In July, BMW brand saw an increased U.S. sales of 16 percent, closing the gap against Lexus. BMW sales rose to 19,064. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan has helped the Munich-based automaker gain on Lexus. BMW sold 9.6 percent more 5 Series sedans and 51 percent more X5 SUVs in July that a year earlier.
Lexus reported an increase of less than 1 percent to 18,595. The brand has been hurt by the recalls in the past year, for models such as the LS 460 cars and GX 460 sport-utility vehicles.
The other large German premium automaker, Mercedes-Benz reported a 7 percent sales increase in July compared to last year, with 17,367 vehicles. The E-Class sales played an important role in their gain on Lexus. Mercedes C-Class sales surged 19 percent for the month.
From the beginning of the year until June, Lexus sold 126,025 cars and light trucks, compared with 121,041 for Mercedes and 119,696 for the BMW brand. With two months of strong sales, BMW hopes to achieve its goal of passing Lexus for top rank in U.S. luxury sales by 2012.
Sales through July increased 16 percent from a year earlier for Lexus, 8.9 percent for BMW and 19 percent for Mercedes.
Audi reports a sales increase of 22 percent, 7,817 vehicles, up from 6,407 in July of 2009, including an 89 percent surge for the Q5 SUV. Top seller was the Audi A4 Outback, 2,665 units. In the first-half of 2010 sales numbers were counted at 48,440 units, above the record of 45,711 set in 2007.
Porsche continues its impressive gain reporting a 75 percent sales increase to 2,703 cars and SUVs.
The “domestics”, reported sale gains as well. Ford up 3.11 percent, Chrysler Group up 4.96 percent and General Motors topping the charts with its four core brands up an impressive 24.58 percent to lead all automakers.
[Sales table by Autoblog ]
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/08/04/by-th ... ive-sales/