BMW expects 120,000 units to be sold in China

Having originally predicted a sales volume of more than 100,000 units in 2010, BMW Group will be expecting sales to raise more than originally planned. “China is, and will remain, one of the most attractive automobile markets in the world. We expect to see significant sales growth to around 120,000 vehicles in China in 2010,” said Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Norbert Reithofer, at the Auto 2010 motor show in Beijing.

In 2009 the BMW Group sold more than 90,000 vehicles in China, becoming the Grup’s fourth largest market worldwide. With deliveries increasing by 106% in the first quarter of 2010, BMW will not only be expecting a growth in China but also in the global market.

“We intend to remain the world’s leading premium manufacturer in 2010 and achieve healthy sales growth in the single-digit percentage range to reach more than 1.3 million vehicles,” affirmed Reithofer.
At the motor show in Beijing, besides the long-wheelbase version of the new BMW 5 Series, the BMW Group is featuring, among other vehicles, the X6 Active Hybrid, 7 Series Active Hybrid and the BMW Active E.

BMW is already planning to produce more models in China in the future besides the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 5 Series. “The BMW X1 could be one of the first products for our new plant in Tiexi in the Shenyang region. We are currently exploring this possibility together with the authorities here in China”, said Reithofer.

In Beijing, BMW presented the 5 Series Long Wheelbase version that will be produced and sold only in China, with building set to start in autumn of this year.

Continuing its growth in the Chinese market, the BMW Group will also continue to invest in the country in order to expand its presence and its purchasing activities over the next years.

“With our new plant in Tiexi, we will be increasing our production capacity in China to 100,000 vehicles a year from 2012 on. Over the long term, we anticipate the two plants having combined potential for as many as 300,000 vehicles a year – depending on market trends. We may realistically need this potential over the long term,” Reithofer added.