BMW reported a lower-than-expected profit margin in its automotive segment for the second quarter, with the EBIT margin falling to 8.4%, below the 8.7% forecast. Shares dropped 3.8% as competition and weaker demand in China pressured results. Despite a 4% decline in China sales, BMW outperformed Volkswagen and Mercedes and expects stabilization by Q3. Strong demand for BMW’s electric vehicles boosted sales, increasing by 25% in the first half of 2024. The company maintained its 2024 guidance, anticipating a slight drop in pre-tax earnings.