BMW Trails Mercedes, Audi in China With Sales Drop in May
- Buyers hold back ahead of import duty cut; X3 SUV in ramp up
- China deliveries fall 10%,versus surge at Mercedes-Benz
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BMW sales in China, the carmaker’s biggest national market, dropped for the first time in over two years in May after buyers delayed purchases, hoping for better deals following a cut in import duties.
Deliveries of BMW-brand and Mini city cars in China fell 10 percent in May compared to a year ago, BMW AG said Tuesday in a statement. This compares to sales gains at rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi. BMW also said low availability of the popular X3 sport utility vehicle in China dragged on its result for the month which burdened global sales to decline 2.1 percent.