the 1 Series and Z4, BMW also continued its lead in two smaller volume segments of the premium market.
"April's positive results are an achievement keeping in mind we have two high volume models in short supply due to the end of their lifecycles," said Jim O'Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. "Both the X3 and 5 Series are in transition and we anxiously await the new 5 on sale in June as it has received superb early reviews in comparisons with the competition. The all-new X3 arrives at the end of this year and we anticipate strong demand for this new entry in the hot premium smaller crossover segment."
To prepare for the production of the X3, BMW's plant in Spartanburg, SC undergoes a $750 million expansion to be completed in late summer of this year. The local manufacturing of the X3 will provide the company a range of opportunities when the vehicle is introduced to the market.
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mclaren428 - 5/3/2010 4:19:27 PM

+4 Boost

The 3 and 5 series are still selling very will despite their age. The 7 is also selling very strong. Iv seen quite a few 7's on the road now and they look amazing!

Chip - 5/3/2010 4:31:15 PM

+6 Boost

I'm a small part of that big jump in 3-series sales. I traded in my 2007 335i coupe last week and I'm waiting on my 2011 M Sport 335d. Cant frickin wait!!

cs4444 - 5/3/2010 7:19:29 PM

+5 Boost

Nice choice!!

racerf109 - 5/3/2010 4:36:49 PM

+6 Boost

Once the new five starts hitting the lots, BMW's sales will get even stronger.

Need4Speed - 5/3/2010 5:29:31 PM

+1 Boost

How does this make sense!...I see way more BMWs on the street than I see Lexus or Mercedes. Maybe it's just NY.

Lexus - 5/4/2010 2:22:10 AM

+2 Boost

Yes, in California Lexus and MB is everywhere especially in Orange County areas. And I mean everyone drive them from teens, young adults, people in their 20s, 30s and senior as well.

BMW is everywhere as well but not as often as Lexus and MB in Orange County.

enthusiastx11 - 5/3/2010 5:54:10 PM

+5 Boost

not bad considering that the 5-series (along with the 3-series, the volume model of the brand) is currently transitioning to the new models to launch in june. once the 5 is back, there will be a big jump in sales.

94geo - 5/3/2010 7:18:21 PM

+3 Boost

I'm glad to see the 3 series doing so well, it is an excellent vehicle!

dayday - 5/4/2010 7:56:12 PM

+1 Boost

I'm very surprised that the X3 is selling that much more than 09!! how did that happen?