BMW Long Term Future Looks Bright Due to Onslaught of New Models
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| If the 2004 5-Series looks as good as this computer enhanced spy shot, BMW should acheive even greater success than the current model has experienced. (Photo: www.bmw545.com) |
Hoping to pick up your next BMW 5-Series by summer? If you're waiting for the all-new 2004 model, codenamed E60, you'll need to be patient. It won't arrive until fall.
Premium automaker BMW AG stated yesterday that next generation 5-Series, traditionally one of the German company's stronger sellers, with 20,000 units planned annually, won't make it to market before September of this year.
Commenting on the subject Burkhard Goeschel, the BMW board member responsible for the midsize car's development stated, "The 5-Series successor will probably not come to the market before September."
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| Its rear end styling shows a bold departure from the current model, but doesn't appear as controversial as its 7-Series sibling. (Photo: www.bmw545.com) |
Expectedly 5-Series sales are not at an all-time high, a common occurrence experienced by all makes just prior to a completely revised model update. Sales were down by approximately 11% in 2002, which comparative to competitive brands performance in the same scenario is quite good.
Being that development costs of the new model are higher than initially anticipated, and that the global unrest that threatens all automakers may be especially challenging to German manufacturers who may experience a backlash of American resentment over the country's anti-war, and in some cases anti-American political stance, BMW has stated that it will attempt only to match last year's profits in 2003, a daunting task as it is.