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BMW Q2 Deliveries Fall 4.9% as China Sales Plunge 30%
Summary
The German automaker's second-quarter global sales were hit by a significant downturn in the Chinese market, which offset strong growth in the U.S. and Europe. The results reflect broader challenges for German luxury brands facing intense competition in the region.
BMW reported a 4.9% year-over-year decline in global vehicle deliveries for the second quarter, as a sharp sales contraction in China overshadowed growth in other major markets. The German luxury automaker sold a total of 590,962 vehicles during the period, according to figures released Friday.
China Weakness Drags on Global Sales
The primary driver for the quarterly decline was a severe drop in the Chinese market, where deliveries plunged 30.2% compared to the same period last year. This significant downturn highlights the increasing challenges for established foreign automakers in the world's largest auto market.
The slump in China was substantial enough to negate positive performance elsewhere, pulling the company's overall global figures into negative territory.
Bright Spots in US and Europe
In contrast to its performance in Asia, BMW saw robust demand in Western markets. The company reported strong growth in both the United States and Europe, demonstrating regional resilience.
Ad- U.S. deliveries rose 11.9%.
- European sales (excluding Germany) increased by 7.6%.
"Despite global challenges, we were able to increase our sales in the USA and Europe,” company board member Jochen Goller noted in a statement.
Broader Industry Headwinds
BMW is not alone in facing headwinds in China. The results mirror a wider trend affecting German premium car manufacturers amid intensifying local competition.
Earlier in the week, rivals Mercedes-Benz and Porsche AG also reported declines in their second-quarter deliveries, falling 8% and 16% respectively. Both companies cited the competitive environment in China as a key factor weighing on their sales performance.