BMW Motorrad has yet another record year for sales in 2014.

In 2014 BMW Motorrad sold more vehicles than in the year before, thus achieving a record sales figure for the fourth time in a row. With 123,495 (previous year: 115,215 units) vehicles sold in 2014, the manufacturer delivered more motorcycles and Maxi Scooters than ever before in the company's history. 

This is an increase of 7.2% compared to an already very strong showing in 2013. In December deliveries rose by 10.9% to 7,032 units (previous year: 6,343 units).

Germany continues to be the most successful single market for the Bavarian brand. 21,714 vehicles, roughly a fifth of all units, were sold in the home market last year. Once again BMW Motorrad was the market leader with a market share of over 25%. The USA follows in second position with 15,301 vehicles sold. 

The UK, 1,201 more BMW motorcycles were sold than in the previous year. The next largest single markets are France (11,600) and Italy (10,487). Brazil continued to perform strongly with 7,603 units.

In the relevant market segment of the 500 cc and above categories, BMW Motorrad remained the market leader not only in Germany but also in Italy and Spain.

Stephan Schaller, President of BMW Motorrad: "We can look back on a successful year. For the first time in company history, BMW Motorrad sold more than 120,000 vehicles. This is an increase of 7.2% compared to the already outstanding result of the previous year and is the fourth year of record sales in a row. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all our customers for the trust they have placed in BMW Motorrad."

In 2014 we launched no less than five new models worldwide. These made a major contribution towards achieving the positive sales numbers. With the R nineT we seem to have our finger firmly on the pulse of many BMW Motorrad fans. It got off to a phenomenal start and leapt to fourth place in our bestseller ranking right from the start. This success exceeded our own expectations. BMW Motorrad also ushers in a whole new era in the area of urban mobility with the BMW C evolution . 

The electric Maxi-Scooter is the first vehicle of its type for BMW Motorrad. It builds on the experience and innovations of the BMW Group and represents an integral part of our sustainability strategy. Almost 550 units have been sold since last May. The good level of acceptance by our customers shows that we have chosen the right approach with this first step towards electric mobility", says Schaller.

Water-cooled R 1200 GS the most successful BMW motorcycle.

The most popular BMW Motorrad models with over 40,000 units sold are the R 1200 GS (24,380) together with its sister model R 1200 GS Adventure (16.242). The BMW R 1200 RT takes third place with 12,140 units sold. The R nineT sold exceptionally well. In its first year of sales already 8,488 units were delivered worldwide. 

This makes the roadster the fourth most successful model in the BMW Motorrad product portfolio. With more than 10,000 units sold, the S 1000 R and the S 1000 RR both achieved an outstanding sales result. 

The middle range models F 800 GS/GS Adventure (7,040/4,278 units) and F 700 GS (6,499 units) as well as the F 800 R (3,953 units) and F 800 GT (3,901 units) also remain very popular. The Maxi Scooters C 650 GT and C 600 Sport (6,391 units) were also well received.

A look ahead to 2015 for BMW Motorrad.

The coming season will see numerous innovative and emotional vehicles added to the product portfolio. The new BMW S 1000 RR will be for sale at dealers from spring 2015. The next generation of the supersports bike offers increased engine output, a 4 kg weight reduction and even greater usability. With the new BMW R 1200 R and the R 1200 RS two new flat-twin models will be launched into the coming season. In the new edition of the F 800 R, BMW Motorrad is continuing its series of powerfully distinctive parallel twins.

With the S 1000 XR, BMW Motorrad is also launching the fourth series of its family of high-performance, sports-oriented motorcycles with 4-cylinder inline engine. It unites the qualities of the BMW Motorrad GS, Touring and Sports models resulting in a new breed of motorcycle – Adventure Sport.

Stephan Schaller, President of BMW Motorrad: "BMW Motorrad continues on its course of growth. We will win over new customers for the brand, enter into new segments and expand our portfolio further. Our aim is to achieve record sales in 2015."

Mitsubishi sees growth in 2014 continue into 2015, with some excellnt models.

