BMW Group Sales Data, Trends & Analysis for the Chinese Automotive Market
BMW entered the Chinese market in the 1990s. However, it was in 2003 that BMW established its first major joint venture in China with Brilliance China Automotive Holdings, leading to the local production of BMW-branded vehicles in the city of Shenyang.
BMW Group China Sales Figures & Recent Highlights
BMW has been selling cars in China since 1994, when it established a joint venture with Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Limited. The first BMW cars produced in China were the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 5 Series. BMW has since become the leading luxury car brand in China. In 2022, BMW sold over 790,000 cars in China, accounting for over 30% of the company’s global sales.
BMW’s other brands have also performed well in China. MINI sold over 30,000 cars in China in 2022, and Rolls-Royce sold over 1,300 cars. Overall, the BMW Group has performed very well in China in recent years. The company is well-positioned to continue its growth in the region, thanks to its strong brand portfolio and its commitment to innovation. The company is also planning to launch a number of other electric vehicles in the coming years.
The BMW Group is confident that it can continue to grow its market share in China in the coming years. The company is investing heavily in new technologies and products, and it is expanding its dealer network. BMW, with its commitment to electrification and a strong brand presence, continues to be well-placed in the Chinese market.
As for the recent performance in China:
- BMW: China has become one of the most crucial markets for BMW, and in some recent years, it surpassed both the U.S. and Germany in terms of sales volume for the brand. The demand for luxury vehicles has grown significantly in China, and BMW has benefited from this trend. The company’s push toward electrification is especially relevant in China, given the country’s strong emphasis on promoting electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its environmental initiatives. BMW’s electric and plug-in hybrid models have been gaining traction in the market.
- MINI: While the MINI brand has a more niche presence in China compared to BMW, it has seen growth in the country, especially in urban areas where compact and stylish vehicles appeal to younger consumers. The introduction of the electric MINI Cooper SE also resonated with the growing interest in EVs in China.
- Rolls-Royce: China’s growing number of high-net-worth individuals has made it a significant market for Rolls-Royce. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen have become key markets for ultra-luxury vehicles, and Rolls-Royce has capitalized on this trend.
BMW Group Annual Sales, Growth & Market Share in China
Below we have a table that shows total BMW Group sales volumes for the Chinese automotive market, broken out by year. This data captures all BMW Group sales for the entire Chinese automotive market, including sub-brands like MINI and Rolls-Royce.
| Year | Sales | YOY Change | Marketshare | Marketshare Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 26,921 | 0.00 | 0.85 | 0.00 |
| 2006 | 92,841 | 244.86 | 2.30 | 63.09 |
| 2007 | 95,035 | 2.36 | 1.88 | -22.41 |
| 2008 | 109,543 | 15.27 | 2.09 | 9.99 |
| 2009 | 170,816 | 55.94 | 2.17 | 3.93 |
| 2010 | 152,551 | -10.69 | 1.48 | -46.81 |
| 2011 | 162,318 | 6.40 | 1.46 | -1.64 |
| 2012 | 188,277 | 15.99 | 1.58 | 8.07 |
| 2013 | 233,329 | 23.93 | 1.63 | 2.70 |
| 2014 | 296,578 | 27.11 | 1.83 | 11.11 |
| 2015 | 297,993 | 0.48 | 1.61 | -13.72 |
| 2016 | 303,635 | 1.89 | 1.38 | -16.45 |
| 2017 | 376,227 | 23.91 | 1.64 | 15.68 |
| 2018 | 464,580 | 23.48 | 2.10 | 21.97 |
| 2019 | 544,572 | 17.22 | 2.70 | 22.05 |
| 2020 | 611,113 | 12.22 | 3.27 | 17.60 |
| 2021 | 629,554 | 3.02 | 3.11 | -5.02 |
| 2022 | 618,021 | -1.83 | 2.99 | -4.21 |
BMW Group China Annual Sales Units & Growth Chart
Below is a visual representation of BMW Group’s China sales units over time. We have both the BMW Group sales units and the growth in the Chinese market. Click on the items in the legend to see each series by itself.
BMW Group China Growth Rate & Market Share Chart
Below is the annual growth rate for the BMW Group in China, shown against the BMW Group’s marketshare changes in China. This gives you a good look into how the BMW Group has faired against the other brands in terms of absolute sales and effect on marketshare. Click on the items in the legend to see each series by itself.
