Car markets around the world have rebounded from their darkest depths of the 2008 and 2009 recession. The big three German luxury manufacturers, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, have seen welcomed growth from both important industrialized markets such as the United States and Western Europe, as well from the rapidly growing emerging markets of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. China in particular has been an enormous driver of the sales recovery for the German premium brands with all three brands seeing huge increases in the country.
With the auto market recovery solidly underway, the big 3 German premium brands have continued to focus on new model launches including BMW's X1, Audi's flagship A8 sedan, A7 coupe, and A1 subcompact, as well as Mercedes-Benz's China-only customized models such as the long-wheelbase E-class.
Most importantly, how will the global recovery of the auto markets and new product launches impact BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz as each brand strives for the title of world's best-selling premium brand? Industry expert, IHS Global Insight, gives us a look at the strategic implications of the sales recovery for the three German premium brands.
Read Article