Up 28% to 136,928 units

At the end of a milestone year in Europe (forty years in business and return to profit for FY 2013), Mitsubishi Motors Corporation continued to strengthen its position in the region with a sales increase of 28% to 136,928 units (vs. 106,712 units for CY13) for the MME34 area (i.e. excl. Russia and Ukraine / incl. L200):

Fast(er) growth

These results first echoed the overall economic situation in Europe, whether recovery (in Spain, where the brand grew by 51%, jumping from # 9 to # 6 in the MME34 Top Ten), strengthening (in the United Kingdom with + 52%) or the continuous growth of Central Europe’s largest economy – Poland - now joining the Top Five (with + 77%).

The MME34 performance was consistent with the good results recorded by Mitsubishi Motors in other mature markets during CY14 such as the United States (+ 24.8%) and Canada (+ 7.6%).

Therefore, for CY2014, the MME34 Top Ten reads as follows:

1 – Germany:	24,974 units (+ 14%)
2 – The UK:	22,793 units (+ 52%)
3 – Israel:	13,154 units (+ 108%)
4 – The Netherlands:	12,074 units (- 2%)
5 – Poland:	6,632 units (+ 77%)
6 – Spain	6,147 units (+ 51%)
7 – Norway:	5,843 units (- 7%)
8 – Sweden:	5,778 units (+ 77%)
9 – Turkey:	5,428 units (+ 6%)
10 – France:	5,106 units (- 3%)

A relevant value proposition

Mitsubishi Motors’ growth also reflected the relevant value proposition offered to MME34 customers by its various models, from core ASX (+ 33%) to the evergreen Pajero/Montero/Shogun (+ 26%) or current L200, segment leader in Turkey, # 2 MME34 market for L200, with a 33% local segment share (4,205 units).

The same applied to the rewarding performance of the “Global Small” range in the model’s key markets of Germany (9,350 Space Stars) or Denmark (1,732 Space Stars): in this country, it even allowed a real come-back for the Brand (2,624 Mitsubishi sales in total or + > 200%).In Israel – where Mitsubishi Motors was the biggest growing brand in the local Top 25 for the second year in a row - “Global Small” was also a strong contributor with 3,762 Space Stars and 4,117 Attrages sold during CY14.

Another indication of Mitsubishi Motors’ success can be found in the United Kingdom where the dealer network generated a higher financial return on sales than at any time in the history of the Brand in the country.

All in all, Mitsubishi Motors’ Top Five for CY2014 in its MME34 commercial territory was:

1 - Outlander:	38,617 units (of which 19,980 were PHEVs)
2 - ASX:	36,702 units (+ 33%)
3 – Global Small*:	30,982 units (+ 66% for Space Star/Mirage)
4 - L200:	18,371 units (+11%)
5 – Pajero/Montero/Shogun:	6,491 units (+ 26%)

*Space Star/Mirage and Attrage

Plugged-in

Obviously, the relevance of the Mitsubishi Motors value proposition in the MME34 area can also be appreciated through the success of Outlander PHEV (19,980 units):

1 – The Netherlands:	7,666 units
2 – The UK:	5,370 units
3 – Sweden:	2,289 units
4 – Norway:	1,485 units
5 – Germany:	1,060 units

Made gradually available throughout the MME34 area, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV topped charts as the best selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in Europe by quite a significant margin vs. competition. One of the best examples was Sweden where 2,289 units have been sold during CY2014 translating into a market share of nearly 50% within the “Super Eco Car” class, far ahead of the Number Two and its 745 units.

This feat was entirely due to Outlander PHEV’s next-frontier engineering and real-life USPs (Twin Motor self-charging 4WD SUV, multiple automatic electric drive modes, full 5-seater with 463 l cargo volume, etc,…) rather than to the sole advantage of somehow elusive tax benefits, equally accessible to all other but less successful plug-in hybrids.

To be continued...

