Mercedes, Audi Narrow the Gap to Premium Segment Global Leader BMW

BMW announced that its global sales rose by 6 percent in October,

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by Andreas Tsaousis

December 18, 2014 at 18:23

BMW announced that its global sales rose by 6 percent in October, to 158,953 vehicles, compared to 2013, mostly thanks to strong demand in its main European markets and China.

While the Munich-based automaker is still the leader in the premium segment, its rivals are closing in fast. Mercedes’ sales rose by 13 percent, to 150,742 units, and Audi’s by 11 percent, to 146,250 vehicles.

BMW’s overall lead over second-placed Audi has shrunk in the first 11 months of the year to 43,000 cars, compared to 2013’s 54,000. Audi reported global sales of 1.59 million, while BMW has sold 1.63 million units so far. Mercedes has delivered 1.49 million vehicles through November, narrowing the gap with BMW by 17 percent to 147,000 cars.

“Premium demand looks set to remain strong as Mercedes has rejuvenated its fleet and Audi will start doing so next year”, Stefan Bratzel, head of Cologne, Germany based Center of Automotive Management told Reuters, adding that “there will be no let-up in the luxury competition”.