All-New 3-Series Could Make 2005 Another Banner Year for BMW
Do you think BMW's radical new design language has negatively affected sales? Think again.
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| BMW Group reported record new vehicle sales volumes, revenues and earnings, making 2004 the most successful year-to-date in the automaker's storied history. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Even amid the most challenging global economic conditions experienced in decades, combined with the toughest competition the premium sector has ever faced, BMW Group reported record new vehicle sales volumes, revenues and earnings, making 2004 the most successful year-to-date in the automaker's storied history.
"The BMW Group has continued to strengthen its earnings power and competitive position over the past year," said Helmut Panke, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. "The success achieved during the past year shows that our product and market initiative is now paying off and generating the desired results."
In total, 1,208,732 new vehicles were delivered in 2004, which is an increase of 9.4 per cent over 2003.
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| A new 3-Series, BMW's bread-and-butter vehicle, will be an even bigger boost to the brand's bottom line. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
A reason for BMW's growth is its expanding range of new vehicle lines, that now include MINI and Rolls-Royce, plus new models under the BMW nameplate, such as the new X3 compact SUV, 1-Series subcompact, and 6-Series luxury coupe and convertible. Updates to the 5-Series have increased sales as well, which includes a new M5 super-sedan.
BMW will continue to expand its M-series with a new M6 this year, while a new crossover is expected the following year. The big boost to the brand's bottom line, however, will come sooner than that. The introduction of a new 3-Series, BMW's bread-and-butter vehicle, just might make 2005 another banner year for the German automaker.