BMW global sales up 12.3% in 2010

BMW Motorrad retailed 98,047 motorcycles globally in 2010 compared to 87,036 the year before, equating to growth of 12.3 percent.

In Germany, the largest single market for BMW, 17,816 BMWs were registered, a growth of 12.5 percent. Almost every fourth new motorcycle over 500cc registered in Germany in 2010 originated from the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin.

Italy continues as the second strongest single market for BMW Motorrad, and other important territories include America, France, Spain, the UK and Brazil.

Brazil, in particular, is emerging as a key pillar for BMW, and the company will continue to expand its local motorcycle production facility in the country, which was first established at the end of 2009.

In Australia, BMW recorded growth of 1.1 percent in 2010, and holds 1.81 percent of total market share,

Hendrik von Kuenheim, head of BMW Motorrad, said: "The 2010 motorcycle season was a delightful year for us. Our range of innovative models met with great customer interest all over the world. Not only could we sell 10,741 more motorcycles than in the previous year, but at the same time we were able to considerably strengthen our market position in a highly discouraging market environment.

"Our market share rose to an all time high, and by December BMW Motorrad was the volume leader on 11 markets."

Once again, the most successful model overall was the R 1200 GS (18,768 units), followed by its sister model, the R 1200 GS Adventure (11,648). Third place went to the R 1200 RT (11,132).

Excellent sales figures were also achieved for the S 1000 RR (10,209), F 800 GS (9669), the F 800 R (7805 units) and the F 650 GS (6951).

In 2011, BMW will launch a classical variant to the R 1200 R, an updated G 650 GS, and the first half of the year will see the introduction of the K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL deluxe touring bikes with six-cylinder inline engines.