BMW AG is counting on a fresh product lineup and better efficiency to take on rival Mercedes-Benz as waning demand in key markets squeezes profit across the industry, raising the stakes for incoming boss Oliver Zipse.
The push, based on a record model offensive started under outgoing Chief Executive Officer Harald Krueger, has started bearing fruit. Robust pricing and higher sales helped soften the drag on second-quarter earnings from surging expenses for new models like the revamped 3-series as well as expenses for a new factory in Mexico, BMW said Thursday in a statement.
