German carmaker BMW attains record sales in 2013

German top-of-the-range carmaker BMW said Monday it sold more cars than ever before in 2013 and it aims to top that number again this year. BMW said in a statement it sold a total 1.964 million vehicles last year, "an increase of 6.4 percent from the previous record year of 2012." The group owns three brands, BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce and also manufactures motorbikes. Global sales of the BMW brand alone rose by 7.5 percent to 1.655 million units. The group also sold a total 305,030 Minis worldwide and Rolls-Royce sales were up 1.5 percent at 3,630. Motorcycle sales increased by 8.3 percent to 115,215 units. "The BMW group posted record sales once again in 2013," said sales and marketing chief Ian Robertson. "Despite the prevailing headwinds in many markets, we aim to increase sales and make 2014 another record year," he said.