How BMW Rose to Become the Top Selling Luxury Car in the U.S.
In 2019, BMW was not the top-selling luxury car company in the United States. Despite this, it managed to secure the number two position by delivering high-quality vehicles that offered substantial consumer appeal. However, it's crucial to note that Mercedes-Benz still holds the top spot with a staggering volume of 352,129 units sold compared to BMW's 324,825 units sold that year.
BMW's Journey in the U.S. Market
Born in 1936, BMW quickly established itself as one of the premier sports car brands. This early success laid the foundation for the company's continued growth and innovation in the automobile industry. According to 2006 data, BMW's brand factories produced 1,366,838 vehicles across five countries. By 2010, this production figure had grown to 1,481,253 cars and 112,271 motorcycles. Over the years, BMW has maintained a balanced production portfolio, with approximately 56% of its vehicles equipped with petrol engines and 5% with diesel engines. Additionally, about 27% of petrol engines are 4-cylinder engines, while 9% feature 8-cylinder engines.
The Rise to Number Two
BMW's ascent to the number two spot in the U.S. luxury car market can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the company's vehicles are known for their quality and substantial consumer appeal. They are relatively affordable to enter the luxury market, making them accessible to a broader audience. Furthermore, BMW offers some of the best lease perks in the country, which have contributed to its popularity.
The BMW M Division
Beyond its standard luxury offerings, BMW's M division has played a pivotal role in its success. In 2019, BMW sold 135,829 cars with the M badge, a 32.2% increase over the previous year. This remarkable growth can be largely attributed to the significant contribution of the U.S. market. About 44,442 M vehicles were sold in the U.S. in 2019, which is approximately one-third of the total M car sales worldwide. This trend has continued, with the U.S. market now accounting for about one-seventh of all new BMW models with the M logo.
Popularity and Market Dynamics
Beyond its strategic positioning and innovative offerings, BMW's popularity among consumers in the U.S. market is noteworthy. The brand has always been popular among individuals and families alike. Interestingly, despite the decline in American brand car sales over the same period, BMW seems to have maintained, if not grown, its market share. This trend may be linked to the growing demand for luxury and high-performance vehicles.
To explore BMW's full range of vehicles and learn more about their features and performance, visit the official BMW website. Whether you are interested in standard luxury cars or high-performance models, BMW offers a comprehensive portfolio designed to meet diverse consumer needs.