December Surge Pushes BMW to Record 2012

Baltimore, 01/14/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

Despite months of critically short supply and a tenuous economy, BMW's 2012 U.S. sales topped 2011, helping the automaker to achieve a best-ever sales year and enter 2013 with confidence. BMW December sales were up 39 percent in December 2012 compared with the same month in 2011, and last year overall showed an increase of 14 percent in U.S. sales over 2011.

While the BMW 3 Series remains the top-selling model, the BMW 5 Series is closing the gap. The 5 Series saw an increase of 72 percent in December sales, moving 8,385 units during the month. For the year, the model sold 56,798 vehicles, up 10 percent over 2011 total sales. Packed with standard amenities like a sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity and a 10-speaker sound system, the 5 Series defines the midsize luxury sedan segment.

"The 5 Series offers the amenities that drivers aspire to owning, like HD radio, driver seat memory and optional premium leather seats," said Melanie Sterry, general manager of Russel BMW, a BMW dealership in Baltimore, Md. "These small touches are what make the 5 Series stand out from other midsize sedans, and they are why BMW fans return again and again."

Following a redesign for the 2012 model year, the BMW 6 Series also saw plenty of growth last year, moving 8,208 units for the year, a 110 percent increase over 2011 sales. Sharper styling and the introduction of the four-door Gran Coupe variant last summer helped propel 6 Series sales, while a pair of new turbocharged engines offers impressive power under the hood. Buyers can choose between a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that generates 315 horsepower and a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 producing 445 horsepower.

After knocking Lexus out of its 11-year hold on the top luxury-sales spot last year, BMW continued its reign for total sales in 2012. The automaker's December sales surge helped it best both Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, which took second place. Although Mercedes-Benz held a lead of 1,849 vehicles sold through November, BMW ended up on top by a margin of 7,326.

"Not all German engineering is created equal, and people love the BMW brand because we offer classic cars that are still fun to drive," added Sterry. "Whether it’s the luxurious amenities of the 5 Series that make commuting a breeze or the incredible power of the 6 Series, BMW stands for quality products with plenty of performance built in."

About Russel BMW:
A trusted Baltimore Country BMW dealership, Russel BMW has served Maryland driving enthusiasts for years with a high level of sales and service that matches the BMW name. The dealership's diverse inventory of new and used BMWs ensures an easier vehicle search for customers, and their parts and service department are renowned for their expertise and professionalism. Visit Russel BMW online at www.russelbmw.com, call them at 410-744-2000 or stop by their dealership in person at 6700 Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RusselBMW.