BMW M division asks "What downturn?"
So in case you haven't heard, a few economies are having a few hiccups, money isn't easy to get as it used to be, and consumer belt-tightening is turning into fastening the rope more securely around sackcloth robes. That is, unless you're looking for a BMW M-car. BMW's M division sold more cars worldwide through the end of August of this year than it had in all of 2007. But the economic world didn't end until September, you say? Well, that didn't stop the moneyed from showing up at the M division's door: it sold another 6,000 cars through the end of November, which already puts the branch up fifty-percent over last year's total sales. You can check out the press release after the jump, and walk away knowing that no matter what, there is always enough sun somewhere for people to make hay.
[Source: Driver's Republic]
PRESS RELEASE
BMW M GMBH ON STABLE GROWTH COURSE: Worldwide sales as of November 2008 more than 50 percent over last year's comparative period.
12/11/2008, Munich -- In the second half of the business year 2008, BMW M GmbH continues to hold a stable growth course. The significant increase in sales as compared to last year have resulted in 22,340 vehicles being sold worldwide as of November 2008. This means that BMW M GmbH has exceeded the previous year's equivalent figures (14,092 units) by over 50 per cent. A major contribution to this was the success of the new BMW M3, which has shown continuously increasing sales figures since its market launch and which is now offered in three body variations. With its attractive product range and worldwide presence, BMW M GmbH has succeeded in increasing its sales figures and market share despite the current difficulties in the market environment.
As long ago as August 2008 the worldwide sales figures of BMW M GmbH reached a figure of over 16,150 units, thus surpassing the total figure of last year (16,128 units) early on. In the months that followed, this positive development actually continued. In November 2008 alone some 1,900 BMW M automobiles were delivered. "The fact that our dealers were able to supply significantly more vehicles than the average of the last nine months even in such dramatic times for the world economy demonstrates the fascination and attraction which BMW M automobiles exercise on our customers," explains Ludwig Willisch, President of BMW M GmbH. The unique driving experience offered by a BMW M model is still a persuasive factor for customers who wish to express a passion for top performance in the choice of their vehicle. As usual, the final figures for total sales in 2008 will not be available until the annual report has been completed. Nonetheless, the currently available figures suggest that 2008 will be one of the most successful years for BMW M GmbH in its 30-year history of vehicle production.
Worldwide it was especially the new BMW M3 which caused a sensation during the course of 2008. The high-performance sports car sold almost twice as well in its first year of production than its predecessor model within the same period. The penetration of additional target groups and the associated increase in sales figures was in part due to the extended model variety. In addition to the BMW M3 Coupé, the BMW M3 Convertible and the BMW M3 Sedan have been on offer since spring 2008.
All in all, BMW M GmbH offers seven current models. The portfolio ranges from the three body types of the BMW M3 and the BMW M5 Sedan through to the models of the BMW M6 Coupé and BMW M6 Convertible.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Torrent 12:12PM (12/13/2008)
Yeah I heard about that. I thought it was interesting. But what bothered me is I saw some teenager (probably not a day over 16) in an M5. Give that guy a Citation. The Chevy.
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Michael 12:33PM (12/13/2008)
An E60 M5?
Torrent 2:15PM (12/13/2008)
Yep. All black.
Berto 2:18PM (12/13/2008)
More surprising is the amount of students I see here in Berkeley driving around in e92 M3s. I see on average of three a day. As for the e46, its become the staple car at UCB. WTF?
As for M sales being up; Its because the rich are making economic sacrifices and "Downgrading" from Ferraris and Lamborghinis to M3 and M5 cars. Tightening their belts is what it is...
aaron 3:29PM (12/13/2008)
Berto:
The E46 M3 is relatively inexpensive for those that can afford it but not be able to afford something new (new M3, AMG, RS4, etc.). I did NOT SAY CHEAP (especially California). But if parents can afford to have their kids at Cal, then many of those same parents/kids can afford a E46 M3. Also, it seems second-hand M3's were growing in popularity w/ kids that had money (or at least enough) while in high school and kept it for college. I saw Cal-Davis kids drive them all the time while I was at Travis AFB.
Of course, some of these kids can't afford to do the required maintenance or fix up the tired ones so unfortunately many look like s*** with cheap aftermarket wheels. Nothing endearing at all about that.
(Yes, I know the B5 S4 is affordable and would be great to take up to the mountains for snowboarding but the kids like the coupes it seems.)
Tim 4:19PM (12/13/2008)
On the Cal thing. I knew many Cal students and the ones on "Scholarships" (private and public) were always the ones with the nicest cars. When I was in school the kids with the land cruisers and Rovers were somehow on government Assistance(?). A guy in the dorm was leasing a M3 with his own money.
Also a lot of wealthy people are forgoing private colleges for public schools.
Put an asterisk next to those M's. "Past ownership does not necessarily guarantee future success."
happy_penguin 5:32PM (12/13/2008)
"Give that guy a Citation. The Chevy."
Oh Torrent Torrent Torrent, you heartless bastard.
Torrent 5:45PM (12/13/2008)
hahaha
gearhead18 9:17PM (12/13/2008)
Hey man what did the poor Citation ever do to you. I own an X-body, albeit the Omega not the Citation, and it's not punishment.
happy_penguin 1:47AM (12/14/2008)
Well, I am no GM hater by any means but come on, the X body was just bad bad bad.
biggiz 12:22PM (12/13/2008)
Probably because Top Gear said you won't be a cock anymore if you buy a bmw
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asdffdsa 12:24PM (12/13/2008)
awesome - lots of slightly used e90 m3s flooding the market in the few years.
I'll scoop one up cheap(ish) when the economic downturn drags on.
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pmiddle5 2:44PM (12/13/2008)
Cheap to buy does not mean to cheap to own
asdffdsa 5:25PM (12/13/2008)
@pmiddle5 - true. edmunds has a 2002 m3 in their long term fleet. Repairs are costing them more than their long term 1977 Ferrari 308.
Polly Prissy Pants 10:51AM (12/14/2008)
I'll second that. You'd probably be better of with the Citation.
Hammadur Bhandari 12:33PM (12/13/2008)
sales are up from last year because there was no m3 last year...
nonetheless, very nice cars!
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RedHotLama 12:39PM (12/13/2008)
Exactly
jg 12:53PM (12/13/2008)
I was just at a BMW lot to pick up a part. There were four people meeting with salesmen. And that's busy compared to trips I've made in the last two weeks. You can hear a guy typing all the way over on the other side of the showroom it's that quiet. There's a Porsche dealership and an Audi dealership next door and their dead too.Same with Benz up the street. Now that we no longer have fantasy wealth to play with I guess we're going to see where US consumer purchasing power really stands.
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P.V. 12:53PM (12/13/2008)
I wonder how AMG and Quattro-RS have been doing compared to M.
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zamafir 1:26PM (12/13/2008)
Considering Audi continues to increase their market share like nothings happening, I'd wager they're doing fine. I'm sure the addition of halo cars like the R8 and forthcoming R8 V10 aren't hurting them much either.