BMW to Be Outsold by Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. from 2012

Although BMW AG’s main brand is on a steady course to become the top-selling luxury auto brand in the US this year. But the manufacturer isn’t safe yet as top executives from BMW revealed that it will be outsold by Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz early next year.

The new and improved C-Klasse which will roll out later this year will probably make Mercedes the top seller in the first quarter while BMW is still selling older 3-Series models, according to Jim O’Donnell head of BMW U.S. operations. It is expected that, Mercedes may lead in deliveries for a few months, he said. "In the first quarter of next year, I would say Mercedes" will be number 1, he added.

"Mercedes going into 2012 in the first quarter will be in a strong position.Over the course of the year, we still should be ahead of Mercedes," as Automotive News cites. BMW expects the new 3-Series, which will reach dealers in April, will add 12 to 15 percent in growth next year. BMW managed to take the lead from Mercedes thanks to a sales growth of 13 percent to 135,114 through July, placing it 5,182 vehicles ahead it main competitor.

The figures exclude Daimler’s Sprinter and smart models as well as the Mini brand, which aren’t luxury vehicles. BMW top executives describe the brand’s sales in the US as being consistent, keeping the manufacturer “on pace” to become the U.S.’s top selling luxury brand this year, as the aforementioned source.