German automaker BMW AG reported a 5.2 per cent rise in 2005 net sales to 46.66 billion euros ($57.28 billion US), exceeding analysts' expectations.
Analysts had been predicting overall sales of 46.3 billion euros ($56.84 billion), and BMW shares rose 2.3 per cent to close at 36.79 euros ($45.21) in Frankfurt trading. The Bavarian automaker said it sold a record 1,327,992 cars in 2005, up 9.9 per cent on the year.
Sales for the BMW brand were up 10 per cent on the year at 1,126,768 cars, helped by strong demand for the revamped version of the company's 3-series model.
Sales in BMW's core automotive division rose 7.8 per cent to about 45.86 billion euros ($56.3 billion), while sales in the financial services division rose 14.4 per cent to almost 9.41 billion euros ($11.55 billion). Sales in the motorcycle division rose to 1.22 billion euros ($1.49 billion).
The company reported spending 9.8 billion euros ($12 billion) on "reconciliations" but did not elaborate.
Looking ahead, CEO Helmut Panke said the company hoped to build on its successes in 2006.
"Our aim is to increase sales volume yet again and once again set a new record," he said.
Analysts expect more news on BMW's outlook for the current fiscal year on March 15, when the company releases its full-year 2005 earnings.