BMW of North America, LLC became the number one luxury automotive brand in April, outselling all other luxury vehicles in the U.S. "BMW has long had strong recognition in the U.S. marketplace," said Tom Purves, chairman and CEO of BMW (US) Holding Corp. "Our products continue to be our strength and with production and inventories matched to demand in the marketplace, we anticipate continued sales strength. We're well on our way to passing the 200,000 mark this calendar year." BMW indeed continues to set sales records, in April posting its second-best month in the U.S., with 20,012 vehicles reported over 15,337 in April 2000, an increase of 30 percent. April 2001 sales boosted BMW's year-to-date total to 66,776, an increase of 15 percent, compared to 58,126 vehicles sold in the same period a year ago. This marks the 31st consecutive month that BMW has surpassed its own sales records, according to Purves. "BMW introduced 21 new products in the last year and there is more new product ahead," Purves said. "Our new M brand models are just coming to market and in the next few years we will introduce several all-new BMW models." In the next few years BMW plans to introduce the 1 Series, a smaller automobile priced below the popular 3 Series line, and expand its sports activity vehicle lineup with a smaller model. BMW has announced plans to revive the 6 Series line with an all-new coupe and convertible. In addition, five new motorcycles are being introduced this year, with more planned. The BMW Group will introduce the MINI to the U.S. next spring and in 2003, the Rolls Royce brand will join the BMW Group.