German car-maker BMW has increased its profits in the first quarter thanks to strong demand for large vehicles and higher sales in the US and Britain as well as in a recovering European market.
Net profit rose four per cent compared with the same period last year to 1.515 billion euro (£1.1 billion), the company said.
Vehicle sales rose across all major markets for the world's top-selling maker of high-priced cars. The company saw especially big increases of 15 per cent in Britain and 13 per cent in the United States during the quarter.
Sales grew 10 per cent in Europe; the car market there continues to recover as the countries that use the euro slowly heal from their crisis over too much government and bank debt.
The X-series of 4x4s and crossovers, pricey vehicles that generate strong profit margins, continued to boost earnings as many customers in the US move up to more expensive cars. The X-5 sport-utility made in Spartanburg, South Carolina, saw sales rise 30 per cent compared with the same period of last year.
Significantly, Munich-based BMW said it maintained its high profit margin of 9.5 per cent, near the upper end of its target range.
Revenues rose 15 per cent to 20.917 billion euro (£15.5 billion).
BMW leads Volkswagen's Audi division and Daimler's Mercedes-Benz brand in the sales race among high-priced car makers. The company also makes Rolls-Royce and Mini cars.
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