BMW planning one dozen new models by 2011
BMW has some pretty aggressive growth plans for the next five years with a target of 1.8 million annual sales by 2012 compared to the 1.37 million it sold in 2006. Execs seem to think they won't be able to grow sales of their existing range sufficiently to reach that lofty goal, so several more new models are on the way. We've already seen the X6 crossover at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. Including the X6, BMW will have a total of a dozen new and redesigned models over the next four years. Joining the X6 are a second generation X3 and an even smaller X1.
The 5- and 7-Series sedans will both get refreshed in the coming years, including a new twin-turbo V-10 in the M5. The sedans will reportedly get a new sibling in the form of the CS four-door coupe to take on the Mercedes CLS and Porsche Panamera. Another new branch of the family tree will sprout with the MINI Colorado SUV. The final major addition will be the Progressive Activity Sedan that may be dubbed the V5. The V5 has morphed, however, from the original vision of a Mercedes R-Class challenger into another four-door crossover coupe based on the X5.
[Source: AutoZeitung via MotorAuthority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rollolo 9:47AM (11/02/2007)
Sing Halleluja, sing hallelu... sing halleluja lalalala
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compy386 9:52AM (11/02/2007)
BMW you've sold your soul. Hope it's worth it.
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Mike 10:53AM (11/02/2007)
No soul selling yet, let's see what happens with the new models and if the 3-Series stays true and the 1-Series is exciting....if the 1 and 3 wind up losing the spirit of BMW then that will be a tragedy...the other models, whatever. A necessary evil in order to make a company super profitable.
The way I see it the idiots buying X-series and such will fund development for the 5's, 3's, 1's and M's...
compy386 11:04AM (11/02/2007)
While it's not being sold here, the 1 Series has a hatchback. To me that's selling your soul right there. I like hatchbacks a lot, but they're not BMW.
nastinupe 9:56AM (11/02/2007)
Tisk Tisk, car companies will never learn, bigger isn't always better. Why not stay smaller and more profitable instead of growing until you get to the point to where you HAVE TO stay big to stay afloat. Look at the airline industry, look at GM, Ford, and Chrysler. BMW, if you are listening to me, heed my warning, the 1,3,5, 7, X3 and X5 are all you need. Leave well enough alone.
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1337 10:28AM (11/02/2007)
I agree completely. Often companies end up decreasing their profits while seeking to sell more volume. I would argue, however, the BMW needs the 1, 3, 5, 7, and X3 or X5, but the two SUVs compete with each other enough that there is no justification for having both in production.
skant 11:00AM (11/02/2007)
of course, how stupid to try to increase economies of scale, and better compete against the monster that is VW. The point isn't necessarily increasing the percentage of profit, but instead take a larger portion of the pie as well as locking people into the brand. The fact is that when a young guy buys his first Audi, his next two cars are most likely going to be Audi's also. If you have more types to offer, the chances are better that people don't just buy a 3 series, but they then buy an X3 for the wife and a 7 series 10 years down the road.
psarhjinian 10:32AM (11/02/2007)
Why Mercedes, BMW and VW seem hell-bent on making the same mistakes GM and Ford made over the past 25 years is beyond me.
Having too many models and too many brands, all competing in the same space is a really good way to bleed money, quality and reputation.
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Whydrive 11:54AM (11/02/2007)
The reason these companies want to grow their lineup is so that they don't end up getting gobbled by the likes of GM, Ford, Chrysler, etc.
FLR 10:38AM (11/02/2007)
How many luxury cars can these companies actually sell?
I still can't figure out who is going to buy the X6/AMC Eagle.
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mxrz 11:30AM (11/02/2007)
I'm gonna buy the X6 if it looks like the concept.
Mr. Oak 10:41AM (11/02/2007)
Now that the sleeping giant (GM) has awoken, Cadillac is going to make life really difficult for a lot of these sport Lux makers. Half-assed as the original CTS was, it outsold most of it's competitors between 2003 - 2007. Sold close to 300,000 units of a car no one knew anything about. The '08 model has been on the market just over 60 days, it's kicking ass. Taking potential customers from Acura, Lexus, BMW, Audi, Infiniti, Mercedes et al. This is not just propaganda see link below.
http://www.edmunds.com/cadillac/cts/2008/consumerreview.html
The 2008 CTS is a serious player, Accords, Avalons and Camrys are in play also, since their top or the line models are priced within a cat's whisker of the Base CTS.
Can't wait Cadillac gets the rest of its house in order.
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k.w.a 11:35AM (11/02/2007)
i LOVE BMW but they need to realize that there's a fine line between expanding the brand and diluting it.
1 series, fine. x6, hmm, good luck, but fine. new x3, DEFINITELY. X1? useless. R-class competitor/ crossover-minivan? forget it. the R-Class wont be around for long anyway.
What BMW needs to do is bring out more cars that wow the crowds (like the concept cs) and focus on maintaining its performance image. that's what made people fell in love with BMW for in the first place
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Xcountryflyer 12:48PM (11/02/2007)
Toyota on the brain of BMW.
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SocalObserver 1:51PM (11/02/2007)
I heard that along with iPod integration, the X1 will come with a fully integrated Tampax dispenser. Can anyone confirm this?
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BMEER 2:41PM (11/02/2007)
You know here is a big problem for BMW.. All their current customers are starting to realize that BMW is no longer an exclusive car company. The more popular they get the more wait time to get in for service. For a high end customer.. Being able to get in at a minutes notice is part of the appeal of a higher end product. I know several BMW customers that are not happy about this very concern. Now add even more product and all of a sudden you are no better than the fords, chevy's, dodges, or toyota stores. Someone paying $50 to over $100 grand for a car expects exclusivity. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.. Maybe BMW should just expand the mini line up.
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Robert Ryan 5:53PM (11/02/2007)
"The reason these companies want to grow their lineup is so that they don't end up getting gobbled by the likes of GM, Ford, Chrysler, etc."
I think it is the other way around. Chrysler was just sold by Mercedes.
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