BMW Group Middle East announces 2009 growth of market share

BMW Group Middle East has ended 2009 with a moderate 9% decrease in sales compared to 2008. Despite the premium automotive sector being down 25%, the BMW brand managed to gain a 4% increase in market share against its core competitors.

With a total of 14,557 BMW and MINI vehicles sold across 14 Middle East markets, the Group recorded positive sales growth for a number of importers with several markets recording double digit growth. These include Lebanon, where sales increased by 48% (1,001 units); Syria, which reported growth of 53% (878 units); Saudi Arabia where sales improved by 27% (2,555 units); Abu Dhabi, 6% increase (2,607) and Bahrain, 2% increase with 656 units.

“To grow market share against our core competitors and to record double digit growth in several markets is a good result given the challenges we faced throughout 2009. The launch of our flagship 7 Series model, which was our best-selling car in 2009 and the best selling premium car in the Middle East, helped us achieve this performance and effectivley weather the challenging market conditions,” said James Crichton, Sales & Marketing Director of BMW Group Middle East.

Contributing to the solid performance of 2009, the BMW 7 Series saw a 75% increase in sales and became the top seller in its segment. The 7 Series combines ultimate style, comfort and luxury with supreme driving dynamics and pleasure. The vehicle has been designed around BMW’s robust EfficientDynamics strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, making the BMW 7 Series the most fuel efficient engine in its class.

Building on its successful launch in 2008, the X6 Sports Activity Coupe achieved a 43% increase in sales in 2009 making it BMW Group Middle East’s second bestselling vehicle of the year and a testament to the ongoing appeal of the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé in the region.

Another area of business that delivered strong growth was BMW Premium Selection, the company’s approved used-car programme, which achieved an increase of 25% in total sales in the eight importer markets where the programme is available.

Crichton added: “We anticipate some of the challenges faced in 2009 will remain, but are confident that BMW Group Middle East is in a strong position to achieve growth during 2010. We have five new models to launch in the Middle East during the first five months of the year: two ActiveHybrids, the new 5 Series, Gran Turismo and X1. The Gran Turismo and X1 have already been well received in Europe, and with the 5 Series being a strong seller, we are confident that these new models will have a positive affect on 2010 sales and our brands will maintain their strength in the region.“