Global sales August 2006: Audi, BMW, MB

[EnI]

Audi

63,700 (+7.7%) ... YTD 601,500 (+8.6%)



Best first eight months for the Audi brand

Sep 6, 2006
With 601,500 vehicles sold worldwide, an increase of 8,6 percent (2005: 553,991), Audi has achieved yet another sales record in the first eight months of 2006. “This result means that we go into the last third of the year on a high and are well on course to achieve record sales for the eleventh consecutive year. We aim to sell around 50,000 more vehicles this year than we did last year,” stated Ralph Weyler, Board Member for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG. Audi handed over 63,700 models to their new owners in August, an increase of 7.7 percent on August 2005 (59,163).

The sales figures of the largest markets:

Europe
Jan.-Aug. 2006: 445,900 vehicles sold (2005: 427,510, up 4.3 percent)
August 2006: 43,800 vehicles sold (2005: 41,074, up 6.7 percent)

of which Germany
Jan.-Aug. 2006: 169,208 vehicles sold (2005: 166,734, up 1.5 percent)
August 2006: 19,572 (2005: 17,915, up 9.2 percent)

USA
Jan.-Aug. 2006: 54,575 vehicles sold (2005: 51,802, up 5.4 percent)
August 2006: 7,115 (2005: 6,911, up 3.0 percent)

China
Jan.-Aug. 2006: 52,590 vehicles sold (2005: 30,667, up 71.5 percent)
August 2006: 7,354 (2005: 5,551, up 32.5 percent)

This makes Audi the leading and the fastest-growing premium brand in China.

The models which have made the greatest contribution to the record-breaking result up to the end of August are the Audi A3 (162,000 units sold, up 13.3 percent), the Audi A4 Cabriolet (21,450, up 17.9 percent), the Audi A6 (158,500, up 18.9 percent), the Audi A8 (15,200, up 10.6 percent) and the Audi Q7 (26,100 units sold).

“The Audi Q7 has received a rapturous reception from customers. We will be making further additions to the existing range over the next few weeks. And the new Audi TT Coupé has been in dealers’ showrooms since last weekend. It will be launched gradually in the international markets in the course of the next few weeks. Together with the success of our core models lines, this will provide us with the momentum we need to sell around 880,000 vehicles this year,” commented Weyler.

Source: Audi Press

 

[EnI]

Re: Global sales: August 2006: Audi, BMW, MB

BMW

BMW: 76,502 (-10.1%) ... YTD 760,237 (+6.0%)
MINI: 11,832 (-15.8%) ... YTD 128,710 (-7.6%)
Rolls-Royce: 60 (+1.7%) ... YTD 398 (+2.3%)

BMW Group Automobiles: 88,394 (-10.9%) ... YTD 889,345 (+3.8%)



BMW Group increases sales in the year to August by 3.8%

09/07/2006

Munich. In the first eight months of 2006, the BMW Group increased its sales by 3.8% compared with the same period last year. The number of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles sold rose by 32,582 units to 889,345 automobiles (prev.yr.: 856,763). This means that the BMW Group is still the world's leading manufacturer of premium automobiles.
For the period ending August 2006, 760,237 BMW automobiles were sold
(prev.yr.: 717,073). This is a 6.0% increase.

At the MINI plant in Oxford, the building measures to expand capacity to 240,000 units a year are continuing. In parallel, production is preparing for the new MINI generation, which will be delivered to customers at the end of the year. This means that availability has become even tighter. As a result, the number of vehicles delivered to customers in the first eight months of 2006 fell by 7.6% to 128,710 units (prev.yr.: 139,301).

For the period to the end of August this year, Rolls-Royce delivered 398 Phantoms, which puts it 2.3% above the same period last year (389).

In the motorcycles segment, 71,411 vehicles were sold in the first eight months (prev.yr.: 73,745/-3,2%).

Dr. Michael Ganal, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for sales and marketing, stated: "In the year to date, BMW Group sales have so far developed in the upper range of what we had planned. Therefore we can confirm our forecast for the year as a whole: We will continue to be the clear market leader worldwide amongst the suppliers of premium automobiles and will once again exceed the sales record of the BMW Group from 2005".

In August, BMW Group sales fell in comparison with the same month last year,
largely due to model cycle effects. Nonetheless, the second best August result in the company's history was achieved, with 88,394 vehicles delivered
(prev.yr.: 99,212/-10.9%). Driven by the sales effects of the launch phase of the best-seller in the BMW product range, the new 3 Series Saloon, BMW Group sales had rocketed upwards in August 2005 by over 23% compared with the same month in the previous year. Therefore this exceptional level in August 2005 was not reached in August 2006, as expected and planned. The number of 3 Series Saloons delivered in August 2006 fell in comparison with the previous year by 9.7% to 24,002 units (prev.yr.: 26,591).

In addition, for the BMW brand, further model cycle effects meant that, in a monthly comparison, sales in August 2006, at 76,502 deliveries, were 10.1% below the previous year (85,093). The new generation of the BMW 3 Series Coupé will be delivered to customers later this month. The predecessor model was therefore only available to a very limited extent in August. This led to a decrease in sales of 17.3% to 1,495 automobiles compared with the same month last year (1,807).

