BMW Group Makes Positive Start to the Year

Our first-quarter performance is further proof of our ability to generate positive earnings with our core business, despite a volatile environment,” stated Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW. “The decisive factor for us is not short-term profit but sustainable, profitable growth. From this position of strength, we intend to play a pioneering role in transforming and shaping the world of individual mobility going forward.”

At € 20,853 million, Group revenues for the period from January to March were at a similar level to the previous year (2015: € 20,917 million; -0.3%), influenced by increased sales volume on the one hand and unfavourable currency factors (such as the value of the British pound and the Chinese renminbi against the euro) on the other. Profit before financial result (EBIT) amounted to € 2,457 million (2015: € 2,521 million; -2.5%). Group profit before tax (EBT) increased by 4.4% to a new record level of € 2,368 million (2015: € 2,269 million). Group net profit rose by 8.2% to € 1,641 million (2015: € 1,516 million), also marking a new first quarter record.

The BMW brand set a new sales volume record, with 478,743 units (2015: 451,576 units; +6.0%) sold in the first quarter. Tailwind came from various areas, including the contributions made by the BMW Group’s flagship model, the BMW 7 Series, and the BMW X models. First-quarter deliveries of the BMW 7 Series were 20.3% ahead of the previous year.

MINI recorded a new high for deliveries to customers in a first quarter as well, with worldwide sales 5.4% higher at 78,311 units (2015: 74,312 units). Strong momentum came from the new MINI Clubman, of which more than 12,000 units were sold during the three-month period.

First-quarter sales of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars were affected by a number of factors, including political and economic uncertainties, most notably in the Middle East. Preparations for the market launch of the Dawn also had an impact. In total, 551 units were handed over to customers during the period under report (2015: 781 units; -29.4%). The new Rolls-Royce Dawn made its debut at the end of March. Order intake is good and is expected to stimulate demand.