BMW said it enjoyed a record May with sales up 6.4% to 156,957 worldwide. Year to date, sales rose 9.1% to 728,029.

The group said it “made strong gains in Asia” last month after sales rose 26% to 41,289 and 34.4% year to date, to 135,026 units.

US sales rose 7% in May while Europe volume dipped 1.7%.

BMW brand sales were up 9.3% year to date while Mini volume rose 5.5%.