BMW, Mercedes-Benz Compete for the US No.1 Luxury Car Tag
Chief Executive of German luxury car-maker BMW Norbert Reithofer poses inside a BMW i8 Concept car during the presentation of the 'BMW i3 Concept' and 'BMW i8 Concept' cars at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, September 13, 2011. Reuters

For the first time, German auto manufacturers BMW and Mercedes-Benz are competing head on for the coveted title of the No.1 selling luxury car in the United States.

According to the November sales outcome revealed by both the companies, Mercedes-Benz reportedly has a safe lead as compared to its luxury rival.

However, the final December results will ultimately be the decision-maker due to be released in the first week of January.

Apart from this, Forbes reported that as per the sales statistics released by AutoData Corp., the value of Mercedes-Benz included nearly 15,000 Sprinter vans that are commonly used as commercial vehicles, like delivery vans, hotel or airport shuttles.

The latest figures from the companies show Mercedes has sold 219,491 while BMW has sold 221,073 vehicles so far this year.

The March 2011 T?hoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan have led to severe disruption to Lexus' Japan-based production lines which has been the champion for the past 11 years in a row. This hindered the marque's near-term sales prospects due to the resultant reduction in vehicle shipments to key export regions such as the U.S.

Owing to the vehicle shortages and reduced shipments, the premium brand finally fell out of competition from European rivals like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Earthquake Japan Tsunami Japan