BMW expects record 2012 global car sales despite flat Europe
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FRANKFURT -- BMW said it expects to achieve record car sales this year despite a flat European market after posting gains of 4 percent in June deliveries and an 8 percent rise for the first six months.
Sales of BMW Group brands, including BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce, increased to 172,516 vehicles last month, a record for June, boosted by demand in China and the United States.
"We have an overall record for 2012 well in our sight,'' Ian Robertson, BMW's sales and marketing chief, said in a statement on Friday.
U.S. sales rose 3.2 percent to 27,720 last month and 10.5 percent to 158,563 in the first six months. China sales were up 13.1 percent to 23,930 for the month and 30.7 percent to 158,956 for six months.
European volume rose 1.5 percent in June to 92,686, BMW said, but fell 0.1 percent to 437,066 over the first half.
Brand sales
Global sales of BMW-brand cars rose 4 percent to 139,869 vehicles last month and were up 8.3 percent to 747,064 for the first half, boosted by demand for the 3 series, X3 and 1-series five-door and 6 series.
The launch later this year of the 1 series three-door and revised versions of the 7 series and X1 will boost volume in the second half, BMW said.
Mini's global volume increased 3.9 percent to 32,337 in June and 7 percent to 151,875 for the first half, helped by demand for the Mini Countryman and growth in the U.S. and China.
Rolls-Royce sales for the half were 1,600 units, slight above the total for the same period last year. The brand does not release monthly sales.
BMW brand topped rival Mercedes-Benz in global sales last month. Mercedes brand sales increased 0.9 percent to 121,542 in June. First half sales are up 6.9 percent to 652,924. Audi has yet to report June and six-month sales results.
Reuters contributed to this report
You can reach David Jolley at djolley@crain.com.