The BMW X5 is approaching the end of its model cycle. The successor model will be launched in the North American market at the end of November this year. As a result, the number of automobiles still available is also limited, which led to a 29.6% decrease in sales in August 2006 compared with the same month last year (8.326), to 5,864 automobiles.

The BMW X3 is available from this month onwards in a clearly revised version. With sales of 5,774, the figure for August was therefore 31.3% below the previous year's level (8,407).

For the MINI brand, the effects of the above-mentioned rebuilding and re-equipping measures at the Oxford plant were even stronger in August. Therefore the number of deliveries fell in August 2006 by 15.8% compared with the same month last year (14,060) to reach 11,832.


Source: BMW Press

 

[EnI]

Re: Global sales: August 2006: Audi, BMW, MB

Mercedes - Benz

MB: 81,700 (+3.2%) ... YTD 739,800 (+10.8%)
smart: 6,900 (-18.2%) ... YTD 78,400 (-19.8%)

Mercedes Car Group: 88,600 (+1.2%) ... YTD 818,200 (+6.9%)



Mercedes Car Group boosts sales in August to 88,600 units

- Mercedes-Benz sales up three percent in August to 81,700 passenger cars

- Since July, the E-Class is once again the international market leader for upper-range automobiles

- Sales of SUVs more than double in the first eight months to 103,200 units

Stuttgart, Sep 07, 2006

Worldwide sales of Mercedes Car Group passenger cars rose in August 2006 by 1.2 percent to 88,600 units (August 2005: 87,600). In the first eight months of the year, deliveries of Mercedes Benz, Maybach, and smart brand cars rose by seven percent to the record figure of 818,200 units (Jan.- August 2005: 765,200).
Mercedes-Benz worldwide sales were up by three percent in August to 81,700 passenger cars (August 2005: 79,200). From January through August, the number of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars delivered to customers increased by 11 percent to the all-time-high of 739,800 units (Jan.-August 2005: 667,400).

In the U.S., deliveries of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars again posted a record, with sales up by seven percent to 20,600 units in August. A new sales record was also set in the Asia/Pacific region, with sales increasing 19 percent to 9,200 units. At 44,300 units (August 2005: 45,200 units), Mercedes-Benz sales in Western Europe remained nearly stable in August, despite an overall decline of the markets.

The S-Class continuous to expand its leading world-market position in the luxury segment. Since the beginning of the year, 61,500 S-Class sedans have been handed over to their new owners. The S-Class is the number one vehicle in its segment for both diesel cars and vehicles powered by 12 cylinder engines.

Mercedes-Benz is also continuing to grow rapidly in the SUV segment. Global deliveries of M-, R-, GL- and G-Class vehicles have more than doubled to 103,200 units during the first eight months of 2006, due to the expanded range of models offered and the rapid growth in sales of the second-generation M-Class. In Germany and Western Europe, Mercedes-Benz is the best-selling premium brand in the SUV segment.

Since June, the new generation E-Class has been gradually introduced to its key markets, receiving very positive customer response. Featuring new engines, pioneering safety equipment and cutting-edge lighting systems, the new E-Class sets standards in the upper-range segment and has regained its internationally leading market position since July. A total of 19,300 E Class vehicles were delivered to customers worldwide in August.

The smart brand delivered 6,900 vehicles to customers worldwide in August 2006. For the period from January through August, sales at smart totalled 78,400 units.

Sorce: DCX Press

 

[wltsm]

Re: Global sales: August 2006: Audi, BMW, MB

Audi are doing very well, looking forward to see how MB and BMW are doing!

It seems like lately all the German brands are breaking sales records, which is good!

 

[LaArtist]

Re: Global sales: August 2006: Audi, BMW, MB

good for audi..congrats

 

[Yperion]

Re: Global sales: August 2006: Audi, BMW, MB

Audi would be doing much better but the "bread and butter" model the A4 is falling cause it's too many years on the market while the competition has new models to offer (apart from Mercedes which also has a dated C class).

Sales will start to grow strong with the new A5 and A4.

 

[PanterroR]

Re: Global sales: August 2006: Audi, BMW, MB

In July Audi sold like 10 thousand more, right?

 

[KokkenTor]

August 2006:
BMW down 10,1%
Mini down 15,8%
MB up 3%

 

[EnI]

BMW & MB figures added.

So, August numbers summary:

MB brand: 81,700 (+3.2%) ... YTD 739,800 (+10.8%)

BMW brand: 76,502 (-10.1%) ... YTD 760,237 (+6.0%)

Audi brand: 63,700 (+7.7%) ... YTD 601,500 (+8.6%)

 

[Imhotep Evil]

Looks like you were wrong Eni, BMW will stay ahead of MB at the year's end.
BTW I figure that by December, maybe Novemeber BMW would return to growth vs. last year on a monthly basis.

