Staff Report
Published Aug. 2, 2012

U.S. sales of BMW light trucks manufactured at the company’s Spartanburg County facility dropped 20.7% in July compared with sales for the same month in 2011.

The Munich-based luxury automaker reported selling 4,853 light trucks, or sports activity vehicles, in July compared to 6,118 for the same month in 2011.

For the first seven months of the year, light truck sales totaled 42,087, up 12.3% over 37,485 units for the same period last year. BMW light truck models include the X3, X5 and X6.

Overall, sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 0.5% in July for a total of 21,297 units compared to 21,409 sold in July 2011. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 9.4% on sales of 147,801 vehicles compared to 135,114 sold in the first seven months of 2011.

In July, best performing vehicles included the 5 Series, up 32% to 5,700 units; the 6 Series, up 50.5% to 843 units; and the 7 Series, up 158.9% to 1,696 units.

BMW attributed the sales slippage to customers taking time off for summer vacations instead of buying cars. Also, there has been a short supply of new models at U.S. dealerships.

“August will be the tightest month as we complete the model year transition, so we’re very much looking forward to September and fall and the much stronger availability of our popular new models,” said Ludwig Willisch, president and CEO of BMW of North America.

Previous coverage

S.C.-built SAVs help boost BMW’s sales
May sales of S.C.-built BMWs up 24%
U.S. sales of BMW SAVs up 24.9%
S.C.-built X5 SAV helps lead BMW sales
BMW’s S.C. facility becomes lead U.S. automotive exporter
BMW produced 25,931 units in January
BMW to build new model at South Carolina facility