BMW Group Middle East sales to fuel year-end success

Record sales for BMW and MINI have been achieved across the Middle East for the first nine months of the year with a total of 15,805 vehicles sold in 14 markets – a 15% increase over the same period last year. The company also concluded its best quarter ever (July-Sept) and achieved its highest sales volume in a single month, with 1,981 BMW and MINI vehicles delivered across the Middle East in August.

The company’s record year-to-date results clearly demonstrate the continued growth of the region’s automotive industry, with the BMW Group making gains in almost all GCC markets and most importers recording double digit growth.

The UAE remained the biggest market in the Middle East, accounting for 48% of BMW and MINI regional sales during the first nine months of the year, followed by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Markets that showed good individual sales increases included Jordan which grew by 50%, Oman 40%, Kuwait 31%, Abu Dhabi 30%, Qatar 19%, Lebanon 18%, and Saudi Arabia 14%.

“We are very pleased with our 2012 nine month results,” said Alexander Eftimov, Director of Sales and Marketing, BMW Group Middle East. “We have focused on driving the BMW Group brands forward in the region and as a result, our models continue to be in high demand." 

BMW: High-end models continue to drive growth

The BMW 5 Series remained the company’s most popular model, accounting for a quarter of all regional sales. The flagship BMW 7 Series was also amongst the company’s best selling cars, representing 18% of overall sales.

Offering new levels of luxury, comfort and power, the new and refined 7 Series model went on sale in the region last month. Expected to further amplify BMW's 7 Series success story in the Middle East, the latest generation is set to be a strong driving force behind future sales achievements. “We are working towards ending the year with record sales and have no doubt that the new model will play a major role in helping us achieve this. It is the best BMW 7 Series we have ever built and due to its recent arrival in the region, we expect to see momentum increase in the final quarter of the year,” added Eftimov.

The BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé and X5 Sports Activity Vehicle continued to remain among BMW Group’s top five best-selling models. Demonstrating that Middle East customers still have a preference to purchase highly specified, versatile vehicles with powerful engines, 35% of the company’s sales in the Middle East during the first nine months of 2012 were from its X models:  BMW X6,  X5,  X3 and the X1.

MINI: 53 years old and as popular as ever

August this year saw MINI turn 53. Since its introduction in 1959, the small car with a big attitude has become an object and subject of obsession for so many people across the world. In fact, it was the first small car to achieve genuine global success. Over half a century later and the MINI brand is still as popular as ever.

Reaffirming its position as the fastest growing premium brand in the world as well as in the Middle East, MINI witnessed 19% sales growth during the first nine months of 2012.  Sales were led by the MINI Countryman – the first MINI with four doors and four wheel drive capabilities – which accounted for 43% of the brand’s regional sales, followed by the MINI Hatch which accounted for 31% and MINI Coupé 13%.

Looking ahead to the final quarter, Eftimov added, "We will continue to grow our brands by working with our importer partners to launch new beautifully-designed and technologically-advanced vehicles and by investing in staff and customers services. With our January-September results setting the pace for another successful year, we have an overall record for 2012 firmly in our sight. Customers believe in the BMW Group brands, and our position as the leading global premium car manufacturer is a position we intend to maintain.”

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