BMW 5 Series GT - Officially A Mistake

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo has been designed as a stylish alternative to the minivan and crossovers, when the market started in November 2009. But sales of the "struţo-camel" disappointed in the U.S., customers choosing competing brands.

Now, Jim O'Donnell, CEO of BMW North America, says he would have liked the BMW 5 Series Touring (Wagon) not be withdrawn from the market last year. BMW 5 Series GT expected to attract new customers break-ins, but instead drew the 7 Series customers.

"The disappointment I have is that I thought pretty much that our customers will choose the 5-series Touring GT," said O'Donnell. "In reality, this has not happened. We lost those customers who left the competition - especially at Mercedes-Benz. GT Series has attracted customers 5 and 7 Series Touring but customers, as we had expected. "

In Florida, 10% of customers, the BMW 7 Series and 5 Series cars have replaced the GT, the U.S. official said.

When GT BMW 5 Series was launched in the U.S., BMW executives said they expect annual sales between 4,000 and 8,000 units. BMW 2848 GT's sold in 2010 and only 720 in the first four months of 2011. 5 Series Touring sales had a maximum of 2351 units in 2005.

BMW 5 Series GT design was controversial at first. Dealers say that some customers did not like hatchback configuration, and others did not like the look of the top back. "Americans do not like the hatchback's, no matter how much they are appreciated by Europeans," said John Mantione, general manager of a BMW dealer. "But it's very attractive price - a car that cost 7 Series 5 Series."

O'Donnell says he does not want to lose sales of breaks in the Mercedes-Benz, so I keep hoping that BMW BMW 3 Series Touring. "Do not give up the 3 series wagon because if you lose it, customers would go directly to the competition," the U.S. official said.

Source: http://www.bmw.com/