BMW disclosed that it anticipates a three-fold increase in its EV volume in 2023 as the German automaker expands its portfolio in the US, according to an exclusive interview with Automotive News.
“We’ll be in a position where we’ll triple our volume in 2023 for full BEVs.”
Shaun Bugbee, BMW USA’s VP of Operations
Is the target feasible?
BMW sold 15,584 BEVs in the US in 2022, primarily contributed by the new BMW i4, BMW iX, and BMW i7. Notably, that figure represents 4.7% of its overall sales in the US.
As for 2023, the German automaker expects to triple its EV sales in the country with the debut of the new entry-level i4 eDrive35 hatchback and the i5 sedan.
Considering BMW’s sales in 2022, the projection would indicate that the automaker needs to sell about 47,000 EVs in the US this year to achieve its target.
Notably, Shaun Bugbee is optimistic that the company will be able to meet its set expectation in sales this year.
“This is not just an East Coast, West Coast phenomenon. This is something that’s here to stay across the entire market. That’s our mentality. We want all 350 dealers to be focused on that.”
Shaun Bugbee, BMW USA’s VP of Operations
Dealers’ outlook
The discussion with dealers ended with a good outlook, according to David Sloane, chairman of the BMW National Dealer Forum. He noted that the percentage of EV sales for BMW is increasing in the US.
By 2023, the automaker expects close to 20% of sales to be made up of EVs.
“It’ll be interesting if the demand is there for EVs. But the i4 is priced well. The i7 has been received well.”
David Sloane, chairman of the BMW National Dealer Forum
That said, it would not be surprising if BMW hit its target of tripling its 2022 sales this year in the US. The automaker is indeed in a positive outlook considering the appealing EV offerings it will launch this year.
