BMW Group sales reach record high in Middle East

Similar growth was reflected in overall Middle East sales with a 6% increase - reaching a record figure of 15,150 BMW and MINI units across the region.

Compared to 11,250 sales in 2006, the GCC recorded a total of 12,782 units sold in 2007 while the Middle East in total accounted for 15,150 units in comparison to 14,332 units in 2006.

The boost in sales was led by Abu Dhabi Motors the exclusive importer in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, with a 36% sales increase (2,561 units in comparison to last year's 1,890.)

AGMC, the exclusive importer for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, once again achieved the highest overall sales figures for the Group, delivering 3,594 automobiles to customers.

"The Middle East is a region of great opportunity and potential for BMW Group, as exhibited by the extremely healthy growth of nearly all of the markets over the past few years," said Phil Horton, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East.

"Despite some regional challenges, we have been able to record a noteworthy growth, and we remain optimistic that this growth will continue for at least the next three years to come."

The top growth markets in the GCC, following Abu Dhabi, were Qatar and Kuwait with 25% and 24% year-on-year increases respectively. The highest growth in the Levant markets was recorded by Syria with a 22% increase in sales, building on last year's phenomenal 94% growth.

Last year saw a host of new launches by BMW Group Middle East. Notable among them were the all-new BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible featuring a retractable hard top, and the new MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S. These new models contributed to the regional sales growth, notably the new X5 which experienced an impressive 146% increase over 2006 with sales of 3,616 units (previous year: 1,663). BMW 5 Series sales stood at 3,464 units, while the BMW 3 Series and 7 Series recorded sales of 3,054 and 2,793 units respectively.

MINI achieved a 29% increase in sales following the launch of the all new model in April 2007, with a total number of 612 units sold in 2007 in comparison to 475 units in the previous year.

"The growth that we have witnessed last year is sure to continue into 2008 and 2009 with the introduction of several important new products, including the all-new BMW X6, the first Sports Activity Coupe for the premium luxury market, and at the end of this year the introduction of the brand new 7 Series," continued Horton.

"We also have several new models in the range that will further strengthen our position in the region such as the new BMW M3 Sedan, the new 1 Series Convertible and Coupe, and the much awaited MINI Clubman."