BMW sales in Europe exceeded Mercedes, Audi remains the number one luxury brand

In 2010, sales of premium cars have been revived Audi defended well in the first position among luxury car manufacturers in the European market, while BMW took second place ahead of the Mercedes-Benz.

BMW new car registrations rose 6.5% last year to 609,196 units, and also recording the fastest growth among the three luxury brands, Mercedes-Benz exceeding (586,146 units), while Audi has remained the top sales, with 623,536 units, according to ACEA statistics.

In December, Audi deliveries climbed 16%, surpassing the BMW rose 7.3% and Mercedes-Benz, with only 4.2%.

Premium car sales recovered in 2010 amid increasing consumer confidence in the economic and companies earned profits used to renew the fleet of company cars. Demand declined in 2009 when customers opted for cheaper and more efficient cars, being encouraged by incentives offered by governments through programs of "piece". Most programs were completed last year.

Audi has set itself the target to reach 2015's largest premium carmaker in the world of machines, beyond the BMW, which now holds that position.

"Returning the premium segment in 2010 after the devastating effects of scrappage programs and return to the fleet market companies, it seems to continue this year," said Philippe Barrier, an analyst at Societe Generale in Paris. "The main market in Europe is Germany. We expect there to increase next year, which will be very important for BMW, Audi and Daimler. "

Deliveries have been revitalized BMW 5 Series sedan, while it was helped by the new Audi A7 Sportback and A1 compact.

Mercedes registrations fell by 0.1%, while the sedan's S and E-Class sales rose particularly outside Europe. Customers expect to introduce the new C-Class sedan. 2010 was the second consecutive year of decline in Europe.