(July 9, 2012) MUNICH — BMW Motorrad sold 59,189 motorcycles worldwide in the first half of 2012, slightly below 2011 when 60,580 units were sold.

While motorcycle sales are slightly below the previous year for the first six months of 2012, BMW Motorrad is expecting significant growth in the second half of the year, thereby staying on course for a new sales record. One of the factors here is the high demand for the new maxi scooters BMW C 600 Sport and BMW C 650 GT which see their market launch in July.

What is more, the new BMW F 700 GS (pictured below) and the new BMW F 800 GS are to be launched in September. The high-volume entry-level and medium class BMW Motorrad GS models have been subjected to a far-reaching model revision, now offering a new design and a level of equipment which is unique in comparison to competitor models.

In addition to the ABS braking system, now issued as standard, automatic stability control (ASC) and electronic suspension adjustment (ESA) are now available for the first time in this segment.

Heiner Faust, head of Sales and Marketing BMW Motorrad, said, "As expected, the economic situation in the southern European motorcycle markets in particular led to a marked decline in purchasing activity among motorcycle customers in June 2012. From a worldwide perspective, motorcycle markets are developing unevenly.

"All in all, BMW Motorrad has been able to assert itself well within this difficult market environment. For example, we are the market leader in the over 500 cc segment in Germany, Italy and Spain. We will be providing a powerful purchase impetus in the second half of 2012 with our innovative new products such as the maxi scooters C 600 Sport and C 650 GT, the new GS models in the entry-level and mid-range segment and other product measures. We are well on the way to achieving an all-time retail high in 2012."

Husqvarna Motorcycles, the second motorcycle brand of the BMW Group, supplied more motorcycles than the previous year for the sixth time in succession. As of June, supplies increased as compared to the previous year by 48,3 % to 5,235 motorcycles (previous year: 3,530 units).