BMW Group reports it sold 11,900 BMWs and Minis in China last month, up 122% from January 2009. It was the first time the company sold more than 10,000 units there in a single month.
BMW says China is now its largest national market for the company’s flagship 7 Series sedan. Last month demand for the model doubled to 1,700 units in China.
The group, which sold 91,000 BMW and Mini brand cars in China last year, predicts its full-year sales will grow by double digits in 2010. To meet future demand, the company and partner Brilliance China Automotive Holding Ltd. are each investing about €267 million to quadruple annual capacity to 200,000 units by 2012.
The program includes expanding output at the venture’s existing plant in Shenyang to 100,000 units from 41,000 and opening a second plant with capacity of 100,000 units. The new factory will assemble a long-wheelbase version of the 5 Series designed for Chinese luxury car buyers, who typically are chauffeur-driven.
China is BMW’s hottest market, but the company notes that demand for its vehicles is strong in other Asian markets too. Last year, group sales in the region grew nearly 11% to 183,000. Asia now generates 14% of BMW Group’s retail sales. North America accounts for 21%, and Europe generates 59%.