BMW About to Outsell Mercedes
It’s a close race, one that likely will not result in deep price cutting to move models, but is certain nevertheless to be on the minds of executives employed by 2 automakers until the clock strikes midnight for the final time this year. What the race is all about is this : the perennial sales battle between two German automakers, BMW and Mercedes, with BMW expected to pass Mercedes in world sales totals for 2005. The implications are powerful for each automaker and will set the tone for the way each company produces and markets automobiles from 2006 forward.
Mercedes finishing 2nd to BMW isn’t a snug taste for DaimlerChrysler, parent of Mercedes and now owner of The Chrysler Group, maker of Jeeps, Dodges, and Chryslers. Only Volkswagen sells more vehicles than either make, but when it comes to a predominately luxury line up Mercedes and BMW battle alone amongst German makes with Audi a distant third.
Unlike Yankee automakers, Mercedes is not going to engage in deep price cuts to draw in purchasers and “steal” sales that they might have made in 2006 for 2005 to prevent BMW. Still, purchasers of Mercedes vehicles should find an even friendlier showroom in which to buy when they negotiate the price on their “C”, “E”, or “M” Classes of vehicles.
So, exactly what has caused the shift in sales? Well, published reports indicate that Mercedes sales continue to rise, but slowly. On the other hand, BMW sales growth are in the double digit category which is what has pushed BMW before Mercedes so far this year. Oddly, it isn’t the posh vehicles in each automakers’ fold that is spelling the difference. Unknown by several Yankees, both BMW and Mercedes sell autos that are smaller and less plush than the vehicles that appear in the states. Vehicles that compete exactly against Volkswagen’s Golfing and offerings from GM, Ford, many Eastern automakers, and others.
Yes, it’s correct. Not all BMW or Mercedes models are expensive cars. Unlike in the US where a Cadillac is solely a luxury automobile, both German brands produce automobiles for the rank and file driver too. It is these sorts of automobiles that have fueled both automakers growth and is likely behind BMW jumping before Mercedes.
To counter BMW’s surge, Mercedes does have an ace up its sleeve : the introduction of 1 or 2 smaller lines of automobiles to the U.S. market by 2007. If you haven’t figured it out yet, Mercedes has “A” and “B” Class automobiles that are smaller and more cost effective than this “baby” Mercedes, what we call the “C” Class. Mercedes hopes that the US market is ready for less pricey cars sporting the venerable Mercedes name and that these sales will propel Mercedes back to the lead.
Of course, what is good for Mercedes is good for BMW as the automaker explores bringing its “1″ and “2″ series cars to the US to compete for sales. Both lines of vehicles are positioned against Mercedes “A” and “B” class cars and are the same cars that have bumped BMW’s sales figures up.
Now if only Mercedes would consider importing it’s SMART auto to the US market.
What are the most expensive and fastest cars in the world? To find out, visit thesupercars.org and check it out for yourself. Also, have a look at used cars BMW M Roadster.
Related posts:
