January 22 2009   Source: BMW North America

BMW Motorcycle Sales Up Despite General Weakness in the Market

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - January 21, 2009... Despite a weakened motorcycle market, BMW Motorrad USA reported a gain (0.6 percent) in 2008 sales compared to 2007. Following a strong performance during each of the last six consecutive months, BMW motorcycle sales outperformed overall U.S. motorcycle sales, which dropped more than seven percent last year. Both retail and wholesale performance during October 2008 established all-new BMW Motorrad USA records.

"Our sustained success during these very difficult economic times speaks volumes about the strength of our brand, our new model initiatives and the quality of our dealers." commented Pieter de Waal, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA.

BMW motorcycle sales were boosted by consumer interest in several new adventure/sport-oriented models - the upgraded BMW R 1200 GS and GS Adventure and the all-new BMW F 650 GS and F 800 GS enduro motorcycles; the G 450 X sport enduro; and the HP2 Sport.

"The popularity of these new models demonstrates that more motorcyclists are embracing an adventure-sport lifestyle and seeking a modern combination of on- and off-road capabilities to explore roads less traveled," added Mr. de Waal. "We have just the right motorcycles for these riders. We also have a great partner in BMW Financial Services which has allowed us to continue to finance consumers' motorcycle purchases during these difficult financial times."

This year, BMW Motorrad USA will introduce several new models to the U.S. market: the 2009 BMW K 1300 S -- the most powerful street-legal bike offered by BMW, the 2009 K 1300 GT, and BMW's all-new 2009 World Superbike contender, the S 1000 RR.