 

[LaArtist]

wow BMW took a beating on a globall scale to..they need to get their X5 out ASAP

 

[wltsm]

wow BMW took a beating on a globall scale to..they need to get their X5 out ASAP

They still aren't doing badly, they are outselling MB for the whole year so far!

I agree though, the new X5, 3er coupe and X3 f/l should really help them!

 

[LaArtist]

ofcourse not extremely badly.. but still its always good to stay in the greens..
those modells should help them get back..

 

[MB_AD]

just say great work MB and wait for more from MB BMW fans

 

[EnI]

In August, BMW Group sales fell in comparison with the same month last year, largely due to model cycle effects. Nonetheless, the second best August result in the company's history was achieved,

A precise elaboration is needed to understand the sales fugures. Not only for BMW, but also for others.

Sales decrase at the end of product's lifecycle, before the facelift, and usually also before changing models (e.g. replacing or adding engines). They increase when new Mk is introduced, with product's facelift, with new engines - and when totally new line is introduced. So the up & down sales cycles are normal - since introduction of new models is limited. But also depand on company's policy - especially on market launch schedule. Fine tuned schedlule could lead to less severe oscillation of sales index. While absolute sales numbers also depend on product's share in model line portfolio (eg. BMW 3er makes almost 50% of all BMW sales) - more high - volume models are more important for total sales numbers. Also launching product's in new markets can lead to increased sales numbers & index. Not to forget production limits (eg. BMW could sell much more MINIs but the production was limited).

Many factors define sales numbers & index, as you can see.

Mind that 3er sedans sales were down -10% (-2,589 units) - mainly due to upcoming model change in US (325i -> 328i, 330i -> 335i), and people waiting some additional models in Europe (335i, 335d & especially 325d - which leads to lower sales of 320d & 330d).

Also 3er coupe supply is non-existing since E46 coupe is no longer produced, and E92 is still to be launched.

Facelifted X3 coming this month, so sharp decrease in supply & sales was obvious & expected in August (-31%; - 2,663 units).

Same case with X5 - the E53 production is stopped - no supply leads to lower sales (-30%; - 2,462 units). Also expected.

So almost 8,000 units down from August 2005 due to model changing process (X3, X5, 3er - new engines) - not including 3er coupe, cabrio & touring sales decrease. While whole BMW brande August 2006 sales were down by 8,600 units.

You can see it completely due to model changing, not because of decreasing demand for BMW vehicles. Also: it was still second best August in sales history!

*****
September will also bring negative sales numbers - since 3er coupe & facelifted X3 are coming to most markets at the end of the months.

September, October & November will see a total deficit of X5 - since there will be no E53 supply, and E70 coming at the end of November (US market).
December should bring more joyful numbers.

But untill E93 cabrio, X5 E70 (worldwide), facelifted 5er, and 2er cabrio hit the markets in Spring 2007, we will see quite lousy sales growth index from BMW brand.

Year 2007 will be much better (especially Q2, Q3 & Q4) for BMW brand sales numbers & growth index. While Group will do OK also in Q1 especially due new MINI.

 

[Merc1]

There are a lot of buyers I think waiting for the 5-Series facelift in particular. I know I wouldn't want a 525i or 530i when I know a more powerful 528i and 535i are on the way.

I expect the X5 to post record numbers as soon as production is fully ramped up. It has the proper look both inside and out and on the U.S. market a good level of standard equipment for a BMW.

M

 

[EnI]

German market figures (new car registrations) are here:

Audi brand: 19,394 (-4.2%) ... YTD 170,690 (+0.6%)
MB brand: 24,495 (-8.6%) ... YTD 220,360 (-2.2%)*
BMW brand: 15,678 (-7.4%) ... YTD 175,197 (-2.6%)



*MB numbers include Sprinter, Vito & Viano vans! Numbers without vans are: August 2006: 23,402; YTD 2006: 208,178

*****

The most shocking news (August registrations):
E-class: 5,291
A6: 5,075
5er: 1,902 !!!!!!!

Also 6er coupe (57 units only) & cabrio (54 units) numbers are shocking.

Also only 291 new units of 7er were registred.

Something happened to Dingolfing plant (where 5er, 6er & 7er are produced)????

*****

In addition A4 (6,594) outsold 3er (6,414) - OK, this due people are waiting for new diesel engines coming in 3er (325d & 335d).


Source: KBA

 

[Imhotep Evil]

Octoberfest ?!
FL 5er,6er coming...
W** ?!

 

[wltsm]

I sure hope this is because of new engines, sales are way down, BMW were even outsold by Audi!

EniLab, will you be able to find out info on why these figures are so bad???

 

[EnI]

Octoberfest ?!

FL 5er,6er coming...
W** ?!

Not so soon ... A few more month to see FL 5er, and even more till FL 6er.

I sure hope this is because of new engines, sales are way down, BMW were even outsold by Audi!

EniLab, will you be able to find out info on why these figures are so bad???

BMW being outsold by Audi is a common thing in German market.

I'll try to find out ... Next week.