Abu Dhabi Motors surges ahead with 38% growth for first half of 2010

Abu Dhabi also became the number one importer for BMW, with the highest number of vehicles sold across the region in the first half of 2010 and achieved the second highest volume sales worldwide for Rolls-Royce in the same period.

A total of 1,707 BMW and MINI cars were delivered to customers, and the flagship BMW 7 Series remained the top selling model in the capital with 506 cars sold, an increase of 95%, followed by the BMW X5 with 362 cars sold, an increase of 11%. Meanwhile the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé, a popular model in the Emirate, achieved sales of 348 cars, a growth of 5%. Each of these models, the BMW 7 Series, the BMW X6 and X5, remain the global market leaders in their respective segments.

During the first half of the year, Abu Dhabi Motors trebled its sales of Rolls-Royce vehicles in comparison to the same period in 2009, a growth of over 200%. This achievement is particularly attributed to the arrival of the new Rolls-Royce Ghost and sustained demand for unique Bespoke Phantom vehicles. Abu Dhabi Motors was also confirmed as selling the richest 'Bespoke' specifications in the world as well as being the second best selling dealership worldwide, signalling the demand for the brand in the UAE's capital.

Also contributing to Abu Dhabi's solid performance was the BMW 5 Series, with sales of 305 cars marking an increase of 158%. Launched in March earlier this year, the new BMW 5 Series combines sporting and elegant design, excellent comfort, the highest standard in efficiency in its class and sets the benchmark in driving dynamics and safety having recently achieved five stars in the Euro NCAP vehicle safety assessment programme. Abu Dhabi Motors is also the top-selling Importer of Alpina and AC Schnitzer cars and products in the Middle East.

The Mini brand performed exceptionally well in Abu Dhabi with a 13% increase in sales representing 59 cars sold. The Mini team at Abu Dhabi Motors is now preparing for the opening of new facilities at its existing Umm-Al-Nar Showroom which will include a dedicated Mini state of showroom this coming September.

Commenting on the half-year success, Arno Husselmann, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Motors said:

"Our tremendous sales growth over the first six months of this year that has made us the highest volume seller for BMW Group products in the region is largely attributed to the company's quality offerings and the dedication of our staff during a busy period which saw the arrival of six new BMW models in our showrooms. We are looking forward to the next six months with the initial opening of Phase 1 of our new facilities and we expect to conclude 2010 with the strongest sales performance in the company's twenty-year history."

In addition to the new Mini facilities, BMW's global used car programme named BMW Premium Selection, will also welcome new state of the art facilities at the existing Umm-Al-Nar Showroom. These expansion plans are part of a multi-million dollar investment strategy by Abu Dhabi's leading retailer of premium automobiles and coincides with the recent opening of brand new facilities in Al Ain, including a new showroom, service and parts centre.

As part of this investment strategy, substantial focus has also been placed on the training, development and recruitment of staff to ensure Abu Dhabi Motors maintains its leading position as BMW Group Middle East's number one retailer as well as its position of the Importer with the highest Customer Satisfaction ratings.