Dubai - Once again defining a brand new segment in the market, BMW has announced the arrival of the all-new Gran Turismo in the UAE. An embodiment of the leading premium automotive manufacturer’s commitment to innovation, the BMW Gran Turismo combines the characteristic features of a prestigious sedan, the functionality and space of an SAV and elements of a traditional grand touring car.

The exterior of the car combines the proportions so typical of a BMW, an elegantly stretched silhouette and a coupé-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows to create one complete, harmonious unit. The front view of the car animates powerful dynamism through the sheer presence of the upright BMW kidney grille, large air intakes and dual round headlights slanted back at an attractive angle. For the first time the daytime driving light function is provided by corona rings with LED technology, while the rear end is enhanced by L-shaped rear light clusters with homogenously illuminated rows of lights in LED technology and a two-piece tailgate.

The luxurious interior of the BMW Gran Turismo enables the driver and passengers to vary the generous space inside the car as they wish to their individual, personal requirements. This superior feeling of comfort is further enhanced by the large window areas, the optional panorama glass roof, as well as exquisite materials and supreme quality of finish.

The BMW Gran Turismo enters the market carrying over BMW EfficientDynamics into a new segment in the automobile world, allowing the model to set new standards in terms of economy and emission management.

The Gran Turismo will enter the UAE market with eight-speed automatic transmission and two engine variants – the in-line six cylinder 535i and the V8 550i – both with twin-turbo technology. The BMW 535i Gran Turismo has a maximum output of 306 hp with a top speed of 250 km/hr and acceleration from 0–100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. The top-of-the-range engine, the BMW 550i Gran Turismo has a maximum output of 407 hp with a top speed of 250 km/hr and acceleration from 0–100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.

A host of safety and comfort options are available on the model, including Integral Active Steering to improve manoeuvrability and safety at low and high speeds, Driving Dynamic Control for variable drive settings depending on road conditions and adaptive headlights - a function that varies the angle of the headlight beam when it detects a change in direction. Active and passive warning systems such as the Lane Change and Lane Departure Warnings ensure that the driver stays within lane limits.

The BMW Gran Turismo also comes with a wide range of comfort touches and innovative entertainment options, including telecommunication and navigation systems, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, USB port, 80 GB Hard Disk, DVD entertainment system in the rear, four-zone automatic air conditioning, and a panorama glass roof.

03.02.2010

Adding to its range of driver assistance technologies that bring unmatched driver engagement, handling and safety features to the luxury performance segment, BMW Group Middle East has launched the industry’s first Arabic-language iDrive control system. The system will be available as a standard feature for most BMW models fitted with navigation, and will be available to customers in the Middle East region from early May.

The BMW iDrive control system has an up to 10.2 inch Control Display with standardised menu guidance that grants easy access to the radio/CD, telecommunication functions and satellite navigation and others. The interface for the satellite navigation system comprising maps, menus, directions, data entry and voice guidance. All these functions are provided in Arabic with a male Arabic voice, and with an option to switch to English and other languages.

The BMW onboard navigation system is extremely easy to operate and guides you quickly and directly to your destination. Your current location is established automatically by the navigator with the help of the Global Positioning System (GPS), down to an accuracy of 10 metres. Using this information, the system calculates the best route to your destination, and guides you step by step to your goal. Instructions are given visually as easy-to-follow arrows, and/or as clear verbal instructions over the sound system.

Hamid Haqparwar, Manager Product & Price for BMW Group Middle East, says: “We are very excited to bring this new feature to our Arabic customers in the Middle East. This project has been a few years in the making and we have invested a considerable amount into research and development, which proves our ongoing commitment to servicing our Arabic-language customers with an added driver-assist benefit.“
For more information on model availability and pricing, please contact the local BMW importer.

24.02.2010

Dubai – Three Dubai residents will represent the UAE at the BMW Golf Cup World International Final, the world’s largest international golf tournament for amateurs, which will be held in South Africa from the 1st – 6th of March. Michael Brett (British), Anil Shivanna (Indian) and Soumaya Argui (Tunisian), all qualified by winning the BMW Golf Cup National Final at Dubai’s Montgomerie Golf Course in January.

