Quote:
Originally Posted by Merc1  When BMW and every other carmaker gives their world sales numbers it is numbers of units delievered to their dealers, not put in customers hands. M |
Yes, and what I'm saying not all the rest of the world is like the US market you are familiar with.
Of course dealer can still order few units for "on-the-lot" inventory. But mostly (at least in Europe) custom orders are performed, and delivery to the dealer in most cases means delivery to the final customer.
Of course there is a few day delay since dealer has to prepare the car for the customer. But nevertheless - the car is already sold.
Early introduction of "next year MY" (usually already in the first months of current year) in the US market is an aftermath of intensive "of-the-lot" sales - since cars sits on the lot longer, even months. Not in BMW case though.