MUNICH--BMW AG, the German luxury car maker, reported higher net profit in the first three months of the year on nearly unchanged revenue, despite a decline in operating profit at its core automotive division.

The Munich-based auto maker reported an 8.2% increase in net profit to EUR1.6 billion in the three months to March 31 on revenue of EUR20.8 billion, down 0.3% from the same period a year ago, with currency swings offsetting a 6% rise in vehicle sales.

Earnings before interest and taxes, a key measure of operational performance, fell 2.5% to EUR2.5 billion, hit by a 1.7% decline in the group's automotive division and a drop of 18% at its motorcycle group.

"Our first-quarter performance is further proof of our ability to generate positive earnings with our core business, despite a volatile environment," said Chief Executive Harald Krueger said Tuesday. "The decisive factor for us is not short-term profit but sustainable, profitable growth."

Write to William Boston at william.boston@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 03, 2016 02:56 ET (06:56 GMT)