The BMW group on Monday (8 July) announced record sales for the first six months of the year, with 954,521 vehicles delivered worldwide, an increase of 6% year on year. June volume was also a record – up 6.9% to 184,489.
BMW brand sales climbed 9.4% to 153,075 last month and 7.7% to 804,248 year to date (YTD).
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Three series half year volume rose 21.8% to 236,215 units, reflecting new versions like the GT which achieved 1,500 sales in its first month.
X1 small SUV volume was up 22.8% to 79,061 vehicles while 6 series luxury coupe/cabriolet sales rose 35.4% to 14,012.
With the volume three-door hatchback in its final months ahead of a full redesign, Mini sales slipped 3.8% last month to 31,102 sales and YTD volume was down only 2% to 151,877 in the first half. Sales nonetheless grew in mainland China (12,070; 6.3%), Russia (1,350; 10.4%) and Mexico (2,132; 15.1%).
Despite a relative fresh product line, Rolls-Royce first half sales fell 7.8% to 1,475 cars.
“Following a relatively flat first quarter, year on year growth in the second quarter of 2013 (1%) was reported due to good performances in the Middle East, South East Asia and China,” BMW said in a statement.
“This growth, together with the planned market introduction of the new Wraith during the fourth quarter, reflects the cautious optimism that was expressed at the beginning of the year. The company remains on target for growth in 2013.”
Sales and marketing head Ian Robertson said: “The group achieved its best ever sales figures in the first half of this year and last month, despite the prevailing headwinds in some European markets.”
He added that sales for the rest of the year would get a boost from the updated 5 series, in showrooms this month, and the third generation X5 out later in the year.
“Additional new models such as the 3 series GT and the 4 series coupé will also provide for further impetus.”
