BMW Group Middle East has reported a strong increase in growth for first half of 2002 resulting in 50 percent growth to date, with the total number of BMW and MINI cars sold across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Levant countries reaching 5,388 compared to 3,602 units over the same period last year.
Each of BMW’s active 12 Middle East markets witnessed significant growth. The biggest markets in terms of sales volume were United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the lead with 2,270 units compared to 1,178 in the same period last year, followed by Saudi Arabia with 845 units compared to 580 and Kuwait with 722 units compared to 637.
The fastest growing market in the region was the UAE with 93 percent increase over last year; BMW importer in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, AGMC witnessed an 107 percent while Abu Dhabi Motors’ growth attributed 78 percent, and then Kuwait with 46 percent followed closely by Qatar recording an impressive 44 percent increase.
Robert Bailey-McEwan, managing director of the BMW Group Middle East, said, “This year we will witness exciting growth for BMW Group Middle East due to our increased product portfolio and our importers’ high level of commitment and investment in the region. This remarkable performance is a true reflection of our determination to remain the fastest growing luxury car manufacturer in the Middle East.”
“The launch of our flagship model, the new BMW 7 Series, has been received exceptionally well. Sales for the first two months since the regional launch in May 2002 show an increase of 81 percent percent over sales of the previous 7 Series during the same period in 2001,” said Bailey-McEwan.
The BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, continues its popularity with a growth of 68 percent sales increase over the same period last year. In addition, two new members of the X5 family, the top-of-the-line 4.6is and 3.0i models arrived in May.
The MINI brand was launched in February this year as a new premium brand in the region’s small car segment. Over 300 MINI Cooper cars have already been delivered to customers across the Middle East.
“The BMW Group is the world’s only multi-brand car manufacturer pursuing a clear-cut premium brand strategy that includes a portfolio consisting exclusively of premium marques; from the small car to the luxury segment. BMW Group will be represented in the premium sectors with three strong, authentic brands; BMW, MINI and, in 2003, Rolls Royce,” added Bailey-McEwan. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
