BMW Group Middle East Achieves Record First Quarter for BMW and MINI Sales

BMW Group Middle East has reported its best first quarter ever with a sales increase of 6% in the first three months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

The world’s most successful premium automotive manufacturer sold 4,936 BMW and MINI vehicles to customers across 14 Middle East markets, marking yet another record in the Group’s history in terms of regional sales, and clearly demonstrating Middle East customers’ desire for top-of-the-range, premium vehicles.

The UAE remained the largest market, accounting for 51% of BMW Group Middle East’s sales in the first quarter of 2012. Abu Dhabi was the highest volume selling market, with 1,563 cars sold followed by Dubai with 952 cars sold. Other markets that showed good sales increases included Saudi Arabia by 8%, Kuwait by 22%, Qatar by 30% and Lebanon by 41%.

“This record first quarter has affirmed our increasing sales momentum and clearly demonstrates the continued strength of BMW and MINI in the region,” said Alexander Eftimov, Director of Sales and Marketing, BMW Group Middle East. “The BMW Group brands represent high performance, engineering excellence and pioneering innovation, all of which are qualities appreciated and desired by discerning customers here in the Middle East. The year is still young and together with our importer partners, we will introduce more new and refreshed models in the region, making us optimistic for the months ahead.”

The BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle was the highest volume selling model with 1,138 cars sold, followed by the BMW 5 Series with sales of 1,044 cars. The company’s flagship BMW 7 Series continued its success story with 923 cars sold, while the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé also proved popular with 689 cars sold.

Reaffirming its position as the fastest growing premium brand in the world as well as in the Middle East; MINI also witnessed record sales growth during the first three months achieving 67% growth across nine Middle East markets (351 cars sold). Sales were led by the MINI Countryman – the first MINI with four doors and four wheel drive capabilities – while the MINI Hatch, MINI Cabrio and MINI Coupe were also strong contributing factors to the brand’s first quarter 2012 success.

MINI also pushed ahead with the rigorous expansion of its model family during the first three months of the year, with the March launch of the MINI Roadster. The sixth model addition to the range, the MINI Roadster is the first open-top two-seater MINI and a great example of the brand’s progressive growth over the years to appeal to new audience groups.

Another area of the business that continues to grow for BMW Group Middle East is BMW Premium Selection, the company’s pre-owned programme that offers customers the same peace-of-mind motoring as if they were purchasing a new BMW. 825 BMW vehicles were sold through the programme during the first three months of 2012 in eight markets, representing an increase of 29% on the previous year.

Eftimov added, “We have built our success on high performance, pioneering innovation and engineering excellence. Customers believe in the BMW Group brands, and our position as the leading global premium car manufacturer is a position we intend to maintain.”