BMW Losses Almost $800 Million as Sales Slide During Lockdowns

The BMW M8 is seen during the media day of the 41st Bangkok International Motor Show after the Thai government eased measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 14, 2020. Jorge Silva/File Photo/Reuters

FRANKFURT—BMW expects to make an operating profit this year despite losing 666 million euros ($787 million) in the second quarter for its first loss since 2009 as sales of its luxury cars slumped during coronavirus lockdowns, the company said on Wednesday.

The German manufacturer of BMWs, Minis and Rolls-Royces, said deliveries had begun to recover, including in China, but the rebound would not be enough to make up for the shortfall in sales lost to the pandemic.