BMW clocks 11 percent growth in Jan-Sep 2018 sales

German luxury carmaker BMW Group has announced that it has sold 7,915 units (including Mini) from January to September 2018, registering a growth of 11 percent year-on-year.

Of the total, BMW-badged cars accounted for 7,424 units, clocking a growth of 9 percent, compared to the same period last year. BMW says the growth was achieved on the back of upbeat demand for the 6-series GT, the 5-series and the SUV portfolio led by the X1; the portfolio, which includes the X3 and X5, contributed to nearly 50 percent of total sales.

Interestingly, sales of Mini-branded cars rose to its highest ever, at 491 units, up 58 percent - albeit on a lower base - as compared to 2017. BMW’s two-wheeler division, BMW Motorrad crossed 1,000 unit sales as volumes totaled 1,038 motorcycles in the first nine months of 2018. The company said that launch of the much-anticipated BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS in the third quarter boosted sales.

Vikram Pawah, chairman, BMW Group India, said the growth was achieved despite adverse market conditions. “Our robust strategy, advance planning and focus on customer service contributed in building the momentum,” he said. The government's decision to hike customs duty in Budget 2018 has kept luxury car sales under pressure.

In July, BMW had announced that overall volumes (including Mini) in the first-half of the year (Jan-June) increased 13 percent year-on-year to 5,171 units (BMW: 4,890 units, up 12 percent, Mini: 281 units, up 30 percent).