Dubai: The BMW Group is looking to stake an early lead in the race for supremacy in the Middle East’s premium car category with a robust first quarter showing.
During the first three months, the carmaker sold 7,460 BMW and Mini models in 12 Middle East markets, an 18 per cent gain over the corresponding period last year. Volumes were helped along by an exceptional run of sales numbers in March.
Abu Dhabi remained the biggest selling market in the region by some distance, with 2,672 cars sold from a 40 per cent year-on-year gain. It was followed by Dubai, Sharjah and the northern emirates with 1,392 units, which equates to 6 per cent growth. Saudi Arabia reported a 29 per cent volume increase to tally 1,139 units.
“Our aim is to continue the momentum with additional new model launches this year, such as the M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe and all-new X4 and i8 sportscar,” said Alexander Eftimov, regional director of sales and marketing.
Among individual models, the 5 Series was the bestselling model with 1,790 units in the first three months, followed by the X6 Sports Activity Coupe (1,089 units).
In the Mini line-up, the Countryman retained its pole position with a 5 per cent increase to 182 units.
