[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by BigNorm4Life

I would say more flawed than suck....

If they didn't suck they wouldn't be canceling them now would they.

[bandwagn]

Originally Posted by desertfox73

These reports always crack me up. Ok, so they share the sales figures...what about production numbers/expenses?

I realize we're not shareholders, and there's no obligation to publish revenue/expense figures for us, but really...sharing only one side of the story is pretty silly and pointless.

It would be more informative/meaningful to share overall net profit numbers. A real P&L would be enlightening.

Why aren't you a shareholder? We love the brand, might as well own the stock too. Years back E*Trade would let you open a global trading account and purchase shares on foreign exchanges - have done well on the stock, but took a hit on the Fx

BMW has tried to shift a bit from pure sales to higher profitability - the marketing 'M' also brings the 'M'argins!

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

Although, one could argue the more vehicles they sell begets more $$ for R&D to develop more vehicles and the "best" vehicle for you

Maybe less R&D might have saved us from those hideous new grills?

Seriously, taste is not a function of R&D but good engines, brakes, well tuned transmissions and suspensions, etc. are. So there is some merit to your point.

But a few more vehicles sold than Mercedes or a few less isn't going to impact on R&D budgets. Furthermore, the impact of the new grills won't be felt for a couple of more years until they become more prevalent.

[FreudeamFahren18]

Hopefully under Zipse as the new CEO, BMW can reclaim its rightful position as not only the best luxury brand but as the Ultimate driving Machine.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by city1991

Real sales? Or inflated sales BMW is being investigated for?

Those sales are real sales. The cars do eventually get sold.

It's the bookkeeping manipulation of when those sales are recorded which would violate accounting and inflate sales figure that has the SEC attention as it could impact quarterly or annual reports that are highly regulated.

[ihbase]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Those sales are real sales. The cars do eventually get sold.

Sure, as used cars. Apparently the bulk of the new G20 buyers are dealers with no choice.

[desertfox73]

Originally Posted by bandwagn

Why aren't you a shareholder? We love the brand, might as well own the stock too. Years back E*Trade would let you open a global trading account and purchase shares on foreign exchanges - have done well on the stock, but took a hit on the Fx

BMW has tried to shift a bit from pure sales to higher profitability - the marketing 'M' also brings the 'M'argins!

I very well might be, I'm not aware of every individual stock my financial planner has our accounts invested in.

The only money I invest myself is in an index fund (VFIAX), which has yielded a 33.2% return since January 2019. As good as BMW is, their stock doesn't come close to that.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by bayarea328xit

Light Truck Sales in 2012: 86,367 (BMW Total: 281,460)
Light Truck Sales in 2019: 159,277 (BMW Total: 324,826)

Conversely,
BMW Passenger Car Sales 2012 : 195,093
BMW Passenger Car Sales 2019 : 165,549

Actual Cars (no X1 SUVs) 2012 :186,149
Actual Cars (no X1/X2 SUVs) 2019 : 136,441

Essentially a drop of about 1/3 of Actual Cars Sales and 2012 wasn't the peak in BMW car sales.

[chassis]

IK6, this to me points to the long term decline of consumer auto ownership. Flat industry volume of 17m vehicles for 20 years means fewer vehicles per household.