21 January 2015
BMW Flagship 7 Series is the best-seller

Double digit growth for MINI with 25% increase

Doha - Alfardan Automobiles has announced another growth in their annual sales for BMW and MINI in 2014.  The official BMW Group importer in Qatar achieved 9% growth for BMW in 2014 and 25% growth for MINI compared to the previous year.

It was BMW Group's flagship model, the BMW 7 Series, that contributed to Alfardan Automobiles' stellar performance; with the highest number of cars sold. The next was the BMW 5 Series, BMW X6, BMW X3, BMW X5 and the BMW 3 Series. The BMW 7 Series positioned the Middle East as the biggest 7 Series market after China and the USA.

The BMW 5 Series, the global leader in the executive saloon segment, achieved a growth in sales of 28% in Qatar , while the xDrive models family played a key role in the brand's acceleration in Qatar contributing 35% to the total sales. The BMW X5 saw an increase of 7%, while sales for the X6 Sports Activity Vehicle increased by 13% and the X3 sales grew 11%.  Sales increases for both the X6 and X3 were fuelled by the new generation models that arrived in the last quarter of the year. The BMW 3 Series also remained a top-selling model with an increase in sales of 17% on last year's figures.

Mr. Mohamed Kandeel, Chief Operating Officer, Alfardan Group - Automotive Operations, said: "Our customers expect the very best, which is why our focus continues to be on offering a world-class product portfolio, in addition to a premium and best-in-class experience from the moment they purchase a BMW Group vehicle until the day they decide to sell it. Our 2014 results are testament to the success of this business ethos and something we will continue to focus on into 2015."     

For the past five years, the MINI brand in Qatar has experienced double digit growth, with this year proving no different. Its 25% annual increase was fuelled by sales of the MINI Paceman, which achieved a 150% growth, followed by the MINI Cabrio with 29%. Other popular models included the MINI 3-Door Hatch, which grew 27% and the MINI Countryman - the first MINI with four doors and optional ALL4 all-wheel drive capabilities - with 16%

In celebration of this growth and outstanding accomplishment, and to cater for its customers' desire for driving fun, individualistic style and premium quality, Alfardan Automobiles recently launched a dedicated new showroom for MINI in Qatar. Bigger and better than ever before, the new showroom delivers a best-in-class, action-packed and fun experience to customers when purchasing the MINI model of their choice in Qatar. "Our new showroom is set to further strengthen the position of MINI in the Qatari market, attracting more people to the facility with its unconventional and exclusive design as well as catering to needs of MINI owners and buyers. We're excited about what's to come for 2015," added Mr Kandeel.

Across the Middle East region, the success was echoed with BMW Group Middle East selling more vehicles in 2014 than ever before in the company's history. 30,148 BMW and MINI vehicles were sold across 12 countries, an increase of 23% from the previous record year.

-Ends-

Alfardan Automobiles
Established in 1996 as part of Alfardan Group of Companies, Alfardan Automobiles is the exclusive and official importer in Qatar for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce cars, and BMW motorcycles. With conveniently located showrooms in West Bay and Suhaim bin Hamad, and unrivalled after sales and service facilities featuring the most advanced service and diagnostic technologies, Alfardan Automobiles and staff are committed to delivering, not just the ultimate driving experience, but also the ultimate ownership experience.

For questions please contact:
Jonathan Kanaa, DABO & CO
Tel: +971 50 651 5243
Email: jonathan.k@daboandco.com

Hanan Khalil
Public Relations & Communications Executive
Alfardan Automobiles
Tel: +974 44208615
E-mail:  hmourad@alfardan.com.qa

© Press Release 2015