UAE accounts for 51% of all regional sales, with 3,223 cars sold
Top-of-the-range models continue to drive business growth
15 April 2013
The UAE has reaffirmed its position as the biggest market for BMW Group sales in the Middle East with the delivery of 3,223 vehicles in the first three months of 2013 - accounting for 51% of all regional sales.
The most successful year in the Group's history in terms of sales across the Emirates, the company's first quarter results clearly demonstrate UAE customers' desire to purchase into two of the world's strongest and most respected brands - with record sales achieved in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, both of which recorded double digit growth.
Abu Dhabi remained the highest volume selling market - both in the UAE and across the region - with 1,906 cars sold during the first three months of 2013. Representing a 22% growth, this figure was driven by sales of the brand's top-of-the-range models, with the BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (665), X6 Sports Activity Coupé (382) and BMW 5 Series (312) performing the best. MINI also grew with 70 cars sold and an increase of 15% - an impressive achievement deserving of the exciting range of models MINI now offers, with sales led by the MINI Countryman and MINI Hatch.
Commenting on the Capital's exceptional sales performance, Arno Husselmann, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Motors, the BMW Group importer, said: "These impressive results are down to a number of factors but primarily, it's our customers' desire for the BMW and MINI brands, the exciting models we offer as well as continued investment across all areas of our business to ensure that we excel in everything we do in all our fourteen facilities across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. We offer our cars with the highest option profiles; we specialize in individual content and offer all our cars with the BSI Ultimate Service + Repair package."
Meanwhile, Dubai saw the largest percentage growth in the UAE, with a double digit sales increase of 38% during the first three months of 2013. AGMC, the BMW Group importer in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, delivered 1,317 BMW and MINI vehicles to customers, ranking among the top three markets in the Middle East in terms of growth. Dubai was also the biggest Middle East market for MINI sales, with an increase of 25% and 149 cars sold.
Sales continued to be driven by the brand's top-of-the-range models, with the BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle growing by 75% (234 cars, the BMW 5 Series with sales increasing 25% (265 cars) and the BMW 3 Series with 197 cars sold, a 24% increase. MINI sales were also led by the MINI Countryman and the MINI Hatch.
"We are very pleased with our 2013 first quarter results," commented AGMC's recently appointed General Manager, Osman Abdelmoneim. "Not only have we focused on driving the BMW Group brands forward in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, but have continued our investment on all levels of the business to ensure that we offer a convenient, friendly and efficient business operation. As a result, the BMW and MINI models continue to be in high demand."
Overall, BMW Group Middle East concluded the first three months of 2013 with an impressive 28% growth in sales compared to the same period in 2012. A total of 6,303 BMW and MINI vehicles were sold to customers in 13 Middle East markets, with double digit sales increases achieved in most markets, including Bahrain 99%, Kuwait 56%, Qatar 31%, Jordan 24% and Oman by 12%.
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ABOUT THE BMW GROUP
The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2012, the BMW Group sold about 1.85 million cars and more than 117,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was euro 7.82 billion on revenues amounting to euro 76.85 billion. At 31 December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last eight years.
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ABOUT AGMC:
For 37 years, AGMC has delivered premium automotive products to its customers as the exclusive importer for BMW Group cars in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.
Started in 1976 AGMC has now become one of the most important markets for BMW Group sales in the world, consistently amongst the top three performing Middle East markets.
Currently, AGMC has 22 facilities across Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. These include four BMW showrooms, three MINI Showrooms, two Rolls-Royce showrooms, three Certified Pre-Owned car showrooms under the BMW Premium Selection Programme and one BMW Motorrad showroom. Service facilities include two body shots, five workshops and two car storage facilities.
To learn more on AGMC's news please visit the company website:
http://www.bmw-dubai.com/me_dl/agmc_en// or:
Join their facebook page on www.facebook.com/BMWAGMC
ABOUT ABU DHABI MOTORS:
Abu Dhabi Motors is the exclusive importer for BMW, MINI, BMW ALPINA and the sole dealer for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Butti Al Hamid in Umm Al-Nar in a small showroom and workshop employing a few people, Abu Dhabi Motors has achieved dramatic growth and now employs over 520 people in eleven facilities in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, including five showrooms, three workshops, three body shops, one pre-delivery Inspection centre and two car storage warehouses.
To learn more on Abu Dhabi Motors's news please visit the company website:
www.bmw-abudhabi.com/me_dl/adm_en/ or:
Join their facebook page on www.facebook.com/BMWADM?fref=ts.
For more information please contact:
Leanne Blanckenberg
Corporate Communications Manager
BMW Group Middle East
Telephone: +971 4 313 2615
Email: leanne.blanckenberg@bmw.com
Lucy Smith, Senior Account Manager, DABO & CO
Tel: + 971509155735
Email: lucy.s@daboandco.com
© Press Release 2013
