BMW Sets Sales Records In 2012

Even though the term “economic growth” was an oxymoron for most people last year, the folks at BMW are feeling pretty good about 2012. That’s because the Motorrad set new sales records, delivering 106,358 motorcycles and maxi-scooters worldwide, a 2 percent increase over 2011. Additionally, in December 2012 BMW delivered 43 percent more units than in the previous December.

Germany remained the company’s best market, keeping about 20 percent of 2012 production (20,516 units) at home. The U.S. ranked second (12,100), while France (10,950) and Italy (10,200) scored third and fourth in BMW consumption. Coming on strong to place fifth was Brazil (7442), where four BMW models are made in Manaus, Brazil, for the local market.

It’s no surprise that the company many credit with inventing adventure touring reported its R1200GS outsold every other BMW model in 2012 (17,249), its final year of production. The F800GS (11,487) was next, followed by the R1200GS Adventure (10,203), the S1000RR (8970), and the R1200RT (7909). The K1600 GT and GTL also made a splash for the company selling a combined 10,033 units.