Cars and Drivers

BMW Posts Record Sales, Revenues, Profits in 2014

BMW i8
courtesy of BMW
Munich-based automaker BMW Group disclosed its 2014 results Thursday morning, and the company said that it had its fifth consecutive record-setting year. Unit sales surpassed 2 million vehicles for the first time ever, revenues rose 5.7% to €80.4 billion and net profit rose 9.2% to €5.82 billion.

The company said it would propose a raise in its annual dividend from €2.6 to €2.9 at the firm’s annual meeting in mid-May. Rival Germany-based automaker Volkswagen announced this morning that it will propose a 20% increase in its annual dividend from €4.0 to €4.8 at its annual meeting, also scheduled for May.

BMW sold nearly 397,000 vehicles in the United States in 2014 to establish itself as the top-selling luxury car maker in the country.

The company’s new 2 Series sold more than 41,000 units worldwide, and the venerable 3 Series sold more than 480,000 units, compared with more than 500,000 in 2013. That drop was more than offset by sales of the 4 Series, which had worldwide sales of nearly 120,000 units in 2014, compared with just 15,000 in the prior year. Sales of the 5 Series also rose nearly 2% to 373,000 units. BMW said that its 3-, 4- and 5-Series cars were global leaders in their market segments.

BMW’s X5 crossover had a worldwide sales jump of 37% to more than 147,000 units, and the company’s i3 electric and i8 plug-in hybrid sold around 16,000 and 1,700 units, respectively.

The company’s Mini brand had slightly lower unit sales, and the Rolls-Royce segment sold more than 4,000 cars for the first time ever.

Vehicle sales in Europe rose 6.4% year-over-year, 13.8% in Asia and 4.0% in the Americas. Sales in mainland China rose 16.6% to more than 456,000 units.

ALSO READ: How Gas Prices Affect Car Buyers

If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)

Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be.

Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!

Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality. (sponsor)

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.