BMW Group Australia has achieved significant sales success in June with a record-breaking result for BMW and strong growth across its portfolio of brands. The 3,307 BMW vehicles sold in June marks an all-time monthly sales record for the premium German carmaker in the local market.
This figure was also up 32 per cent in a market down 6.4 per cent and marked the third month in succession BMW has outperformed the industry despite adverse market conditions. BMW also posted 26 per cent growth in Q2 on Q1 2020 despite the COVID-19 crisis.
The BMW X line-up – ranging from X1 to X7 – continues to perform strongly for the brand, accounting for 62 per cent of the overall sales mix. Sales of the multi award-winning BMW 3 Series sports sedan were also up 33 per cent. BMW M vehicle sales additionally saw a rise and confirmed Australia’s position as one of the strongest markets in the world for the high performance division.
The iconic MINI brand finished June with 450 sales, which marked a stunning 49.5 per cent increase on last year. Dynamic product including the all-new fully electric MINI Cooper SE and the high performance MINI JCW GP are set to further boost future MINI volume with all units sold out for the year.
The motorcycle division of BMW Group Australia, BMW Motorrad, performed strongly despite a difficult market with an 8.4 per cent uplift in sales.
Although there was a decrease of 6.4 per cent over June 2019 in total vehicle sales in Australia, it is the strongest result since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. For the year to date total sales are down 20.2% compared to 2019 and June 2020 represents the 27th consecutive month of decreasing sales for the automotive industry, a fact which, over time, has been attributed to a number of environmental, political, financial and health issues within the Australian market.
FCAI chief executive, Tony Weber, attributed the slight recovery to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, seasonality, the extension of the Federal Government’s instant asset write-off scheme, and brand and dealer pro-activity.
“June is traditionally a very strong month for new vehicle sales. The End of Financial Year campaigns are well known, so it’s an excellent time for businesses and consumers to replace their vehicles. The extension of the Government’s instant asset write-off scheme has also been a positive influence. This program allows businesses to bring forward tax deductions for eligible expenditure,” said FCAI chief executive, Tony Weber.
“We have seen a strong surge in marketing activity from both brands and dealerships, who are offering an array of attractive retail packages in a bid to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With all of this activity favouring consumers, there’s no doubt that there has never been a better time to negotiate the purchase of a new vehicle,” Mr Weber added.
Once again the vast majority of marques have seen a decrease in sales of between 15-40% so far in 2020. Those who continue to go against the negative trend include RAM, MG, Haval and Great Wall. While Ferrari is still the shining light in the supercar market, seeing a reduction in sales for 2020 of just 9.1%, compared to Lamborghini at minus 42.6% and McLaren at minus 41.2%.
Photographs by Driven Women Magazine.