Although BMW ’s sales were up 1 percent in August, the German automaker is expecting a 40 percent drop in profits this year. BMW attributes most of that decline to falling sales in its traditional segments, a problem BMW plans to remedy by introducing more niche models.
According to Automotive News, BMW will follow up its X6 utility vehicle with a niche vehicle based on the company’s 3-series. No word on exactly what form the new model will take, but the company’s new “Progressive Activity Sedan” design style is the most likely candidate.
“We are investigating whether we can successfully occupy more niches across all existing model lines,” a BMW spokesperson told Automotive News.
Although the niche model wouldn’t tally as many sales as the regular 3-series, it would help BMW’s 3-series factory run closer to capacity, therefore allowing the plant to run more profitably. According the plant’s manager, the facility could be retooled to produce the new vehicle in as little as three months.
BMW will continue its march into niche vehicle segments after the 3-series-based model debuts, with a similar scheme planned for the company’s 5-series.
