The BMW Group (BMW and MINI brands combined) reported a year-to-date sales increase of 10 percent to 137,098 vehicles compared to 124,475 automobiles sold for the first six months of 2002. June sales for the BMW Group were up 10.5 percent to 24,820, compared to 22,465 for the same month in 2002. Both sales figures represent the best June ever for the BMW Group in the U.S., as well as the best first half ever recorded.
BMW Brand
BMW reported a 10.2 percent increase in June sales, with 21,904 vehicles compared to 19,868 in June 2002. Year-to-date, sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 1.6 percent to 119,568 compared to 117,736 vehicles sold in the same period last year.
BMW Automobile Sales
BMW's automobile sales were up 16 percent in June, with 18,560 cars reported versus 15,999 in the same month one year ago. Year-to-date, BMW automobile sales rose 6.6 percent to 102,353 in 2003 compared to 96,038 units reported for the first half of 2002.
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Sales
BMW reported 3,344 sales of its X5 Sports Activity Vehicles in June, a dip of 13.6 percent compared to the 3,869 sold in June 2002. Year-to-date, SAV sales declined 20.7 percent, with 17,215 vehicles reported compared to 21,698 sold in the same period last year, in 2002.
Certified Pre-owned Vehicle Sales
BMW reported June sales of 5,439 vehicles, up 11 percent over the 4,905 reported in the same month a year ago. First-half sales of Certified Pre-owned BMWs were up 16 percent to 33,562 compared to 28,980 units in the same period one year ago.
MINI Brand
MINI Automobiles
Demand for MINI brand automobiles remains strong in June even with factory production constraints. MINI USA reported June 2003 sales of 2,916 automobiles-a 12.3 percent jump over the 2,597 figure reported in June 2002. Sales of MINI automobiles for the first six months of 2003 totaled 17,530. MINI went on sale in the U.S. on March 22, 2002 and last year, MINI USA reported sales of 6,739 through June 30, 2002.
BMW Wins Four Categories in AutoWeek's "America's Best" Survey
BMW won four categories, more than any other manufacturer, in the 14th annual AutoWeek "America's Best" survey. The category wins for BMW include:
* BMW 3 Series Best Sedan
* BMW 3 Series Best Coupe
* BMW 3 Series/ M3 Best Sport Coupe
* BMW M5 Best Sport Sedan
The results of this year's survey are significant on a variety of fronts. The much lauded 3 Series, the only multiple winner in the survey, still enjoys enormous popularity in all its forms. On the market since 1998, the 3 Series continues to sell at record levels. It is a testament to its outstanding blend of exotic car performance and luxury car comfort that the M5 receives this honor even after it has gone out of production.
The AutoWeek "America's Best" survey, which was again conducted entirely online at www.autoweek.com, polls automotive consumers and enables them to voice their opinion on their favorite cars, trucks and sport-utility vehicles. Commenting on BMW's sweeping victory, AutoWeek publisher Rich Ceppos noted, "Our subscribers have spoken loud and clear. They think BMW makes some of the best driver's cars in the world. Only a crazy person would disagree."
"We are particularly pleased to receive these acknowledgements because they come from the AutoWeek readers themselves. That the 3 Series was voted tops in three categories is remarkable. It reinforces just what a terrific car and an outstanding value the 3 Series is", said Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW of North America, LLC. "The M5 was a watershed car for the way it blended super-car performance with the safety and comfort of the world's best luxury cars. The M5 will, no doubt, continue to be a favorite of enthusiasts and editors alike for a long time to come."
* BMW 3 Series Best Sedan
* BMW 3 Series Best Coupe
* BMW 3 Series/ M3 Best Sport Coupe
* BMW M5 Best Sport Sedan
The results of this year's survey are significant on a variety of fronts. The much lauded 3 Series, the only multiple winner in the survey, still enjoys enormous popularity in all its forms. On the market since 1998, the 3 Series continues to sell at record levels. It is a testament to its outstanding blend of exotic car performance and luxury car comfort that the M5 receives this honor even after it has gone out of production.
The AutoWeek "America's Best" survey, which was again conducted entirely online at www.autoweek.com, polls automotive consumers and enables them to voice their opinion on their favorite cars, trucks and sport-utility vehicles. Commenting on BMW's sweeping victory, AutoWeek publisher Rich Ceppos noted, "Our subscribers have spoken loud and clear. They think BMW makes some of the best driver's cars in the world. Only a crazy person would disagree."
"We are particularly pleased to receive these acknowledgements because they come from the AutoWeek readers themselves. That the 3 Series was voted tops in three categories is remarkable. It reinforces just what a terrific car and an outstanding value the 3 Series is", said Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW of North America, LLC. "The M5 was a watershed car for the way it blended super-car performance with the safety and comfort of the world's best luxury cars. The M5 will, no doubt, continue to be a favorite of enthusiasts and editors alike for a long time to come."
