Summary
BMW uses California as an early test market for its new cars because the state accounts for a large portion of U.S. car sales. The company looks at how quickly its cars appear on California streets to gauge success. California is known for its diverse appetite for cars, from electric models to luxury and performance vehicles.
Key Facts
- California is the largest new car market in the U.S., making up about 11% of annual new car sales.
- BMW sees California as a competitive market where new car success can be quickly assessed.
- The state is diverse in car preferences, with electric vehicles selling well in cities and performance cars and trucks preferred in different regions.
- Luxury vehicle sales are higher in California than in most other U.S. areas, except New York City.
- BMW notes a demand in the U.S. for cars with features like manual transmissions and good driving experience.
- Manual transmissions are much less common now, with only a few BMW models like the M2, M3, M4, and Z4 still offering them.
- Customers in China and Europe prioritize different features in cars compared to the U.S.
- BMW highlights the importance of practical design features for American drivers, like cup holders and climate control access.