The three winners from the UAE will be flown all expenses paid courtesy of AGMC, to the BMW Golf Cup International Final where they will tee off against more than 100 other golfers representing 35 countries at the famous Fancourt Golf Resort in George, South Africa. The resort, which has three 18-hole courses, each designed by Gary Player, has already hosted the World Final of the BMW Golf Cup International in 1996, 2001 and 2006, and is the only South African member of the “Great Golf Resorts of the World”.

Stathis I. Stathis, General Manager of AGMC, said: “The winners have demonstrated an impressive amount of skill to win here in the UAE and we wish them all the best at the World International Final in South Africa. We are sure that they will have an unforgettable experience competing against top amateur players from around the world.”

“AGMC has been a longstanding supporter of professional and amateur Golf in Dubai for over a decade, participating in the last twelve editions of the BMW Golf Cup International Tournament and sponsoring high-profile events such as the Dubai Desert Classic and Dubai Ladies Masters. During this time we have seen a remarkable rise in the popularity of the sport and the level of skill of local competitors, and we look forward to continuing this support in the future,” he added.

The BMW Golf Cup World International is the world’s largest international Golf tournament for amateurs. Over one thousand tournaments featuring 80,000 golfers and 35 countries will be staged before the competition’s climax on March 6th this year.

28.02.2010

Dubai – AC Schnitzer, one of the world’s leading tuning companies, held the global premiere of its aerodynamically modified kit of the BMW X6M at Dubai’s AutomodEx exhibition yesterday. The Aachen-based company also announced an exclusive partnership with AGMC to be the dealer of AC Schnitzer kits in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

The launch was the highlight of the first annual AutomodEx exhibition, held under the patronage of His Excellency Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minster of Culture, Youth and Community Development, from March 9th-12th at the Dubai Autodrome. Attending the launch were Mr. Rainer Vogel, the owner of AC Schnitzer, and Mr. Stathis I. Stathis, the General Manager of AGMC, among others.

“We are proud to announce that AC Schnitzer has chosen Dubai as the city to launch a modified BMW X6M model, and AGMC as its exclusive dealer in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates to sell these special kits,” said Stathis I. Stathis. “There is a huge market in the UAE for customers who want their vehicles to be fitted with the best in high-performance technologies; and AC Schnitzer’s reputation, created through its involvement with motorsport for over 30 years, is second to none.”

As part of the agreement, AGMC can now offer AC Schnitzer tuning and modifying components on all its BMW model range, allowing customers to experience BMW’s promise of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ like never before.

In order to attain the highest possible standards, AC Schnitzer’s body kit elements are all produced using the same material the BMW Group uses to produce its original components. This requires a higher investment in engineering and resources, but ensures that al modifications are done according to BMW standards and guidelines.

09.03.2010

• 98% of children in the UAE are not restrained when they travel
• Traffic accidents accounted for 63% of all child deaths in the UAE in 2009
• Road traffic accidents account for 67% of all injury-related deaths in the capital
• Commitment to give away 10,000 child safety booster cushions

Dubai – BMW Group Middle East, supported by the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the Road and Transport Authority of Dubai (RTA), Abu Dhabi Municipality and Dubai Municipality, has launched its ‘Stay Alert. Stay Alive.’ road safety initiative in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of various road safety issues.

Following an independent survey of BMW and MINI customers to help identify what prompts drivers in the GCC region to take risks in their vehicles, BMW Group Middle East has identified the use of seat-belts, and in particular, appropriate child restraints, as the theme of its first campaign under the initiative that is aimed at increasing road safety awareness across the board.

BMW Group Middle East is initially launching the ‘Stay Alert. Stay Alive.’ campaign in the UAE with the aim to then implement the campaign across the GCC. Working closely with BMW Group importers, the campaign will be multi-faceted and will focus on many attitudinal road safety issues including seat belts and child restraints, speeding, fatigue, driver distraction (such as mobile phones) and reckless driving. The integrated campaign will use PR, advertising (print and radio) and marketing tactics. Awareness Days in local parks and at BMW importer showrooms will be used to give away 10,000 child safety booster cushions across the region and to demonstrate the correct use of child safety seats in vehicles.

Speaking at a press conference to launch the campaign, Phil Horton, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, says: “As part of our commitment to help improve road safety in the region, we are launching an initiative to help drivers understand about safe driving habits and particularly, occupant safety and restraint systems.

