BMW’s March car sales break all monthly records

BMW said first-quarter new-car sales were the highest ever on the back of March sales that broke all previous records as its three largest markets posted double-digit growth.

China overtook the United States as the group's largest single market in the first quarter, cementing its place as the biggest driver of growth for the premium car industry.

Group sales, including the Mini and Rolls-Royce brands, increased by 12 percent last month to 185,728, bringing the cumulative tally so far this year to 425,528 for an overall gain of 11.2 percent.

BMW said March sales eclipsed the previous monthly record from last June, thanks to strong showings for its 1 series volume model and a good start for the revamped 3 series.

"These outstanding results are due to our attractive, young model range and our strategy of healthy, balanced growth across the globe," BMW sales chief Ian Robertson said in a statement today.

"We aim to continue the momentum with additional new models this year, such as the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and a model revision of the flagship BMW 7 series," he said.