Over the next few years BMW AG plans to bring six new vehicles to the United States in specific niches in which it does not currently have a market presence.

Under the BMW brand drivers will see two new sedans and a small crossover. Rolls-Royce will also pick up two models and Mini will launch a crossover.

The strategy, intended to carry the automaker through the year 2020, was outlined by Norbert Reithofer, CEO of BMW. "We want to lead all of the segments in which we are active," said Reithofer, indicating that BMW was considering the purchase of a fourth brand if one could be found that is "perfect for us and our strengths."

By 2012, BMW will launch the X1 crossover based on the 1 series, a four-door sedan termed "progressively active," and a second four-door that will be styled after a coupe and described as a "limited-volume" model.

The Mini crossover should appear by 2010 while Rolls-Royce will debut a vehicle smaller than the Phantom in the same time period. A coupe Phantom should show up by 2008.

According to Reithofer, BMW plans to boost its yearly global retail sales to 1.8 million units by 2012 and to exceed 2 million annually by 2020. In 2006, BMW saw global retail sales of some 1.37 million.