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BMW planning new niche models, 3-Series derivative in the works

Wazz submitted on 9/15/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 11:28:06 AM

21 user comments | Category: Misc News | Source: | SOURCE: www.egmcartech.com

Tag Links: BMW, 3 series

In an effort to offset sluggish sales in its traditional vehicle segments, BMW is planning more niche models like the X6 and the upcoming Progressive Activity Sedan that will hit the market in 2009.

According to a BMW spokesman, the company is working on a derivative of the next 3-series.

A 3-Series derivative could allow the assembly plant to operate more profitably, said the spokesman. Currently the plant only builds 1,000 3-Series sedan and wagon models. A new plant could help BMW make up for the falling demand in those two segments.

BMW is planning a similar strategy for the new 5-Series. Let’s just hope these models don’t turn out to be another X6.

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BMW planning new niche models, 3-Series derivative in the works

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Wazz

— Wazz (View Profile)


User Comments

LexSucks

Why would anyone Choose a BMW over A Lexus?

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 9/15/2008 12:15:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -13   

ThierryHenry14

haha... I needed a good laugh on monday...

— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/15/2008 12:17:47 PM | | Votes: 7   

dlin

Probably the same reason people choose a INFINITI over BMW.

Confused?

— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 9/15/2008 4:04:00 PM | | Votes: -9   

ExarSadow11

At least Infiniti gives BMW more competition with the G35, G37, M35/45, FX, EX than Lexus does with their cars. Infiniti makes really nice cars.

— ExarSadow11 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/15/2008 7:34:44 PM | | Votes: 8   

superchicagoman11

Ya i give them a pat on the back for competing with a German brand soo good! Especially when its BMW (the top dog most of the time).

— superchicagoman11 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/15/2008 7:37:07 PM | | Votes: 5   

snatchandgrab

People choose cars because of personal preference dumb ass.

— snatchandgrab (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2008 12:41:49 PM | | Votes: 2   

E36er

Here we go again.

— E36er (View Profile)

Posted on 9/15/2008 12:19:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

DaHarder

To BMW I ask the following...

Just how many niches do you find it reasonable to (attempt to) create?

With every pseudo-new entry, BMW appears to be doing little more than losing their enthusiast-oriented focus.

I say Keep It Simple Stupid!

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 9/15/2008 1:11:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Larry

many people like the bmw x6, you can not judge it's success by it's sales. the x6 was not built to sell like a x3.

— Larry (View Profile)

Posted on 9/15/2008 1:14:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

GTR35

Larry, did you think about your comment before you posted? How do you define "success" in the business world? Neither the X6 or the X3 are selling well in comparison to their main rivals (FX, EX), that to me is closer to failure than success.

— GTR35 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/15/2008 3:34:40 PM | | Votes: -1   

JRobUSC

really? So the A5/S5 is a failure then because they sell far in much smaller numbers than a 3-Series coupe? The fact that they're sold out doesn't matter? That's ridiculous. By the way, the X3 outsold the EX all year until BMW stopped building X3's a few months ago (in case you weren't aware BMW is moving production of the X3 to Spartanburg).

Anyway, the X6 is sold out. That's how BMW measures its success. When you have BMW dealers buying BMW NA's DEMO X6's at auction for OVER STICKER, that is "success". And BMW isn't comparing their sales figures for the $65-85k X6 with those of the $45-65k FX. Exclusivity is more valuable than volume. Guess what? Compared to the Infiniti FX, MB sells fewer ML63's and Porsche sells fewer Cayenne GTS/Turbos, but if you walked up to 100 people on the street and said "take your pick, money is no object" I'll guarantee you almost all of them would take the Benz or Porsche. Why? Because they're exclusive. Because they're Porsche's and Benz's. Because most people, if money were no object, want "image". The only difference is money IS an object for most people. The market BMW is targeting for the X6 are the people who can actually afford to MAKE that choice. And considering it's completely sold out, I'd say they're doing a good job hitting that target market.

— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2008 12:28:05 PM | | Votes: 2   

1995e34

i think an r-class competitor is a great idea. i know many have knocked the r's styling, but it is a very practical design.

— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/15/2008 1:44:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

snatchandgrab

Its ugly.

— snatchandgrab (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2008 12:43:24 PM | | Votes: 1   

snatchandgrab

Honestly, Mercedes should have kept the Pacifica and scrapped the R. It looks much better. (I can't believe I said a Chrysler looks better than a Benz). WTH?

— snatchandgrab (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2008 12:44:45 PM | | Votes: 0   

Corsis

Theyre going from the Ultimate Driving machine to the ultimate marketing machine.




— Corsis (View Profile)

Posted on 9/15/2008 4:30:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

huu76

IS3,
The X6 was capped at 20,000 units per year, just a bit higher than the ugly-ass GX. Lexus can cap GX production to 10,000 and sell them out and have a big a "hit" on their hands.

Progressive Activity Sedan? How fitting, they should choose something more accurate like Progress Activity Sports Sedan (PASS, which I'm sure most people will do). Me thinks they'll have to limit production to 5,000 units so they can claim another sell-out hit.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/15/2008 9:41:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

JRobUSC

"Lexus can cap GX production to 10,000 and sell them out and have a big a 'hit' on their hands."

And when they do, I'm sure you'll be first in line to shout how awesome the sold out Lexus is and how much every BMW sucks. You sure do like to have it both ways.

— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2008 12:31:26 PM | | Votes: 0   

Htay7500

Can you stick to getting a M3 CSL here in the states?

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/15/2008 9:56:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

huu76

JRknob,
I guess you missed the part about me calling the GX 'ugly ass'. You're foolish if you think I blindly like Lexus.

Surprise, I don't like the SC either.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/19/2008 6:37:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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