BMW Group India records 13 percent YoY growth in 2018

BMW Group India has announced that it sold 11,105 vehicles (including MINI) in calendar year 2018, registering growth of 13 percent year-on-year.

Of the total sales, BMW models accounted for 10,405 units, up 11 percent year on year (2017: 9,379). BMW said that growth was led by the 5 Series and the 6 Series GT. The German carmaker also saw its locally-assembled SUV range contributing over 50 percent to its overall sales with strong demand for the X3. Presently, BMW's Chennai plant, which locally assembles the X1, X3 and X5 is expected to begin assembly of the X4 and X7 this year, according to the carmaker.

BMW is readying a model assault for India this year which includes 10 new models and two facelifts. Its 2019 innings is likely to commence with the launch of the X4 and will include the new 3 Series, the new X5, X7, X6, X4M, X3M, Z4, M8 Coupe, M8 Cabriolet, 7 Series facelift and X1 facelift (in no particular order).

The MINI brand sold 700 units in 2018, posting a growth of 66 percent, albeit on a low base (2017: 421). The Countryman and the hatchback version accounted for 60 percent of overall volumes, according to the carmaker.

BMW’s two-wheeler division – BMW Motorrad – sold a total of 2,187 units. The company said that launch of the much-anticipated BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS, which roll out from TVS Motor Co’s Hosur plant in the third quarter boosted sales, contributing to over 75 percent of the total motorcycles sold.

Thus far, Swedish carmaker Volvo Cars India is the only other luxury carmaker to announce its sales results. The company recorded 30 percent sales growth with volumes totalling 2,638 units in 2018. India's luxury car market is currently led by Mercedes-Benz, which will soon announce its sales results. Although both BMW and Volvo have managed to buck the trend, demand for passenger vehicles, including those in the luxury segment, faced a challenge in the form of high interest rates, depreciation of the rupee and rising import costs in the second half of 2018.