It was close, but thanks to an 11 percent increase in December sales, BMW finished 2014 with 339,738 premium vehicles sold and took back the luxury crown from Mercedes-Benz. An upswing in the stock market, good lease offers, and low interest rates helped automotive sales in December.
BMW reported 41,526 vehicles sold in December, led by the 3 Series, 4 Series, and X5. Mercedes-Benz didn’t have as good a December, selling 34,009 vehicles. BMW’s sales lead of about 1,800 vehicles at the end of November jumped to a margin of 9,347 by the last day of December.
Mercedes-Benz finished 2014 with 330,391 vehicles delivered, driven in part by the redesigned C Class and the GL line of SUVs. In terms of annual sales, BMW delivered 9.8 percent more vehicles in 2014 than the prior year. Mercedes-Benz annual sales were up 5.7 in 2014 over its previous championship year.
Lexus’ annual sales of 311,389 were 14 percent higher than 2013. Lexus was the top dog in U.S. luxury car sales for 11 years before BMW took over the top spot in 2011. BMW repeated in 2012 and then Mercedes-Benz assumed the throne in 2013 for a one-year reign.
Audi had a good December as well, setting new sales records for the fifth straight year and finishing with 182,011 vehicles delivered. Audi is doing better in the global premium car market, finishing second behind BMW and ahead of Mercedes-Benz in 2014.
Only premium vehicles are counted in the luxury market races. BMW Group’s Mini sales are not eligible, nor are Daimler’s Smart cars or cargo vans.
Congratulations to BMW of North America and best wishes for a repeat.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
