2012 BMW 3 Series set to keep BMW in the lead
BMW is expecting the launch of the new 2012 BMW 3 Series to help keep the company in the lead in terms of sale in the US, well into 2012. BMW is currently ahead of both of the main rivals, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota's Lexus brand.
BMW was in the lead as of the end of September, so far this year making 177,679 sales in the country, with Mercedes-Benz closely behind in second place with 170,058 sales. Lexus, on the other hand, has suffered from the tsunami devastation, and has so far sold 135,647 units - a big change from the company's first place position it has held for the past 11 years.
BMW is predicting the new 3 Series will help keep the momentum going for the company into the start of 2012. In a recent Automotive News report, Ludwig Willisch, of BMW North American, was optimistic about overall sales next year, he said,
"We have a window to stay No. 1 in the first quarter. Our model lineup is broad. We have a lot of opportunities to get there."
Despite the sales lead, the current BMW 3 Series has been around for a while now and consumers aren't necessarily opting for the Bavarian sedan. Mercedes-Benz also offers the fresher Mercedes-Benz C-Class. But that's where the new 3 Series is expected to really bolster the lead. BMW's current best-selling models in the US include the BMW 5 Series and BMW X3 SUV.
The new 2012 BMW 3 Series is set to go on sale in the US in February, while Australian consumers will receive it some time during the second quarter of 2012.
What do you think? Will the new 3 Series be a very popular choice next year?
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