“BMW Group Middle East believes that everyone should be fully aware of how best to protect themselves and their children against the dangers posed by driving. We all have a role to play – the government, automotive companies, and the general public. Without a doubt, the simplest way for drivers and passengers to protect themselves is to buckle-up every time.”

Over 70% of GCC drivers surveyed by BMW Group Middle East said that they travel with their children or families, with many of these admitting that they and their passengers did not use seat belts all the time, especially those sat in the rear. When it came to protecting children, 94% of respondents said that it was important for children to use restraints but 37% confessed that their children didn’t use them. In fact, most admitted to holding their children in their arms as a passenger, an extremely dangerous practice.

According to a study conducted by the UAE University in 2008, 98% of children travelling in a car were not restrained and 23% of children travelled in the front seat, which is actually illegal in the UAE for children below the age of ten. In the same study on average only 29% of drivers wore seat belts.

According to HAAD, 454 people, including 44 children, died of road traffic injuries in Abu Dhabi in 2009. This accounts for 67% of all deaths from injuries and therefore makes road traffic injuries the leading cause of injury death. Abu Dhabi still has one of the world’s highest rates of road death – an incidence of 20.2 deaths per 100,000 population in 2009.

Until the age of seven, children’s bones are still forming and their skull and ribcage are still extremely flexible. This means that any impact can result in significant deformation of the head and brain, or damage to the heart, lungs and other internal organs. At this age, the pelvis is unstable and cannot withstand the forces from the use of regular seat-belts and therefore appropriate child restraints are essential to reduce the risk of injury.

Dr. Jens Thomsen, Section Head for Occupational and Environmental Health and Head of the HAAD Road Safety Program, Public Health and Research Department at HAAD, says: “It is essential for parents to ensure they use the right restraint for their child’s age and size. There are different seats available and the selection of the appropriate one is crucial to ensuring that children are effectively protected. Children cannot be expected to decide on how best to protect themselves: that responsibility is solely in the hands of their parents. By buying and correctly installing the right car restraints for their children, parents can significantly enhance their protection.”

Child restraints have been shown to reduce infant deaths by approximately 70%, and fatalities by between 54% and 80% in an accident. It is also known that 83% of belted and restrained children remain uninjured in accidents. Booster seats for children aged between four and 11 years old have been shown to reduce the risk of injury by 59% compared to seat belts alone.

In the UAE, and according to 2007 figures from the UAE Ministry of Interior, 29% of all road deaths involve car passengers. This statistic could easily be reversed if drivers insisted on all passengers wearing seat belts.

Peyman Parham Younes, Director Of Marketing and Corporate Communication for Dubai’s RTA, says: “While we have seen a significant improvement in overall road safety and specifically fatal crashes on Dubai roads, there remains a lot of work to be done on achieving the targets set by the RTA, to be in-line with global benchmarks.

"The matter of road safety is a critical responsibility of each and every member of this community, and only with this community voice can there be great change. I urge everyone to join in events such as this one being announced today by BMW and help to make this city safer for its sons and daughters.”

Horton concludes: “A basic criterion for assessing road safety is the accident rate. Our survey found that one out of 10 respondents was involved in a traffic accident in the last 12 months. While the drivers we surveyed were all well aware of the basic factors that affect safe driving and occupant safety, their actual behaviour often puts themselves and their passengers at risk. ”

The ‘Stay Alert. Stay Alive’ Awareness Days will be held on Friday 02 April 2010 at the Abu Dhabi Corniche, and Friday 09 April at the Dubai Creekside Park, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Municipality and Dubai Municipality, as well as BMW importers Abu Dhabi Motors and AGMC. BMW Group Middle East will be giving away 4,000 child safety booster cushions at these two events.

23.03.2010

The Middle East debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan marks the epitome of aesthetic design and supreme driving pleasure in the upper midrange segment. With its sporting and elegant design, excellent comfort and the highest standard in efficiency in its class, the sixth generation of this immensely successful executive sedan is expected to continue the success story.

The new BMW 5 Series design is imaginative, creative and effective, with BMW’s designers and engineers working hand-in-hand to ensure the perfect combination of design and technology.

A core product in BMW's portfolio and one of the top selling models in the Middle East, the new 5 Series is set to further strengthen BMW’s position in the premium midrange segment.

