2012: BMW sets all-time sales record

While most of the world is struggling on amid the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis, German marque BMW Motorrad in enjoying a purple patch, increasing its worldwide sales in 2012 by two per cent to set an all-time record.

BMW supplied some 106,358 motorcycles to customers around the globe last year, up from 104,286 units the year before, with the German domestic market leading the way. An impressive 20,516 motorcycles were sold on the marque’s home turf, followed by 12,100 in the USA, 10,950 in France, 10,200 in Italy and 7442 in Brazil (where four BMW models are produced, in the city of Manaus, for the local market).

Once again, it was BMW’s dual-purpose models spearheading the manufacturer’s charge, with the top-selling bike being the R 1200 GS (pictured) with 17,249 units, followed by the F 800 GS (11,487 units) and R 1200 GS Adventure (10,203 units). Some 8970 S 1000 RR superbikes were sold along with 7909 R 1200 RT sportstourers, while the recently introduced K 1600 GT and GTL accounted for an impressive 10,033 sales.

According to Stephan Schaller, President of BMW Motorrad, it’s a very special time to be involved with the brand. “Never before in the history of BMW Motorrad have we been able to sell as many motorcycles,” he said.

“We have achieved this magnificent retail success in the context of a very difficult motorcycle market, especially in Europe. We are on the right track with our product and sales strategy and we will power ahead at full pace to enable ongoing growth. There are lots of new products in store for our customers in 2013 – the year of our 90th anniversary. Based on our ongoing product offensive we feel confident as we look ahead to the upcoming season. Our aim is to surpass the 2012 record once again,” he added.