BMW India sells 7,915 units in first nine months of 2018, up 11%

German luxury carmaker BMW Group has announced that it has sold 7,915 units (including Mini) from January to September 2018 in the Indian market, registering a growth of 11 percent year-on-year.

Of the total cars sold, BMW-badged cars accounted for 7,424 units, clocking a growth of 9 percent, compared to the same period last year. BMW says the growth was achieved on the back of upbeat demand for the 6-series GT, the 5-series and the SUV portfolio led by the X1; the portfolio, which includes the X3 and X5, contributed to nearly 50 percent of total sales.

Interestingly, sales of Mini-branded cars rose to its highest ever, at 491 units, up 58 percent -- albeit on a lower base -- as compared to 2017.

In July, BMW had announced that overall volumes (including Mini) in the first-half of the year (January-June 2018) increased 13 percent year-on-year to 5,171 units (BMW: 4,890 units, up 12 percent, Mini: 281 units, up 30 percent). 

Meanwhile, BMW Motorrad India, BMW’s two-wheeler division, crossed 1,000 unit sales as volumes totaled 1,038 motorcycles in the first nine months of 2018. The company said that the launch of the BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS in July 2018 boosted sales.

Vikram Pawah, chairman, BMW Group India, said the growth has been achieved despite adverse market conditions. “Our robust strategy, advance planning and focus on customer service contributed in building the momentum,” he said. The government's decision to hike customs duty in Budget 2018 has kept luxury car sales under pressure.

Also read: BMW India plots new strategy to accelerate sales