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Thursday, May 19, 2011

BMW profit beats analysts' estimates on 5 series, X3

MUNICH -- BMW reported first-quarter profit that beat analysts' estimates on surging demand for the revamped 5-series sedan and overhauled X3 sport-utility vehicle.



Earnings before interest and taxes more than quadrupled to 1.9 billion euros ($2.81 billion) from 449 million euros a year earlier, the company said Wednesday.



Profit surpassed the 1.54 billion-euro average estimate of 14 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. Sales increased 29 percent to 16 billion euros.



China's growing economy and a rebound in spending in the U.S. are fueling record demand for luxury cars from BMW, Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen AG's Audi.



VW reported last week that first-quarter Ebit more than tripled because of demand for Audi models in China. Daimler's operating profit rose 71 percent led by sales of the Mercedes S class.



"We have generated record earnings and sold more cars in a first quarter than ever before," BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said in a statement. "The BMW group is well on its way towards achieving new sales volume and earnings records for the full year."