[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW M GmbH still on its path of sustained growth in 2020: 144,218 vehicles delivered worldwide

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January 18, 2021

New sales record secures BMW M GmbH’s market leadership in the performance and high-performance automobile segment.

Munich. With yet another new sales record, the BMW M GmbH continued to grow also in the 2020 fiscal year. Despite the effects of the Corona pandemic on the market, it was possible to increase the number of BMW M automobiles sold by 6 percent to 144,218 units. Thanks to this result, the subsidiary company of the BMW Group with the status of an independent company has significantly strengthened its market leadership within the competitive environment first gained in 2019. “The fact that we were able to conclude this exceptionally challenging year with yet a further record is great validation of our consistent growth strategy,” says Markus Flasch, chairman of the board of the BMW M GmbH. “We can be particularly proud of the fact that we were able not only to defend our market dominance as the most successful provider of performance and high-performances automobiles, but also to have even expanded it.”

The further increase in sales figures was due, inter alia, to the successful market launch of the models BMW X5 M (combined fuel consumption: 13.1 – 12.6 l/100 km according to WLTP, 13.0 – 12.8 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO2 emissions: 298 – 287 g/km according to WLTP, 296 – 287 g/km according to NEDC) and BMW X6 M (combined fuel consumption: 13.4 – 13.1 l/100 km according to WLTP, 13.1 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO2 emissions: 305 – 300 g/km according to WLTP, 301 g/km according to NEDC). With V8 power units delivering up to 460 kW/625 hp, BMW M automobiles from the Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupe segment offer a particularly characteristic high-performance experience. Likewise, the special edition model BMW M2 CS (combined fuel consumption: 10.1 – 9.2 l/100 km according to WLTP, 10.4 – 9.4 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO2 emissions: 229 – 210 g/km according to WLTP, 238 – 214 g/km according to NEDC), which serves as the basis for a new competition vehicle from BMW Motorsport, has also received a positive response. In the high-performance model sector alone, it was possible to increase the number of worldwide deliveries by 4 percent vs. the year 2019.

Moreover, it was predominantly the performance automobiles developed for the new BMW 3 Series and the new BMW 4 Series that helped boost the sales of the BMW M GmbH so decisively. With powerful straight six-cylinder petrol and diesel power plants, specific suspension tuning and stand-alone design features, the top-of-the-range offer for the BMW 3 Series Sedan, the BMW 3 Series Touring and the BMW 4 Series Coupe also guarantees that characteristic M experience in the premium mid-range segment, coupled with unrestricted suitability for everyday use and long distances.

Growing demand in all relevant markets.

Technology transferred from motor racing, precisely coordinated features in the areas of drive systems, suspension, aerodynamics, interior design and operation as well as the resulting authentic character of BMW M automobiles, create a fascination, which continued in 2020 to captivate an increasing number of performance-oriented customers throughout the world. For example, in the USA, the most important market for BMW M automobiles, as well as in China, new records were achieved. In both Russia and Korea, it was possible to increase sales by more than 60 percent, and in Italy by 47 percent. And in the UK, too, the number of vehicles delivered exceeded our expectations. “We notice a steadily growing demand in all relevant markets for BMW M automobiles,” explains Thomas Felbermair, head of Sales and Marketing at BMW M GmbH. “Because of this and thanks to the engagement of our strong dealer network, we have been outstandingly successful in coping with the challenges posed by the pandemic.”

Ready to go: BMW M5 CS, BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe.

Looking towards the future, the initial focus shifts to the world premiere of the BMW M5 CS, which will take place in January 2021. A special edition of the BMW M5 will then be available for the first time – with outstanding performance and exclusive motorsport characteristics. Following that, the main focus will be on the market launch of the new BMW M3 Sedan starting in March 2021 (combined fuel consumption: 10.6 – 10.3 l/100 km according to WLTP, 10.8 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO2 emissions: 241 – 236 g/km according to WLTP, 248 g/km according to NEDC) and the new BMW M4 Coupe (combined fuel consumption: 10.5 – 10.3 l/100 km according to WLTP, 10.8 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO2 emissions: 240 – 235 g/km according to WLTP, 248 g/km according to NEDC). The two high-performance automobiles represent the essence of that unmistakable M feeling. Immediately after their world premiere, the new model generation aroused keen interest around the globe.

In future, the wishes of the M Community will be fulfilled by extraordinary diversity: Each variant with classic manual shift will be complemented by a Competition model featuring an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. Moreover, in the summer of 2021, the four-wheel drive system M xDrive will be added for the first time to the drive portfolio for the BMW M3 and the BMW M4. And the BMW M4 Convertible will also be launched in time for the warm season. On the other hand, the first BMW M3 Touring is still undergoing the series development process.

A glance into the future: continued growth, new M feeling through electrification, and an anniversary.

“It is remarkable that it was possible to achieve the new sales record even before the launch of our most important models,” says Markus Flasch. “The new BMW M3 and BMW M4 generation offers us the promise of dynamic growth in 2021 as well.” Moreover, he now also looks forward to presenting a completely new manifestation of the distinctive M feeling. Electrification will provide the basis for this. During the year 2021, the BMW M GmbH will be presenting an electrically powered performance automobile for the first time.

