BMW Group Middle East has achieved its best-ever annual sales result in 2013, with 24,596 BMW and MINI cars sold to customers across 12 Middle East markets. This was an increase of 15% over the previous record year in 2012 (21,314). This is the third consecutive record-breaking year which reaffirms the company's position as the most successful premium automotive manufacturer and leader in its premium segment, globally and in the Middle East.
The total number of 24,596 cars sold throughout the year was the highest number of BMW and MINI cars ever sold in one year in the Middle East. Record sales and double digit sales growth were achieved in all GCC markets.
The UAE remained the biggest selling market, accounting for almost half of BMW and MINI regional sales (46%). Abu Dhabi continued to be the highest volume selling market, with 15% growth, while Dubai witnessed an increase of 10% sales growth. Outside of the UAE, Saudi Arabia was the third highest volume selling market, with 4,228 cars sold, 18% growth followed by Kuwait with 3,910 cars sold, a growth of 19%; Jordan 18% sales growth and Qatar 12% with 354 and 1,450 cars sold respectively.
Commenting on the company's success, Dr. Joerg Breuer, Managing Director for BMW Group in the Middle East said: "Our 2013 sales results are testament to the effectiveness of our customer focused strategy. The introduction of new cars and the investments of our importer partners in new customer services have further enhanced customer satisfaction and increased desirability of our brands."
BMW: high-end models take the lead
The BMW 5 Series, the global leader in the executive saloon segment, was also the best-selling BMW model in 2013 with 5,729 cars sold, an increase of 10% over 2012 figures. The company's flagship BMW 7 Series continued to be a favorite with the car remaining a clear leader in the luxury sedan segment as a result of its outstanding design, comfort and innovative technology features. 4,815 cars were sold, an increase of 16% over 2012, which were bolstered throughout the year with a number of new introduction 7 Series models that included features to underline the luxurious appeal and sheer driving pleasure of the flagship model.
Other best-selling BMW models included the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (3,624 cars sold), the BMW 3 Series (2,659 cars) and X6 Sports Activity Coupé (2,464 cars).
On the sportier side of BMW, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé held a leading position in its premium segment and also secured pole position within the BMW 6 Series model line-up with over 1,400 cars sold to customers. It was immediately a firm favorite for Middle East customers when it was launch in 2012, and has been BMW's most successful model introduction in the Middle East. To complement the success of the 6 Series Coupé, BMW introduced the M6 Gran Coupé during 2013 which has been a strong brand shaper for the company.
MINI: 15% growth for the brand
MINI sales climbed 15% with the brand breaking the 1,500 car barrier for the first time in the Middle East. Dubai was the biggest selling market with a sales increase of 11% (527 cars sold), while Abu Dhabi saw a growth of 20% (300 cars) followed by Lebanon with 183 cars sold, a 17% sales increase. During 2013, model sales were led by the MINI Countryman - the first MINI with four doors and optional four-wheel drive - followed by the MINI Hatch. John Cooper Works, the brand's high performance engine range of vehicles contributed 14% to MINI's overall sales growth in the Middle East.
Globally, the success was echoed with the BMW Group selling more vehicles in 2013 than ever before in the company's history. A total of 1,963,798 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles were sold worldwide, an increase of 6.4% from the previous record year of 2012 (1,845,186).
