December '05 3 Series Sales Report

FDMeloan · 01-04-2006, 04:25 PM

Total 3 Series sales this month were “flat” when compared to last December. While the new E90 models appear to be successful 3 Series sales for 2005 were up a mere 0.4% when compared to all of 2004.

For comparison, Mercedes Benz sold 9,806 C Class units this month, up 10.6% from the 8,870 units sold last December. Total year 2005 sales of the C Class were down 12.4% when compared to 2004.

My view is that BMW is much more concerned by the introduction of the Lexus IS250 and IS350 models last month. December sales of the two new models totaled 4,518 units while December sales of the comparable BMW E90 sedans totaled 8,633 units. It will be interesting to see how the new Lexus sedans will fare against the E90 in the next few months. I’m betting that sales of the IS250 and IS350 will grow relative to the BMW 3 Series during calendar year 2006.

Please visit my website to see the complete Mercedes-Benz and Lexus sales reports

Please note that I only report the United States sales data.

ABR · 01-04-2006, 04:39 PM

IMHO Lexus sales will go down after initial surge. Unlikely they will eat much of BMW share. I have a few in my area and they start to look as a really boring cars after a while.

I'm lucky to pass on new IS.

canucklion · 01-04-2006, 04:45 PM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10330

ethanthomas · 01-04-2006, 06:18 PM

Fred,
I think your overestimating the appeal of the IS250 and 350, people tend to prefer the "real McCoy" over a copy. I don't think the Lexus car's offer any threat to the 3 series in the long run.

LEDZEP · 01-04-2006, 06:19 PM

When I start getting a % I'll care.

BrunoT · 01-06-2006, 12:40 PM

this stuff does ebb and flow based on factors such as promotions, temporary promotions by competitors' drawing away sales, number of sales days in the month (an extra weekend doesn't hurt) , etc.

I think the new IS, other new entries in the category, and the general improvement in all cars may be a factor. The pie is being sliced into more pieces, so it's actually good news they are even "flat". A few years back what was a 3's biggest competition? A bland looking Acura TL (not even type S)?

ALPINE6SPD · 01-06-2006, 12:56 PM

I can tell you why it is like this. Last december the programs on the 325 and 330 were amazing. People who thought they could never afford one did. I sold 12 last december because of it. The programs are ok for the 3 series now but the money factor on a 325xi is still .00250 and the 330xi .00225 so that makes a huge difference. You wait until you see a .00175 rate factor on these cars and sales will go way up.

01-04-2006, 04:39 PM	#2
ABR First Lieutenant 29 Rep 379 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	IMHO Lexus sales will go down after initial surge. Unlikely they will eat much of BMW share. I have a few in my area and they start to look as a really boring cars after a while. I'm lucky to pass on new IS. __________________ 94' Opel Vectra Manual 96' Opel Vectra Manual99' Honda Accord Auto01' Toyota Sienna 06' BMW 330i Step
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01-04-2006, 04:45 PM	#3
canucklion pull my finger to get your kinder® surprise 148 Rep 10,455 Posts Drives: circles around you Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (9)	http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10330
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01-04-2006, 06:18 PM	#4
ethanthomas New Member 2 Rep 16 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Seattle, Washington iTrader: (0)	Fred, I think your overestimating the appeal of the IS250 and 350, people tend to prefer the "real McCoy" over a copy. I don't think the Lexus car's offer any threat to the 3 series in the long run. __________________ 328xi coupe\|montego blue\|grey leather w/dark walnut\|6 speed manual\|18" wheels\|PP\|CWP\|SP
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01-04-2006, 06:19 PM	#5
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 419 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	When I start getting a % I'll care. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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01-06-2006, 12:40 PM	#6
BrunoT Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 242 Posts Drives: 2012 F-150 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	this stuff does ebb and flow based on factors such as promotions, temporary promotions by competitors' drawing away sales, number of sales days in the month (an extra weekend doesn't hurt) , etc. I think the new IS, other new entries in the category, and the general improvement in all cars may be a factor. The pie is being sliced into more pieces, so it's actually good news they are even "flat". A few years back what was a 3's biggest competition? A bland looking Acura TL (not even type S)?
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01-06-2006, 12:56 PM	#7
ALPINE6SPD Lieutenant General 157 Rep 10,411 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 328i Sport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Highland Lakes NJ iTrader: (2)	I can tell you why it is like this. Last december the programs on the 325 and 330 were amazing. People who thought they could never afford one did. I sold 12 last december because of it. The programs are ok for the 3 series now but the money factor on a 325xi is still .00250 and the 330xi .00225 so that makes a huge difference. You wait until you see a .00175 rate factor on these cars and sales will go way up.
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