BMW Expects Its 2013 Sales to Top Last Year’s Record

BMW AG, which boosted group volume 11% to a record-high 1.85 million vehicles in 2012, predicts demand for its vehicles will reach a fresh record this year.

The BMW brand also hit an all-time high last year with a 12% jump to 1.54 million vehicles, thus remaining the world's top-selling luxury marque. Rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz hiked volume 12% to 1.46 million units and 5% to 1.32 million units, respectively.

Demand for BMW's Mini brand rose 6% to 301,500 units in 2012. Sales of its Bentley make increased 1% to a record 3,600 units.

The company says group volume reached new highs in all regions last year even the slugging European market, where its sales edged up 1% to 864,800 vehicles, buoyed by a 33% jump to 40,100 units in Russia.

Asian demand for the company's brands soared 32% to 491,500 vehicles in 2012, including a 40% surge to 362,400 units in China and a 19% gain to 56,600 units in Japan. Sales climbed 14% to 347,600 units in the U.S.