This positive trend should continue for Mitsubishi Motors in Europe during CY2015 with significant product launches, including the all-new L200 pickup (Th-spec Triton shown below), as well as noteworthy Brand initiatives…

UK SALES - VW COMMERCIAL - More records fall for Volkswagen, with its UK commerical division

• Record UK registrations of more than 44,000 vehicles in 2014– up 8.4per cent on 2013
• UK market share of 12.4 per cent
• Crafter deliveries up 38.4 per cent
• Amarok registrations up 20.4 per cent
• Volkswagen cements number two position in the LCV sector

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is celebrating a record-breaking 2014 with best-ever annual new vehicle registrations. A total of 40,624 light commercial vehicles were registered, up 9.0 per cent from 37,267 in 2013. The brand also registered 3,673 passenger carriers and camper vans, taking total UK registrations to 44,297 up 8.4 per cent on 2013 (40,857).

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles maintained its number two position in the light commercial vehicles sector, recording a market share of 12.4 per cent.

Every vehicle in the brand’s multi award-winning model range played its part in the success. Transporter accounted for 18,593 registrations, compared with 16,663 in 2013 – up 11.6 per cent. The Caddy remained as popular as ever, with 12,292 new vehicles making their way to new customers.

Crafter registrations soared in 2014 to a record 7,130, up 38.4 per cent on 2013 (5,153), while demand for the all-conquering Amarok increased by 20.4 per cent (3,080), when compared with 2013 (2,559).

Carl zu Dohna, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented: ‘Our vans are proving more popular than ever, not just because of their quality and comfort, but also because of our strong residuals and the service support provided from our dedicated Van Centre network.

These are strong results and everyone involved in the brand deserves a huge thank you. We will carry this strong performance and phenomenal momentum into 2015, as we embark on a truly exciting year.’

UK SALES - MERCEDES VANS - The Premium car company has record sales of vans in the UK last year.

Mercedes-Benz Vans registered over 35,000 vehicles in 2014 – the brands’ best-ever performance in the UK.

The fantastic achievement also marked an eighth consecutive record-breaking quarter, with an increase in registrations of 16.1% over 2013, which was also a record-breaking year.

Of the 35,036 Mercedes-Benz Vans registrations recorded in 2014, the brand increased sales over the previous year in every month, with the exception of September.

In terms of individual model performance across the year, Sprinter van registrations increased by 12%, with Citan up by an impressive 39%, and Sprinter Chassis Cab increased by a massive 50%. Vito, in its run out year, remained at the same level as 2013.

Service & Parts has experienced 8.9% growth in Van Customer Pay parts sales, as well as a 7% growth in Van customer pay labour sales through the Mercedes-Benz Commercial Dealer network.

These gains are directly related to an increase of nearly 4,000 Vans utilising Mercedes-Benz workshops for retail and R&M work, with service contract packages showing a penetration level of 27.5% across New and Used products.

The Service24h roadside assistance programme continues to deliver a class-leading roadside assistance average time of 58 minutes and roadside repair rate in excess of 83%.    

2014 was also another record-breaking year for Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. In the year, MBFS funded more Vans than ever before, lending over £250 billion worth of finance, which represented a significant 6.8% increase on the previous year. Once again, nearly one third of all Mercedes-Benz Vans registered in the UK were funded by MBFS.

Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: “When we broke the 30,000 registrations barrier in 2013, we broke all records in the UK history of our brand; to now announce registrations in 2014 of over 35,000 is a remarkable feat.

“We have the products, services and people to provide van owners and operators of the UK with an outstanding offering and our success in 2014 is proof of that.

“This year will be our year of sustainability, focused on maintaining our impressive registration benchmark; we look forward to a successful 2015.”

UK SALES - MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE - The best sales year ever for the supercar maker, with more to come.

• More than 1,600 vehicles delivered, including 248 examples of the McLaren P1™, marking the company’s strongest year-to-date
• Asia-Pacific region achieves growth of 80 per cent
• 14 new retailers opened bringing the global network to 68, across 30 markets

McLaren Automotive ended 2014 with record sales as it has done every year since the company began production of luxury supercars in 2010.  A total of 1,648 vehicles were delivered to customers around the world, an increase of 21 per cent over 2013 which was the company’s first year of profitability. In addition another 14 new retail locations were added bringing McLaren’s total global sales network to 68 sites. 

