BMW Group, which has a Mini plant in Oxford, is ramping up its shift towards electric mobility in 2024 despite a "volatile market environment".
The first quarter of the year saw a total of 82,700 fully-electric BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles delivered to customers across the globe, heralding a year-on-year rise of more than 27.9 per cent in Battery Electric Vehicle growth for the group.
Jochen Goller, member of the board of management of BMW AG, responsible for customer, brands and sales, said: "With the delivery of our one-millionth fully-electric vehicle since the market launch of the BMW i3 we have reached an important milestone that confirms the attractiveness of our product portfolio."
The group said that combustion engine vehicles and plug-in hybrid models were also an important part of its offering.
Mr Goller continued: "By providing a choice of drive train technologies and thanks to our high level of flexibility, the BMW Group is well-positioned to meet changing customer requirements".
BMW Group delivered 594,671 vehicles to its customers in the first quarter of 2024.
A sharp increase of 5.5 per cent was experienced in Europe as 227,784 BMW and MINI vehicles were delivered in this region alone.
In addition, the first quarter saw a significant year-on-year growth of 21.6 per cent in high-end premium segment sales, with BMW 7 Series achieving prominent global growth.
BMW brand reported Battery Electric Vehicle growth, with 78,691 fully-electric BMW vehicles, a surge of 40.6 per cent compared with the same period the previous year.
Models such as the BMW i4, BMW iX3, BMW iX1, BMW iX and BMW i7 were reportedly in high demand, with positive feedback received on the new BMW iX2, released in March.
BMW M strengthened its high-performance segment lead, selling 48,110 vehicles, a 3.6 per cent rise from the previous year's first quarter result.
The MINI brand also saw growth, with 62,107 cars sold in the first quarter.
BMW plans for the New MINI Family are already producing fruit, with the late February launch of the MINI Countryman, available as an electric model and a combustion engine vehicle.
Rolls-Royce reported solid demand with 1,525 motor cars delivered globally.
A total of 46,434 motorcycles and scooters were delivered in the first quarter of 2024 by BMW Motorrad.
A slight increase in Automotive Segment deliveries is predicted for 2024, with heavy electric vehicles and high-end premium segment vehicles expected to act as main growth contributors, according to the BMW Group.
The firm anticipates notable double-digit growth this year in these two segments.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel