Bayerische Motoren Werke AG on June 3 reported a 1.7% year-over-year rise in U.S. vehicle sales in May as sales of light trucks offset a 20.5% decline in sales of passenger vehicles.

The German carmaker's U.S. arm sold a total of 27,109 vehicles in May, up from 26,662 units sold in May 2018.

Sales of passenger cars fell to 13,566 units from 17,074 units a year ago as sales of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles plunged 29.7% year over year. The Mini brand also saw sales plummet 33.2% to 2,822 vehicles from 4,226 units in the same month last year.

Meanwhile, the group's truck units saw sales rise 41.2% to 13,543 units from 9,588 units.

"We owe much of our continued growth in 2019 to the new 3 Series sedan and our fleet of U.S.-built sports activity vehicles," said Bernhard Kuhnt, president and CEO of BMW of North America LLC.