German carmakers come up big in USA

Despite the looming U.S economic downturn, BMW, the most popular European carmaker in the United States, is coming off a triumphant 2007, after earlier this month reporting best-ever annual sales for both its BMW and Mini brands.

The German automaker sold 335,840 vehicles in the U.S in 2007, an increase of 7.1 percent over the 313,603 vehicles sold in 2006.

Audi of America also set a U.S sales record in 2007, with Audi dealers selling 93,506 new vehicles during 2007, up 3.8 percent over 2006.

Mercedes-Benz said that the performance of its newest C class line had pushed 2007 U.S sales to a record 1.29 million vehicles despite a slumping domestic market.

Mercedes is also having success with its M-class diesel, which has already snagged a 20 percent share of the market.