The automotive sales figures for the first quarter of 2024 have been released, and BMW has made headlines with the first zombie car in the group. This distinction belongs to the i3, a vehicle that was discontinued in the US market in July 2021 but found a buyer in the first three months of the year. The BMW i3 had not appeared on sales charts since 2022, when nine units were sold, and none were sold in 2023. This mysterious sale of a brand-new i3 has raised questions about its condition and the reasons behind the delayed sale.
### BMW’s Sales Performance
Among other noteworthy sales figures for BMW in Q1 2024, the 2 Series recorded a 155.8 percent increase with 3,538 units sold compared to 1,383 the previous year. The 4 Series maintained its lead with 8,847 sales, despite a 26.3 percent decrease. The 5 Series and 7 Series experienced declines in sales, while the 3 Series saw a significant 24.6 percent increase. Overall, BMW achieved a 2.4 percent increase in sales for the quarter. On the other hand, Mini faced challenges, with sales decreasing for all models except the Cooper Convertible, which saw a 27.2 percent increase.
### Promising Start for BMW
Despite the mixed performance in sales, BMW remains optimistic about the beginning of 2024. Sebastian Mackensen, BMW CEO for North America, expressed confidence in the success of the brand, attributing it to the quality of vehicles and the diverse product lineup. He highlighted BMW’s commitment to providing customers with a range of vehicles and drivetrains to meet their needs, along with delivering a premium customer experience through the nationwide dealer network.
Overall, BMW’s first-quarter sales report for 2024 showcases a blend of successes and challenges across different models. The unexpected sale of the i3 adds an element of intrigue to the data, hinting at potential untapped market opportunities for BMW. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, BMW’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge and driving future growth.