Mercedes Extends Sales Lead Over BMW

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz Cars unit expanded its global sales lead over rival BMW AG in August, according to company data.

Mercedes brand sales last month grew 12% to 156,200 units compared with a 5% gain to 142,600 units for BMW. Demand for Volkswagen AG’s Audi brand rose 3% to 132,400 vehicles. All three marques benefited from strong demand for SUV/crossovers.

Results for the first eight months of 2016 showed Mercedes' volume up 12% to 1.32 million. BMW deliveries gained 6% to 1.28 million, and Audi sales advanced 5% to 1.23 million.