BMW Group says its still the best-selling premium automaker and its sales show why

The BMW Group has achieved its eighth consecutive annual sales record with a total of 2 490 664 (+1.1%) BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce delivered around the world in 2018.

Best-ever figures were achieved by both BMW and Rolls-Royce, while the company’s portfolio of electrified BMW and Mini vehicles grew sales by 38.4% compared with the previous year. This sales result reconfirms the BMW Group’s position as the world’s number one premium automotive manufacturer.

Positive outlook for 2019: sales growth expected to continue

Looking ahead to the next 12 months, the BMW Group believes its ongoing model offensive will result in continuing sales growth.

Pieter Nota, BMW board member for sales said:. “While we expect market conditions to remain challenging this year, new models like the all-new BMW X7 and the seventh generation of the 3 Series, combined with an ever-greater focus on our customers and their needs, mean we at the BMW Group will continue on our successful course. We expect to grow sales slightly in 2019, while maintaining our clear focus on profitability."

Growth driven by X vehicles and 5 Series

2018 saw the BMW brand achieve its highest-ever annual sales with a total of 2 125 026 (+1.8%) vehicles delivered around the world.

The brand’s biggest growth drivers were the X vehicles: Thanks to the introduction of the BMW X2 early in 2018 and the extension of BMW X3 production to China and South Africa, in addition to the USA, total X model sales increased by 12.1% to 792 590. This means SUVs accounted for 37.3% of total sales in 2018 (33.8% in 2017).

Another significant growth driver for the brand was the 5 Series, which was fully available in all markets throughout 2018. Sales of the world’s most popular premium large sedan increased by 12.7% in 2018 with a total of 328 997 delivered to customers around the world.

Nota said: "We are proud to have achieved our best-ever annual sales result, despite a number of important model-changeovers and significant, ongoing headwinds in several major markets."

"2018 saw the introduction of several exciting brand new models including the BMW X2 and the BMW 8 Series, as well as the launch of the new generation BMW X4 and BMW X5 and the long-awaited BMW Z4. I am confident the momentum generated by these new models will continue through 2019,” Nota continued.