BMW Tallies Best May Sales Ever Despite Weakening Europe

Despite the weakness of the European economy, BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
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has had its best May sales ever. BMW Group sold 156,957 vehicles world wide, a 6.4% increase over last year. It has sold 728,029 so far this year, which is 9.1% better than this time last year. 

“Our vehicle portfolio continues to be in strong demand and once again we achieved record sales in the month of May. Exceptional new products such as the BMW 6 Series Gran CoupéBMW 640i Gran CoupeGermany, 2012 > present7 photos
, which we launched on the 1st of June, as well as the new BMW 7 SeriesBMW 7 Series Gen.5Germany, 2009 > present50 versions
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, will continue to drive momentum. We are well on our way to achieving a new all-time high for sales in the year 2012,"  said Ian Robertson, Sales and Marketting Manager for BMW. 

Sales in all of Asia were up 25.7% over last May to 41,289 cars, and in just mainland China sales were up 31.5% to 27,815 cars.

North American sales were up 5.6% to 35,127 cars in May. 

European sales are suffering with sales down 1.7% over last May to 75,374 cars. However, several countries experienced growth including the UK up 8.9%, Netherlands up 33.8% and Austria up 10.5%. Germany was down 5.3% for May. Still year-to-date sales for Europe remain up 1.1%. 

The BMW brand was up 6.6% worldwide for May and 9.3% for the year. It is hoping for good sales of the 1-series three doorBMW M135i SportGermany, 2012 > present3 photos
and 3-series TouringBMW 330d TouringGermany, 2012 > present4 photos
when they go on sale in September. 

MiniMINI (BMW)Germany, 2000 > present15 models
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brand sales were up 5.5% for May and 7.9% for the year. 

BMW Motorcycle sales were down 8.8% for May worldwide and is up 0.3% for the year. Husqvarna remains strong though with May sales up 60.1% and annual sales 43.5%.