BMW reduced its volume expectations for the Chinese market in the December quarter and now expects a 2025 automotive EBIT margin of 5-6%, down from a previous target of 5-7%.
The company also lowered its forecast for free cash flow in the automotive sector from more than 5 billion euros to more than 2.5 billion euros.
The forecast changes are linked to weak sales in China, higher tariff costs and payments to support dealers under pressure from falling commissions on local financial products.
BMW also postponed expected refunds of customs duties from US and German authorities, totaling three-digit amounts, from 2025 to next year.
Western automakers including BMW, Audi and Porsche face stiff competition in China from local electric vehicle makers such as BYD and Xiaomi, leading to declining unit sales.
Analysts note that pressures in China could eventually affect Europe as well. German industrial production fell in August, revealing the struggles of the country’s export-driven auto sector.
BMW says its next-generation electric vehicles, including the new iX3 SUV in its Neue Klasse range, will help support future sales.
Samvardhana Motherson shares fell 1.80 points, or 1.73%, to 102.30 around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday,
