BMW Cuts 2026 Views as Middle East War, China Woes Weigh
By Joshua Kirby
BMW lowered its outlook for the year, shifting from a previously more confident tone as the Middle East conflict takes a heavier toll than expected.
The German carmaker now expects a fall in automotive sales over the course of 2026, compared with a year earlier, having previously guided for roughly flat growth. The operating margin in the company's mainstay automotive division will meanwhile likely be within a range of 1%-3% for the year, a weaker estimate than the 4%-6% BMW had previously expected.
A tough market in China is behind the cloudier outlook, BMW said. Conflict in the Middle East is also hitting the company's performance, it said.
"On the one hand, energy prices remain elevated and weigh on the cost structures in our company," BMW said.
"On the other hand, the lack of stability due to the conflict is negatively impacting consumer sentiment across markets around the world."
Write to Joshua Kirby at joshua.kirby@wsj.com; @joshualeokirby
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
June 16, 2026 12:20 ET (16:20 GMT)
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