BMW Rocks Through March With A 13.1% Increase In Sales - Mini Sales Up 3.5%

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 33,149 vehicles, an increase of 11.2 percent from the 29,806 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago.  Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 4.3 percent on sales of 78,957 in the first three months of 2013 compared to 75,729 in the same period in 2012.  

"March roared out like a lion giving BMW even better numbers than the previous record set in 2007," said Ludwig Willisch , President and CEO, BMW of North America. "The arrival this month of the new 320i at a very attractive price plus the changeover to the 2014 models will further accelerate our momentum in the months ahead."

BMW Brand Sales
The BMW brand reported the best March ever with sales of 27,078 vehicles, an increase of 13.1 percent from the 23,940 sold in March 2012.  Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 5.4 percent on sales of 64,902 compared to 61,549 sold in the first three months of 2012.

In March, best performing vehicles included the Z4 Roadster, up 21.1 percent to 316 units; the 6 Series, up 15.5 percent to 877 units; and the Sports Activity Vehicle segment (X3, X5 and X6 in particular), up 40 percent to 7,317 units.

BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles
In March, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) decreased 2.9 percent to 15,809 vehicles compared to the 16,278 vehicles sold in March, 2012.  January through March, BMW used vehicle sales are up 3.2 percent on volume of 42,675 compared to 41,352 in the same period of 2012. 

MINI Brand Sales
MINI USA reported sales of 6,071 automobiles in March, an increase of 3.5 percent from the 5,866 sold in the same month a year ago.  Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are down 0.9 percent on volume of 14,055 compared to 14,180 in the first three months of 2012.

MINI Pre-Owned Vehicles
In March, sales of MINI used automobiles (including MINI NEXT certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 0.5 percent to 1,721 automobiles from the 1,713 sold in March, 2012.  January through March, MINI used vehicle sales are up 21.4 percent on volume of 4,846 compared to 3,991 in the same period of 2012.  

BMW4me4ever - 4/2/2013 2:44:39 PM

+3 Boost

really? I have worked for Mercedes and Lexus and they do the same thing.

BMW4me4ever - 4/2/2013 3:59:14 PM

+2 Boost

Yes they do. Manufacturers punch cars or RDR cars in advance sometimes even when the vehicles are not sold. This is to replace service loaners or Courtesy cars, Sales manager Demo's or when the manufacturer is trying to use incentives to help sell a struggling model of cars. Alot of times the incentives are very large to a dealer. For example, Mercedes when they were in between model years and the S-class had as much as $10,000 back even though you as the public were unaware. That is due to the manufacturer telling dealers to RDR the cars and if you do so we will provide you a very large incentive to help move the product ....

enthusiastx11 - 4/2/2013 3:22:54 PM

+3 Boost

3 and 5 led their respective categories once again. and the 7 didn't do too bad either...second only to the S-class. overall a good month.

sales will continue to improve dramatically this summer with the launch of the new X5, new 4-series, refreshed 5 and X3, etc.

car750i - 4/3/2013 8:34:57 AM

+3 Boost

Also the new 2 series coupe should be arriving toward the end of the year to replace the 1 series!

GermanNut - 4/2/2013 4:28:34 PM

-1 Boost

BMW is still trailing Mercedes-Benz in YTD U.S. sales by some 4,100 units.

nguyenvuminh - 4/3/2013 1:57:13 PM

+1 Boost

The sport sedans that made BMW famous like 3, 5 and 7 all had lower sales than this time a year ago. Their SUVs (their Xs) really save the day. The 6 did great but the number is so small and it's a new car altogether so compared against last year's lower base is distorting. What this tells me is that BMW really knows what sells in the US, SUVs. The story about their sedans doesn't sound good though although it's only 3 mths into the year. Having said that, the C is doing well and will not give in easily so looks like it'll be another closely fought year between BMW and MB. Which one will Audi and Lexus hurt most is a different question altogether.