BMW Group gives props to X-series for record sales worldwide.

The BMW Group delivered nearly 2.5 million vehicles to customers around the world, surpassing its 2018 sales goal by 1.1%.

The company did it by selling more BMWs and Rolls-Royces than ever before, according to a news release. Those brands plus Mini accounted for the eighth consecutive annual sales record by delivering 2,490,664 vehicles.

Sales of electric BMW and Mini cars grew by 38.4% compared to the previous year.

The BMW Group expects to achieve aslight increase in global sales in 2019. The generally good economic environment and positive forecasts for the premium segment, in combination with new models, especially the updated and expanded X-family portfolio, are expected to support sales growth in 2019, according to the release.

"However, political and economic circumstances are expected to remain volatile, which could have an impact on the automotive market," the news release said.

Inmainland China, the BMW Group expects solid sales growth in 2019. While the Chinese market has normalized, the premium segment is expected to show good growth potential, according to a BMW analysis. China-manufactured BMW vehicles will be the main growth drivers, especially the BMW X3, which will be fully available in 2019, after a plant in China opened June 2018.

It is the first X-model not manufactured in Spartanburg County.

"InEurope, the BMW Group anticipates slight sales growth in 2019, although depending on economic development in the region, we cannot rule out that sales volume may remain at last year's level," the release said.

Although the overall car market in theUnited Statesseems to have reached a peak, forecasts for the premium segment show growth potential for 2019, BMW said. "Given the positive outlook for both the premium car market and the overall economy, the BMW Group expects to achieve a slight...