BMW AG Board Member visits Alfardan Automobiles

His visit signals the importance of the region to the BMW Group's business, which despite a contraction in the global automotive market, continues to demonstrate a positive outlook for the future.

Robertson, who was joined by Tom Purves, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd, also met with top management executives from various industries to discuss local economic issues and exchange views on the current economic situation.

The executive tour of the region, currently the Group's third largest market for Rolls-Royce sales and the fourth largest market for sales of the flagship 7 Series model, included stops in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and the UAE.

Commenting during his meetings in Qatar Robertson said, "I am excited to visit Alfardan Automobiles at their state-of-the-art showroom in Qatar and take the opportunity to meet and talk with our local partner here to fully understand the opportunities and challenges in this market."

Mr. Omar Alfardan, President of Alfardan Automobiles added, "Mr. Ian Robertson's visit indicates the support and commitment of BMW Group to Qatar. I am sure he will take away a great deal from his meetings with us and we have gained much value from his input during his visit."

Prior to his appointment to the board of BMW AG in March 2008 Robertson was CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. and has held a number of senior positions during his 30 years in the automotive industry including Managing Director of BMW South Africa.