BMW's Rolls-Royce Sees U.S. as Biggest Market for $300,000 Car

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG's Rolls-Royce luxury car unit expects the United States to be the biggest market for its new $300,000 car that goes on sale in January, according to Bloomberg News. BMW is introducing 20 models in the next six years to boost earnings and overtake DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit as the No. 1 maker of luxury vehicles. Besides Rolls, the company is planning a new Mini, the X3 small sport utility vehicle and a 1-Series compact. The Germany-based auto manufacturer wants to increase 2002 sales by 10 percent to 1 million vehicles, according to Bloomberg News. The company expects the U.S. to generate 40 percent of sales. It has formed a network of 60 dealers worldwide to sell the car. Some 25 will be in the U.S.