With this setting of agenda with which the “Power of Choice” strategy has been realised within the model range of the BMW M GmbH, and an exceptionally strong product range, the company is heading full of optimism for the forthcoming anniversary year. 2022 will be the year in which the BMW M GmbH celebrates 50 years of its existence. Markus Flasch has already announced “a year full of surprises”: “If I mention the keyword special edition models, it should be clear what our customers can look forward to during the anniversary year.”

[cfm56d7b]

Very encouraging update. Looking forward to more electrification news from BMW M as this is indeed the future.

[dmk08]

“For example, in the USA, the most important market for BMW M automobiles, as well as in China, new records were achieved.”

USA now but they are really focusing on China going forward. GrussGott

[swagon]

Well, thanks to BMW marketing dept., a person driving a FWD-based M235i Gran Coupe can now say, "Hey, I drive an M car, too!" 🤦🏻*♂️

[OG///M]

Congrats I guess? Really shows at the end of the day what type of "enthusiasts" the majority of M buyers today have become.

"In future, the wishes of the M Community will be fulfilled by extraordinary diversity: Each variant with classic manual shift will be complemented by a Competition model featuring an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. Moreover, in the summer of 2021, the four-wheel drive system M xDrive will be added for the first time to the drive portfolio for the BMW M3 and the BMW M4."

Wishes of the M community was an 8 speed auto and AWD? Ok.

[Nomana]

Did they include some models like M340 or not? since now they're considered as M cars

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by Nomana

Did they include some models like M340 or not? since now they're considered as M cars

Of course they did. Thats how they list them on their website. This is voodoo economics

[bayarea328xit]

Originally Posted by Nomana

Did they include some models like M340 or not? since now they're considered as M cars

This is my guess for how they describe the units:

"performance and high-performance automobile segment"

Performance = M340i, ...
High-performance = M3, ...

[Germanauto]

My favorite such model is the "M"235i Gran Coupe.

[antzcrashing]

Originally Posted by bayarea328xit

This is my guess for how they describe the units:

"performance and high-performance automobile segment"

Performance = M340i, ...
High-performance = M3, ...

Either way M performance models were for sale last year, so the year over year pandemic increase is real

[duky]

Would love to see the sales per “sku” detail year over year

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by bayarea328xit

This is my guess for how they describe the units:

"performance and high-performance automobile segment"

Performance = M340i, ...
High-performance = M3, ...

Yes, that’s exactly right. In fact, the entire fourth paragraph of the press release is dedicated to the M340i, M440i, M340d, and M440d.

They formerly used the branding “M Performance Vehicles” for this group of products, but that was abandoned some time ago.

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

Either way M performance models were for sale last year, so the year over year pandemic increase is real

It’s true that the numbers are apples-to-apples in that respect. Still, it’s worth remembering that the transformation has taken place over years, and new models have transitioned into the M portfolio each year with the addition of the “M” to their model designation. This has likely been the biggest contributor to M sales growth. This year will finally complete the process with the G26 M440i and M440d Gran Coupe models replacing the outgoing F36 440i and 435d models.

Of course, the lineup will still continue to grow with the addition of brand new models such as the electric i4 M50, and next year, new hybrid M*45e/M*50e models.

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by dmk08

“For example, in the USA, the most important market for BMW M automobiles, as well as in China, new records were achieved.”

USA now but they are really focusing on China going forward. GrussGott

Exactly! That's a hilarious sentence:

"in the USA, the most important market for BMW M automobiles" - and, uh, oh right as long as we're talking 'important market', ummmm ... we'll just put this here - "as well as in China, new records were achieved"

Why not just say:
"Hey so the US doing well but let's face it investors, you don't give 2 shits about US growth, you only want to hear about China"

[Habber]

Maybe we should look at the non 'M' car numbers.....

[DanG]

Who cares about the M Performance numbers. But even the BMWCCA is including the M Performance models in their new M Chapter. Made me make sure I didn’t join the M Chapter.

Real Ms are cars not SUVs and are designated as MX where X = 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,or 8. I guess the exception was the 1M.

[m3fuz]

Too bad sales will plummet as more of these “big mouth bass“ grilled cars are seen in the wild!

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by GrussGott

Exactly! That's a hilarious sentence:

"in the USA, the most important market for BMW M automobiles" - and, uh, oh right as long as we're talking 'important market', ummmm ... we'll just put this here - "as well as in China, new records were achieved"

Why not just say:
"Hey so the US doing well but let's face it investors, you don't give 2 shits about US growth, you only want to hear about China"

So, if BMW claims that China is the reason for the horrendous bugs bunny grills on the 4 series, but America is the the most important market for M autos, WHY do the M3 and M4 have the ugly grill as well.

I can't believe any bullshit spewed by BMW management.

[Ikester19]

Would be interesting to see sales number splits between M vs Mperformance. It appears the Mperformance models are driving the YoY increases which in reality is not a true measure as they are not true M's.

[ASAP]

I mean they got here by whoring the brand out... it is what is it, that equals sales numbers... How this can be a positive from a consumer standpoint? No idea

1) dilution of the brand
2) lower resale
3) more focus on marketing vs motorsports
4) lack of specialness that used to exist

This is their last ditch effort to reach record sales before only I is left

[AUSf22]

So when everyone can't go on holidays, they end up buying a high performance BMW

[DanG]

Originally Posted by AUSf22

So when everyone can't go on holidays, they end up buying a high performance BMW

A fake high performance BMW. The M Performance BMWs have zero added horsepower.

[Al Pinã]

Do they count the 328i's with fake M badging?