BMW is seeing favorable signs in demand in Asia while growth in the United States stays sluggish, board member Ian Robertson said on Thursday.
“We thought Asia would go in low-to-single digits. It has actually gone a bit stronger than that. It went through a tough patch for two years and is now on a more confident path,” Robertson informed reporters at the Paris Motor Program.
“We thought the United States market had come to a head in January. We took the decision to destock a few of the oversupply. Many manufacturers have not done that. I do not see the United States growing especially into next year.”
Asked whether BMW Group is likely to retain its lead in sales of premium automobiles in 2016, Robertson said: “We are 100,000 automobiles ahead at group level, does that answer your question?”
Mercedes-Benz is giving chase to BMW by introducing a raft of electrical cars but Robertson said BMW was prepared for boosted competition in premium electric cars.
“While a lot of people are revealing the future we are providing today. We will continue to develop this sector. You can be ensured there is a pipeline of products that we are also working on.”
Inquired about the impact of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union, Robertson stated demand had not been impacted.