In terms of design, the new 5 Series has the longest wheelbase in the segment, a long and sleek engine compartment lid, short overhangs front and rear and a coupé-like roofline. The interior has a stylish and modern design with exciting lines that create a generous and harmonious ambience. High quality materials and superior craftsmanship underline the premium feel.

The new BMW 5 Series will enter the Middle East market with one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder petrol engines. The top model is the BMW 550i powered by a V8 with BMW TwinPower Turbo featuring High Precision Injection (407 hp).The straight-six with BMW TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC in the BMW 535i delivers maximum output of 306 hp; while the two straight-six power deliver 258 hp in the BMW 528i and 204 hp in the BMW 523i.

The new BMW 5 Series is a class leader in emissions reduction. It has been designed around BMW's successful Efficient Dynamics strategy encompassing many technology innovations to minimize fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while maximizing power and dynamic performance.

Some of the wide range of sophisticated driving and comfort features offered in the new BMW 5 Series include Dynamic Drive Control with four modes: comfort, normal, sport and sport +; Comfort Start; Head-Up Display; Multi-Channel Audio System, Rear Seat Entertainment; Four-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning and BMW iDrive control.

BMW ConnectedDrive also offers a unique range of driver-assist technology functions for enhanced comfort and safety. For the first time the new BMW 5 Series comes with a Parking Assistant, an optional feature that facilitates the process of parking; Active Cruise Control , Surround View and Rear View Camera, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning and BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition.

Commenting on the launch of the new Sedan, James Crichton, Director Sales and Marketing of BMW Group Middle East said: “The launch of the new BMW 5 Series opens up the latest chapter in a truly impressive success story. In the course of five model generations, overall global sales amount to more than 5.5 million units. With the 5 Series also being one of our best sellers in the Middle East, we are, of course, delighted to introduce this new model into the market.

"This sixth generation model is a very different car from its predecessor in terms of design, comfort, technology and engineering. We are confident that it will be well received and help us maintain our position at the forefront of industry trends.”

The new BMW 5 Series sedan is available at BMW importers AGMC, Dubai Sharjah and the Northern Emirates and Abu Dhabi Motors.

24.03.2010

UAE – As part of its ‘Stay Alert. Stay Alive’ road safety campaign launched in the UAE last week aimed at educating families about the importance of wearing seat belts and using child safety restraints in vehicles, BMW Group Middle East, supported by the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the Road and Transport Authority of Dubai (RTA), Abu Dhabi Municipality and Dubai Municipality, has announced it will be hosting two road safety public awareness days.

Taking place on Friday 2nd April on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, and then on Friday 9th April at the Dubai Creek Park, from 10am-8pm, BMW Group Middle East will be providing interactive demonstrations on the correct installation and use of child safety restraints, as well as distributing 4,000 child safety booster cushions to qualifying families. There will also be fun activities such as face painting and giveaways for children. Educational brochures will be provided to parents, which give a definitive guide on the correct use of seat belts and child safety restraints in vehicles.

Speaking about the event, Phil Horton, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East said: “Safeguarding the life of a child is every parent’s first and foremost responsibility. In fact it is a matter of life and death. By using the right car restraints for their children, parents can significantly enhance their protection. I urge all parents in the UAE to take action on this critical subject and work towards reducing the high levels of child fatalities and injuries that persistently occur in this country.”

The ‘Stay Alert. Stay Alive’ campaign was launched following an independent survey of BMW and MINI customers to help identify what prompts drivers in the GCC region to take risks in their vehicles. BMW Group Middle East found the use of seat belts, and in particular, appropriate child safety restraints, to be one of the key issues affecting safe driving habits in this region. As a result the theme of the first campaign under the Stay Alert. Stay Alive. Initiative is aimed at increasing awareness about the use of seatbelts and child safety restraints among parents and families.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), child safety restraints have been shown to reduce infant deaths by approximately 70%, and fatalities by between 54% and 80% in an accident. It is also known that 83% of belted and restrained children remain uninjured in accidents. Child safety booster cushions for children aged between four and 11 years old have been shown to reduce the risk of injury by 59% compared to seat belts alone.