Following the international reveal of the 650S in Coupé and Spider form at the Geneva Motor Show where the two models were launched simultaneously, strong demand for McLaren’s core model range saw sales reach 1,400 units including some examples of the outgoing 12C.  In addition, 248 examples of the 916PS petrol-electric McLaren P1™ were delivered to customers – around two thirds of the car’s total 375 unit production run.

McLaren’s network of retailers grew to cover 30 markets with the additions of Chile, Scotland and Thailand.  New sales outlets were also opened in existing markets, most notably Calabasas, Cape Town, Changsha, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Hangzhou, Kunming, Melbourne, Nanjing, Shenzhen and Tianjin. More development is planned in 2015.  

   

Growth was recorded across all four of McLaren’s regional business units.  The Asia-Pacific region saw the biggest rise with sales increasing by 80 per cent over 2013 with 11 new retail locations across the region helping to fuel this growth. The North American market remained McLaren’s largest market accounting for more than 30 per cent of overall sales, while sales in both Europe and the Middle East grew year-on-year by 10 per cent and nine per cent respectively.

McLaren Automotive continues to invest significantly in research and development for new models. 2015 will see the launch of the McLaren’s most attainable model yet, the new Sports Series which will debut at the New York International Auto Show in April.  At the top of its range, the strictly limited edition track-only McLaren P1™ GTR will also enter production after the final road-going McLaren P1™ has been built.

Commenting on the 2014 year end performance, Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Automotive explained: ‘These latest results highlight that McLaren Automotive continues to push boundaries and set records year-on-year, and are testament to the energy and professionalism of the teams in Woking and around the world, including our retail partners. The past 12 months have seen the launch of the 650S in both coupé and Spider form, and the first full year of McLaren P1™ production, and sees the third consecutive year of growth for the brand which is a fantastic achievement.

‘Since the opening of the first retailer in June 2011, McLaren has established a world-class network of retailers, with 14 key locations added in 2014, all of which continue to set benchmarks in the industry the world over. Add to this a range of groundbreaking models, shortly to be completed with the launch of the Sports Series later this year, and 2015 looks set to be another strong year for McLaren.’

UK SALES - SKODA - Records tumble again for teh fifth year running, can it continue ? You bet it can !

• ŠKODA UK had its fifth record-breaking year in a row in 2014
• Record registrations hit an all-time high of 75,488
• Market share of 3.07 per cent
• Crucial new models in 2015 give opportunity for yet more growth

ŠKODA UK has ended 2014 on a high, with registrations of 75,488 making this the fifth consecutive year of record high new car registrations. Growth of 14.24 per cent for the Czech brand gives it a 3.05 per cent share of the UK market.

This means ŠKODA UK has increased registrations by 14.24 per cent over 2013. With the overall UK new car registrations up 9.35 per cent, ŠKODA has outperformed the market yet again. This latest sales success means a doubling of ŠKODA registrations in just five years. Registrations of 74,488 give ŠKODA a UK market share of 3.05 per cent in 2014, up from 2.9% in 2013.

Every model in the ŠKODA range played its part in the success. The Octavia was the most popular car in the range, with a total 21,320 cars sold (10,141 hatches and 11,179 Estate models). Next up was the Fabia, which even in its run-out year accounted for 16,177 sales, 12,191 of them hatches and 3,986 Estates. The third-most popular ŠKODA model was the Yeti, which had a record year with 13,081 sold.

Alasdair Stewart, Brand Director for ŠKODA UK, said: “These registrations are an outstanding achievement and reflect the hard work of our retailers and partners. This not only makes us one of the UK’s fastest growing brands, but also one of the most important markets worldwide for ŠKODA.

“We’d like to welcome our customers to the ŠKODA family. We’re looking forward to another record year ahead. We’re just launching the new Fabia, which is a great car, and just one of the exciting new models we’ll be launching this year, with the new Fabia Estate arriving in March, and the new Superb in September. What’s more, our customers will discover an even more enjoyable buying experience, thanks to a new look that’s transforming our retailers’ showrooms.”