3 Series breaks records for BMW
2012-03-04 21:00
THE GAME-CHANGER: In the US, BMW's 3 Series has been such a success for the brand, it has contributed to the brand's new status as the top luxury marque in the US.
BMW has shot ahead of Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz to lead the luxury sales bout in the US where its new 3 Series sedan was launched in February.
The sixth generation of BMW's 3 Series will be launched in South Africa from March 12, 2012. Wheels24 will be there.
the Detroit News reports that BMW's US sales grew by 29% to 21 204 in February, 2012 over the same month in 2011. Deliveries of the new 3 Series - alone - increased by 66%.
LEXUS TOPPLED
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz’s sales rose 17% in February, 2012, to 18 080 and Toyota’s Lexus grew 21% to 16 678. The results exclude Daimler's commercial vehicles and Smart cars and BMW's Mini, which aren't considered luxury vehicles.
The News says Ludwig Willisch, head of BMW of North America, said in a statement: "The surge in consumer confidence and the launch of the new BMW 3 Series combined to produce the strongest February results since 2007."
Merc’s recently facelifted C-Class sedan and the introduction of a two-door coupe have helped the company to apply pressure on BMW’s effort to retain its new position as the top-selling luxury brand in the US. Until 2011, Lexus was the leader in this segment in the US, the News reported.
