Now we're not sure if you noticed, but today Agent 009 did a stellar job covering the release of the August 2012 sales figures. Well done, 009. And BMW/MINI had an interesting month of sales.
BMW tumbled on percentage basis, year-over-year, and MINI shot the lights out. But why?
If you took a second to observe the figures that were itemized, it's readily apparent that the SUVs are the vehicles that are moving out showroom doors. Sedan sales -- even the 3-Series -- are down significantly from the same period in 2011.
That being said, the all-new BMW X1 made its debut in August. Being even more aggressively priced than the current generation X3, which has moved ever so slightly upmarket, it is priced in the 3-Series sedan area.
This poses an interesting conundrum: What will BMW buyers choose now that the X1 is here? Which vehicle stands to LOSE?