11.12.2008
An interesting press release came out from BMW this morning that had a few of us scratching our heads.
While other car companies around the world are reporting dire trading conditions BMW M GmbH is reporting sales of 22,340 vehicles worldwide as of November 2008. Whilst the quoted sales volume may not grab your attention, the fact this is 50% greater than last year’s result of 14,092 cars probably will.
Read the remainder of the article in First Look
Then let us know what you think
“What do you make of these reported results? What does it tell you about the current state of the new car market, and demand for the M3?”
About Steve Davies
Steve is a media, venture, and technology advisor and a former Partner at KPMG Consulting, PriceWaterhouse Coopers and Managing Partner at EIM - his clients range from global web and media companies to small start-ups. He formed Drivers Republic (DR) in 2007, the UK's first digital automotive magazine, with a team of EVO and Autocar writers before creating SkiddMark, and also writes as a guest contributor on Unruly Media’s Meme Machine blog and for Econsultancy’s digital marketing blog.
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12 Comments
JC919
December 11, 2008A big factor in this sales figure is probably the release of the e9x M3s. Hell, they sold one to me as well as a number of DR members.
JC919
December 11, 2008A big factor in this sales figure is probably the release of the e9x M3s. Hell, they sold one to me as well as a number of DR members.
Steve
December 11, 2008So is anyone planning on buying an M3 anytime soon, or will you be waiting?
In fact how are you all faring up at the moment?
There are some great bargains out there at the moment, so are you snapping them up or waiting?
Steve
December 11, 2008So is anyone planning on buying an M3 anytime soon, or will you be waiting?
In fact how are you all faring up at the moment?
There are some great bargains out there at the moment, so are you snapping them up or waiting?
waremark
December 11, 2008You would have to be pretty flush to buy a new one at the moment, rather than a bargain used one for £25k less! Having said that, I am still pleased that I bought a new one to my spec in June – if I had not bought it back then, I would probably be buying a used one now, and enjoying it slightly less.
Do you have any figures for M sales when the E46 M3 was at its peak? Last year may have been artificially low, with everyone waiting for the new car to come out.
waremark
December 11, 2008You would have to be pretty flush to buy a new one at the moment, rather than a bargain used one for £25k less! Having said that, I am still pleased that I bought a new one to my spec in June – if I had not bought it back then, I would probably be buying a used one now, and enjoying it slightly less.
Do you have any figures for M sales when the E46 M3 was at its peak? Last year may have been artificially low, with everyone waiting for the new car to come out.
CampDavid
December 12, 2008Only means that they’ve had a very strong first half, which could well be to do with other markets.
The trading firm I work for is having a record year, it’s doing really well if you takle the year figures from Nov 2007 to Nov 2008. It’s totally screwed if you just look at November 2008.
Used values of the M3 are somewhere between the floor and the carpet, which is all you need to know when it comes to the health of the model.
CampDavid
December 12, 2008Only means that they’ve had a very strong first half, which could well be to do with other markets.
The trading firm I work for is having a record year, it’s doing really well if you takle the year figures from Nov 2007 to Nov 2008. It’s totally screwed if you just look at November 2008.
Used values of the M3 are somewhere between the floor and the carpet, which is all you need to know when it comes to the health of the model.
Pedro Sousa
December 12, 2008Not reffering to the fact of great value for money within the used market, we just can’t assume that an economical crisis simply shuts down car sales.
The M3 as it’s been proved, is a great car, an unique machine and the 50% increase on sales preety much reflects how it can catch buyers from other segments – specially anyone aiming for a F430 a year ago! LOL
We are talking about a consumer which can have a new car instead of a rocket bargain with 10.000 miles..
Pedro Sousa
December 12, 2008Not reffering to the fact of great value for money within the used market, we just can’t assume that an economical crisis simply shuts down car sales.
The M3 as it’s been proved, is a great car, an unique machine and the 50% increase on sales preety much reflects how it can catch buyers from other segments – specially anyone aiming for a F430 a year ago! LOL
We are talking about a consumer which can have a new car instead of a rocket bargain with 10.000 miles..
Sam Brown
January 9, 2009Looking For new BMW 5 series, email me if you can help
Sam Brown
January 9, 2009Looking For new BMW 5 series, email me if you can help