BMW 3 Series Wins 2012 Compact Luxury Sports Sedan Sales Crown, Infiniti G in Third Read more: http

[Zafiro]

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US numbers.

Model December 2012 December 2011 Year-to-Date​

BMW 3 Series 10,745 8489 99,602 ​

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 7757 7744 81,697 ​

Infiniti G Sedan/Coupe 5516 6531 59,844 ​

Audi A4/A5 5378 4995 55,800 ​

Acura TL 2246 3283 33,572 ​

Acura TSX 2142 3546 28,865 ​

Lexus IS 2497 3629 27,708 ​

Buick Regal 1526 3086 24,616 ​

Volvo S60 2344 1951 23,356 ​

Cadillac ATS 2979 N/A 7,008 ​

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/bmw-3-series-wins-compact-luxury-sports-sedan-sales-crown-infiniti-g-in-third-310239.html#ixzz2H2KvHXV3

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Well done BMW and an impressive effort by Benz!

 

[EnI]

BMW was able to sell well over 100k of 3ers in the best years (when new Mk coupe & cabrio were also available). So a sub-100k mark is great, but not that great. And with 4-series sales recorded separately with 4er introduction the 3er sales will decline - with no 3er coupe & cabrio in the game anymore.

So, 3er sales won't be as high as they once were. While C-class sales will rise: with addition of C-class coupe & C-class cabrio sales: recorded within C-class sales figures.

Tricky?

Unless BMWNA or media will still post a joined record of 3er+4er sales figures.

 

[K-A]

Surprised the new 3er wasn't such a runaway victory. I mean it obviously smashed up C-Class sales even with an older Coupe that was probably lagging it, but considering just how great it drives I think in that regard it didn't really have competition in 2012.

M-B will have its hands full in trying to top the W204 on a long-term desirability scale. The car was equally interesting while retaining timeless qualities. Employing gimmicky fads like asymmetrical dropping lines and melty bumpers on the W205 I don't think will be up to the task of being regarded as still so fresh and strong in its last couple of years on the market, as the W204 is doing right now.

 

[EnI]

Surprised the new 3er wasn't such a runaway victory.

F30 was introduced in late February. As 328i & 335i. It was explained many times: xDrive models which are essential to NE US markets (incl NY & Boston & Chicago areas) were introduced very late, so were the M-sport models. With all the xDrive & M-sport models available the sales have boosted - especially when supply finally kicked in in the last two months. So, sedan sales weren't as high as they could be with all the demanded models available. Not to mention the absence of diesel model.

E92 Coupe & E93 Cabrio are phasing out, consequently the sales are dropping. It's natural.

Year 2013 is going to be better - with all essential 3er models available (incl Touring & diesel models), and new 4er coupe coming later in the year.

Regarding 3er sedan worldwide sales: they are not as high since Chinese market got their 3er as late as in September. And Chinese market being the one of the biggest BMW market ... with no 3er sedan available for so many months ... sure the global sales figures are hurt due to that fact. Q4 sales couldn't fill the gap completely. Therefore 2013 3er sedan sales will be higher than 2012 sales.