Next-generation BMW 1 Series may not come stateside

Mercedes-Benz and Audi are acting quick on getting their new entry-level models to the United States – including the GLA and the A3, respectively. However, BMW has been in the U.S. with a compact entry-level model for quite some time with the 1 Series. Word on the street now has it that the new redesigned BMW 1 Series will not be making it to the U.S. anytime soon or if at all.

BMW execs say that the company can not guarantee that it will offer the new-generation 1 Series in the United States and that if it does decided to bring it to American shores – the decision would be solely based on the success of the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Audi A3.

“Where we have the 1-series close to the 3-series in terms of the price ladder, what Mercedes and Audi are doing is giving more focus in the below-$30,000 price range. We’re going to watch that and in the future—well, the battleground has now moved to this $30,000 price point. We’re working hard to take advantage of that market,” said Paul Ferraiolo, BMW’s head of product planning and strategy for North America.

Regardless, BMW’s decision is not based on the fact that the 1 Series has been selling slower than the 3 Series since its introduction.

Source: CARandDRIVER