French GP - Race
Weather: dry, overcast, air 24-25°C, track 28-31°C
Magny-Cours (FRA). For the second time in a row, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team today secured their second one-two victory. As at the Nьrburgring, Ralf Schumacher crossed the line first, ahead of team mate Juan Pablo Montoya. Ralf's win in Magny-Cours is his sixth Formula One victory. It is WilliamsF1's 111th win and BMW's 17th win. The BMW WilliamsF1 Team confirms their second place in the FIA Formula One Constructor's Championship, only three points behind Ferrari. Ralf stays third in the Driver's rankings, followed by Juan Pablo, who set the fastest lap during today's race.
Ralf Schumacher: 1st
Chassis: FW25 07
Best time: 1:15,698 min (lap 37, 2nd overall)
Finally I did it from pole position! In the first part of the race it all seemed to go very well but after the first pit stop the car did not feel so good and I lost some time. Also I was delayed by several drivers that I had to lap, especially Jarno Trulli, who I could not overtake due to a yellow flag. Regarding the light off I had in the last laps, it was my fault as I braked too late. I hope we can keep this momentum going even though we are now going to circuits that are even tougher on the car. We are definitely getting closer and closer to Ferrari but for the moment I prefer not to think about our World Championship chances as things can change so quickly in F1.
Juan Pablo Montoya: 2nd
Chassis: FW25 06
Best time: 1:15,512 min (lap 36, 1st overall)
I was not too comfortable in my car today and I was losing time, especially in the third sector. I pushed very hard and decided to come in earlier for my second pit-stop because there was quite a lot of traffic and I was wasting time but still I could not catch Ralf. On this track you cannot really overtake easily, so you try to do it with the pit-stop strategy. After the third stop I just backed off and drove to secure my position, as Michael Schumacher was a fair amount of seconds behind me with only a few laps to go.
Sam Michael (Chief Operations Engineer, WilliamsF1):
This is a fantastic day for the team. Ralf drove a brilliant race today, true textbook style, not putting a foot wrong. The current performance of the BMW WiliamsF1 Team is the result of a number of factors and the effort put in by our technical partners, but it is fair to say that the latest improvements have predominantly come from the aerodynamic department and through Michelin's intensive tyre development work.
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
The second consecutive 1-2 is simply unbelievable if you think about how weak we were at the start of the season. The way we dominated the race from the first to the last lap was stunning. We were able to go faster than everybody else at any time. After the third pit-stop we just eased up. Front row and a 1-2 finish is the best result we have ever achieved in our three and a half years of partnership. With regards the Championship, we have nearly caught Ferrari which is good for us and for the fans in future races.
Barcelona Test: 8-11 July, Marc Genй all days, Marko Asmer (8), Ralf Schumacher (9-11)
Magny-Cours (FRA). For the second time in a row, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team today secured their second one-two victory. As at the Nьrburgring, Ralf Schumacher crossed the line first, ahead of team mate Juan Pablo Montoya. Ralf's win in Magny-Cours is his sixth Formula One victory. It is WilliamsF1's 111th win and BMW's 17th win. The BMW WilliamsF1 Team confirms their second place in the FIA Formula One Constructor's Championship, only three points behind Ferrari. Ralf stays third in the Driver's rankings, followed by Juan Pablo, who set the fastest lap during today's race.
Ralf Schumacher: 1st
Chassis: FW25 07
Best time: 1:15,698 min (lap 37, 2nd overall)
Finally I did it from pole position! In the first part of the race it all seemed to go very well but after the first pit stop the car did not feel so good and I lost some time. Also I was delayed by several drivers that I had to lap, especially Jarno Trulli, who I could not overtake due to a yellow flag. Regarding the light off I had in the last laps, it was my fault as I braked too late. I hope we can keep this momentum going even though we are now going to circuits that are even tougher on the car. We are definitely getting closer and closer to Ferrari but for the moment I prefer not to think about our World Championship chances as things can change so quickly in F1.
Juan Pablo Montoya: 2nd
Chassis: FW25 06
Best time: 1:15,512 min (lap 36, 1st overall)
I was not too comfortable in my car today and I was losing time, especially in the third sector. I pushed very hard and decided to come in earlier for my second pit-stop because there was quite a lot of traffic and I was wasting time but still I could not catch Ralf. On this track you cannot really overtake easily, so you try to do it with the pit-stop strategy. After the third stop I just backed off and drove to secure my position, as Michael Schumacher was a fair amount of seconds behind me with only a few laps to go.
Sam Michael (Chief Operations Engineer, WilliamsF1):
This is a fantastic day for the team. Ralf drove a brilliant race today, true textbook style, not putting a foot wrong. The current performance of the BMW WiliamsF1 Team is the result of a number of factors and the effort put in by our technical partners, but it is fair to say that the latest improvements have predominantly come from the aerodynamic department and through Michelin's intensive tyre development work.
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
The second consecutive 1-2 is simply unbelievable if you think about how weak we were at the start of the season. The way we dominated the race from the first to the last lap was stunning. We were able to go faster than everybody else at any time. After the third pit-stop we just eased up. Front row and a 1-2 finish is the best result we have ever achieved in our three and a half years of partnership. With regards the Championship, we have nearly caught Ferrari which is good for us and for the fans in future races.
Barcelona Test: 8-11 July, Marc Genй all days, Marko Asmer (8), Ralf Schumacher (9-11)
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