BMW used car sales increase by 45% during first half of 2009

Overall, 957 BMW Premium Selection vehicles were sold across eight markets in the Middle East. Dubai recorded the highest volumes selling 257 used vehicles, up 114%.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also witnessed strong sales of 245 vehicles, an increase of 175%, while Abu Dhabi and Qatar sold 173 and 100 vehicles respectively, a growth of 112% and 100%.

BMW Premium Selection was set up in the Middle East in 2006 as a sub-brand of BMW Group. The programme is offered by eight BMW importers across the region, including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Jordan and Kuwait.

"We are receiving extremely positive feedback from customers and our importers who have invested heavily in this programme. Given the current economic climate, we see huge potential to grow these numbers further. The programme is appealing because we give access to a quality-assured luxury product at a more affordable price,"

said James Crichton, Sales and Marketing Director, BMW Group Middle East.

The BMW Premium Selection programme is reserved exclusively for used BMW vehicles that meet strict criteria. Vehicles need to be less than five years old, have a mileage under 100,000 km and have been serviced by authorised BMW importers to qualify for the programme.

Vehicles pass a comprehensive 75-point technical check by trained BMW technicians before they are accepted and sold, ensuring high levels of quality, reliability and value to customers.

A 12 month warranty and road side assistance is given when purchasing a BMW Premium Selection vehicle ensuring buyers that they not only have the best offer available in the used car market, but they also have peace of mind.