BMW, Audi and Daimler Set 2012 Sales Record

German luxury carmakers are on cruise control, selling more cars than ever before in 2012. BMW beat Audi and Daimler, but all three brands registered strong growth.

A BMW concept car is on display at the China International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China, Nov. 22, 2012. BMW sold 296,000 cars in China last year, 38 percent more than in 2011. STR/AFP/Getty Images

Despite woes in Europe, German luxury carmakers remain world class. BMW, Audi, and Daimler sold a total of 4.72 million cars, more than ever before.

BMW especially registered strong growth, boosting sales to 1.85 million cars, up 11.6 percent compared to 2011. “We achieved record sales and extended our lead in the premium segment,” said Ian Robertson, BMW’s head of marketing and distribution.

BMW did especially well in China, selling 296,000 cars, 38 percent more cars than in 2011. Robertson said that “the main reasons for BMW’s success are our attractive and innovative cars, the strength of our premium brand and the balanced distribution model across all continents.”

Audi sold even more cars in China, selling 370,000 units, up 31 percent. In total the VW subsidiary sold 1.45 million cars worldwide, up 11.7 percent.