The ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the resultant lockdown across the country is hitting sales of luxury cars, along with the rest of the automobile industry. BMW Group India has reported sales of 2,482 units comprising BMW (2,365 units / -17% ) and Mini (117 / -27%) cars in the first quarter of calendar year 2020 (January-March). It may be recollected that in CY2019, BMW India sold a total of 9,000 units, down 13.5% year on year.
The drop of 500 units constitutes a year-on-year sales decline of 16.76% (Q1 2019: 2,982 units: BMW 2,822 and Mini 160). It may be recollected that a year ago, BMW Group India had notched its highest-ever Q1 sales and a growth of 19 percent.
Nonetheless, BMW India has managed to close the gap to luxury car market leader Mercedes-Benz India, which sold 2,386 cars between January and March 2020, just 21 more than BMW.
The German luxury carmaker saw a significant contribution of over 50% coming from the locally-produced Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) range including the X1, X3, X5 and the X7. A strong contribution also came from the 5 Series and the 3 Series sedans. The company says the Mini Hatch and the locally-produced MiniCountryman together commanded a share of over 60% in Mini sales.
Commenting on the sales numbers, Rudratej Singh, President and CEO, BMW Group India said, “The coronavirus pandemic presents a mammoth challenge to public health, industry, economy and our business. BMW Group India will remain resilient and responsive in every way. The current situation has brought many operational difficulties and eliminated valuable physical interactions with customers at dealerships. BMW Group India has introduced innovative, contactless and safe ways to meet the requirements of existing as well as potential customers together with dedicated dealer partners, expert teams and strong backbone of processes. Until normalcy returns, our focus will be on consistent digital interaction with our customers and maintaining the performance.”
Also read: Mercedes-Benz India sales down 38% in Covid-impacted Q1 2020