BMW will increase its international market share faster than its rivals – including previous fast-mover Toyota – according to accounting firm KPMG’s latest Global Automotive Executive Survey.

The survey, conducted with 1000 senior automotive executives, stated that 58 per cent of respondents believed BMW would increase its market share. Toyota was the second strongest automotive brand to increase sales, while Daimler (Mercedes-Benz) was third.

BMW replaced Toyota as number one based on future product, particularly its goal to expand its electric vehicle (EV) production.

The greatest increase was seen by Daimler jumping from 16th position in 2016 – with 34 per cent of executives then believing it would boost market share – to the third spot in 2017 with 56 per cent of global executives forecasting growth.

 

When looking at only the North American executives who participated in the survey, Daimler was rated the highest, ahead of BMW and Toyota.

Tesla lifted its ranking by three rungs on the ladder compared with 2016, now in eighth position.

Volkswagen was one of the biggest losers. KPMG said it was “tormented by dieselgate” and fell from third position in 2016 to sixth.

One surprise was the BAIC Group, the Chinese manufacturer ranked fourth in China, which predominantly makes commercial vehicles – such as Foton – but also has joint-ventures with Daimler and Hyundai.

KPMG noted it rated 12th on the list and had only an eight per cent negative reaction by executives. By comparison, its outlook was more positive than Mazda (13th) and Suzuki (14th).

By Neil Dowling