Drop in BMW sales

After retaining the number one position for two consecutive years in the Indian luxury car market, BMW has started 2011 with sales of 500 units in January, which is less by 140 units than that of rival Mercedes-Benz.

BMW registered a jump of 46.63 per cent over 341 units sold during the corresponding month last year, said the company in a statement.

On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz India had reported 58.81 per cent increase in its sales in January at 640 units, the highest for the month, as compared to the same period of 2010.

Rival and compatriot Audi sold 480 units in January 2011, its highest monthly sales in India, as against 306 units in the same month last year, up 56.86 per cent.

Germany's BMW had maintained its lead over rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi to remain the top luxury car-maker in India in 2010, with sales of 6,246 units.

Mercedes-Benz India had sold 5,819 cars between January and December, 2010, while Audi India sold 3,003 units in the country in the last year.

The Indian luxury car market is estimated to be around 15,000 units annually.