Has BMW Created A MONSTER? X1 Sales Eroding 3-Series Sales?

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

If you take a close look at the year-to-date (YTD) 2012 figures for the 3-Series, you'll note it moved nearly 25,000 by this time last year. In 2013, that figure is closer to 21,000 units.

Enter the X1. Looking at the 2013 figures YTD, BMW has moved just over 5,400 units.

Could it be a coincidence, absolutely. BUT to see what is essentially an all-new product get hit with an attrition rate of 16 percent is a bit...odd.

Did BMW create a monster? Instead of selling more products overall, it appears the X1 is actually cannibalizing sales from the 3-Series.

http://www.autospies.com/news/Has-BMW-Created-A-MONSTER-X1-Sales-Eroding-3-Series-Sales-75487/

 

[Zafiro]

Both X1 and 1-series have grown in sales. Of course some other models will be affected.

 

[Human]

This will IMO happen across the board and brand spectrum going forward.'Erode' is not the correct term also.The normal 4-door sedan as we know it is just not enough anymore. I myself are not at all interested in a F30 sedan.

Expanding the brand portfolio and as I said numerous times before 'we are spoiled for choice' and as SCOTT27 tell us this is only the beginning.

It's started with Cross-overs, SUV coupe's, 4 Door coupes and as of late M-B presented the CLA which in turn WILL most definitely impact on W203/W204 sales as will the A3 Sedan impact A4 sales. 2er series will have an extra impact on the F30 and F20 respectively. By expanding the brand portfolio by diversifying and offering more choice you spread the risk and boost the volumes. As things unfold in the world economy it's the only way to go about for Premium OEM's in getting the volumes needed for growth or worst case scenario not falling into a recession as such. You simply cannot rely on volume sellers of old e.g. 4 door sport saloons to bring in the numbers and revenue, those days are gone forever

 

[Levi68]

4 GranCoupé will have further impact on 3 Sedan and 5 Sedan (not including executive cars) and probably even on 4 Coupé.

 

[ACE]

If the X1 has higher profit margins than the 3 series then it's actually positive for BMW. BMW's goal is to maximise shareholder value, not to sell more cars (or to sell enthusiast focussed cars for that matter).

 

[chonkoa]

What a ridiculous article.
I bet they failed to take into account the 3 series coupe/vert effect on the 3er sales. You don't expect sales of coupe and vert to be robust knowing that the next generation is around the corner.
I am sure they also failed to take into account the effect of the competition. I reckon if you look at the market share of the 3er this year to last year, there is probably a story to be told.