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      01-06-2021, 12:00 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mkoesel View Post
What will happen is that sedan sales will continue to decline and any automaker with too many non-SUVs will eventually need to make tough decisions. That includes BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and anyone else who hasn't gone through the first round of sedan portfolio trimming yet. We already know that two-door passenger cars are on the chopping block, but four door models will be next.

The harsh reality is that no automaker needs seven or more non-SUV nameplates in 2020 and beyond. Sure, you can still manage to sell seven different sizes, but you are probably spending significantly more $$$ per share of the market than your competitor.

Premium sedans will outlive non-premium sedans. However, we should not expect four door BMW passenger cars wearing badges beginning with each of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 in 2030 and beyond. What gets cut after the upcoming generation (the one starting the new G70 7 Series in mid-2022) remains to be seen.
Good points but I find it difficult to imagine a BMW portfolio without the sedans it already has today. The 3/5/7 are staples of the brand and will never go away. 2 GC just came out so it'll [unfortunately] stick around for at least a generation. 8-series is probably the weakest link but I see the coupe/cabriolet variants going on the chopping block before the Gran Coupe does.

For as much as sedan sales have fallen over the past decade, it seems like the Germans make more sedan/4-door "coupe" variants than they ever have.
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