In addition to the road safety public awareness days, BMW Group importers in the UAE, Abu Dhabi Motors and AGMC, will also invite the public to avail of the complimentary booster cushions.
• 4th to 8th April Abu Dhabi Motor’s Khalidiya Showroom
• 11th to 15th April, AGMC, Dubai Showroom

To qualify for a ‘Stay Alert. Stay Alive.’ child safety booster cushion, children must weigh between 22 and 36 kg, the internationally recognised safest weights. Both road safety public awareness days will be held between the hours of 10am and 8pm. Locations include:
• 2nd April, Abu Dhabi Corniche, next to the Family Beach Park
• 9th April, Dubai Creek Park, Gate 1 next to the kids park area

31.03.2010

Dubai – AGMC, the exclusive importer of BMW in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, has become the first premium car importer in the United Arab Emirates to offer a customised iPhone application for its customers.

AGMC is once again making significant advances in-car telecommunication with this iPhone application. The functions on the application have been designed to enable customer’s easy access to location details and maps for BMW showrooms; booking service appointments; receiving updates and information on events and promotions and also settings that customize a customer’s personal and car information with AGMC.

To celebrate this latest development in service and technology, the first 200 customers who purchase a BMW 740Li and 750Li, BMW X5M and X6M and BMW X5 4.8i and X6 50i models at AGMC will receive a complimentary iPhone with the AGMC iPhone application already installed.
“We are committed to providing our customers with the most convenient and efficient service that reflects the premium nature of the BMW brand. This is the primary reason that we continue to invest in innovation and added value services for our customers,” explained Natalija Norikova, Marketing Manager, AGMC.

In the past few months AGMC has undergone significant advances including an 80 million dirham expansion of its flagship showroom and service facilities. The new facilities will eventually double the capacity and help increase the speed and efficiency of its services.

“Launching the iPhone application is another small step in improving the services and products we offer AGMC customers, whilst also complimenting the sophisticated technology already offered in BMW vehicles,” added Norikova.

In addition to the launch of the application for BMW customers, AGMC plans on making the application available for all MINI customers by August as well of a host of other services that will enhance customer experience and interaction with AGMC, such as an iCatalog for customers to browse through and directory listings of customer care staff and their contact info. To find out more about the application, downloads and amazing offer on selected BMW models, visit www.bmw-dubai.com/iphone or call AGMC on (04) 405 0265.

15.06.2010

Munich. The epitome of aesthetic appeal and dynamic performance in the upper medium category now performs the function of a role model in the field of safety, too. The new BMW 5 Series passed the latest Euro NCAP crash test with the top rating of 5 stars. The sixth generation of the model series performed impressively on the test - which was extended to include additional criteria in 2009 - with its comprehensive safety fittings as standard as well as a highly effective vehicle occupant protection system for various different collision types. With its outstanding results on vehicle occupant protection for adults and children, pedestrian protection and standard safety features, the new BMW 5 Series moves into the leading position within its segment. It is also the first BMW model series to receive a 100 per cent on the Euro NCAP crash test rating for outstanding safety features.

The fact that the BMW 5 Series scored maximum points on the Europe's leading crash test is due to its integrated safety concept used by the premium automobile manufacturer in all new models. Highly resilient bearer structures and generously sized and precisely defined deformation zones provide the basis for the passenger cell to be able to perform its function as a survival space for occupants in the event of serious collisions. For example, the forces acting in the event of a head-on collision are dissipated via a number of different load paths in the floor assembly, side frame, front wall and roof and absorbed in the deformation zones. Reinforced side structures in the B columns and sills, highly rigid door reinforcements and stable seat lower cross-braces reduce deformation depth as well as intrusion speed in the event of side collisions.

The highly efficient restraint systems in the interior of the new BMW 5 Series, all controlled by a safety electronics system, feature front and pelvis-thorax airbags as well as curtain head airbags for both seat rows. All seats are fitted with three-point automatic seat belts. The restraint systems are fitted with belt force limiters and the front seats also have a belt tensioner function. The front seats are also fitted as standard with active headrests which provide protection from cervical spine injury in the event of a rear impact. Depending on the type and intensity of the accident, the central safety electronics system triggers the most effective protection elements as appropriate. In addition, there are ISOFIX children’s seat attachments on the rear seats as well as the option to deactivate the passenger airbag - both as standard.

One feature which optimises active safety in the new BMW 5 Series is DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). The precise control and unusually wide range of functions provided by this system ensure easily controllable and safe handling even in demanding situations on the road. What is more the Speed Limit Device, another standard feature, and the belt detection function for all seats also contribute to the fact that the new BMW 5 Series is the first product to receive a 100 per cent rating for safety fittings on the Euro NCAP crash test.

The NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) test is regarded as one of the most demanding tests in the world to be applied to new motor vehicles. The Euro NCAP test is recognised as a benchmark for crash safety by governments, automobile clubs and consumer protection organisations throughout Europe. The test scenario includes a head-on collision, a side crash and a side impact against a steel post. In 2009 additional criteria were added, with testing of electronic safety features as well as additional injury risks in diverse types of collision.

After analysing the test results, Euro NCAP testers certified that the new BMW 5 Series provides an extremely stable passenger cell which ensures extensive protection from injury both for driver and passengers, regardless of their size and seating position. Maximum points were especially scored on the side impact test, with particularly effective protection for adult passengers being achieved on all other test scenarios.

The analysis of vehicle occupant protection for children showed an outstanding performance by the new BMW 5 Series. The maximum point score was awarded on the test for seating systems designed for children aged three, for both head-on and side impact. Both test scenarios also registered a stable position and minimum head movement at the moment of collision in the use of seating systems designed for children aged one and a half and three.

The NCAP crash test now attaches greater importance to pedestrian protection. The new BMW 5 Series meets modern demands with its elaborately modelled body elements featuring yielding structures at the vehicle front and an active bonnet which contributes to the reduction of injury risk in pedestrians and cyclists. Its pyrotechnical trigger mechanism is activated at speeds of between 25 and 55 km/h as soon as the data registered by sensors indicate a collision, raising the bonnet at the front and rear. The testers awarded maximum points for the front bumper and for those elements of the vehicle front section which are relevant to head injuries in children in the event of a collision.

02.06.2010

BMW Group Middle East has completed the first six months of 2010 with a 13% sales growth over the same period in 2009. Across 14 Middle East markets, the world's most successful premium automotive manufacturer delivered 8,096 BMW and MINI vehicles to customers, signaling the underlying strength of both brands in the region.

The company made gains virtually all 14 Middle East markets. Pakistan and Yemen achieved record sales for BMW with both markets more than doubling year on year sales with Pakistan up 180% (14 vehicles sold) and Yemen up by 105% (39 vehicles). Other markets that recorded double digit growth were: Syria with an increase of 65% (742 cars); Abu Dhabi up 38% (1,707 cars), the highest number of vehicles sold across the region, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where sales increased by 19% (1,478 cars). Notable increases were also recorded in Oman and Bahrain where sales were up 9% (304 cars) and 4% (319 cars) respectively.

BMW’s flagship BMW 7 Series remained the top selling model with 2,402 cars sold an increase of 16%; followed by the BMW X6, a popular model in the Middle East, which achieved 1,319 cars, a growth of 6%. Meanwhile, the BMW X5, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in the Middle East this year, was the third biggest selling model with 1,266 cars sold. The strongest growth in the first half year was reported by the BMW Z4 with sales increasing 173%. Each of these models: the BMW 7 Series, the BMW X6/ X5 and the BMW Z4 remain the global market leaders in their respective segments.

Contributing to BMW Group Middle East’s performance for the period under review was the BMW 5 Series, selling 1,312 cars marking an increase of 34%. Lauched in March this year, the new BMW 5 Series is a core products for BMW and combines sporting and elegant design, excellent comfort, the highest standard in efficiency in its class and sets the benchmark in driving dynamics and safety having recently achieved five stars in the Euro NCap vehicle safety assesment programme.

The MINI brand also performed exceptionally well with sales increasing by 28%, a total of 293 cars were sold across eight Middle East markets compared to the first six months of 2009. Markets that performed well included Oman with an increase of 233% sales growth, Qatar with 200% growth, Dubai with 85% and Lebanon with 60%. The MINI brand will diverse over the next couple of years to include three new models with the first new vehicle, the MINI Countryman, arriving in the Middle East in January 2011. The MINI Countryman will be the first MINI with four doors, four wheel- drive, four individual seats and measures more than four metres in length. It will be the answer to the needs of customers who are looking for a bit more MINI, and a MINI which goes far beyond urban boundaries.

Commenting on the first half year success, Phil Horton, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East said: “We had six new BMW model launches in the first six months of the year: two ActiveHybrid models, Gran Turismo, 5 Series, X1 and X5, so it's been a busy and successful start to the year. We are very pleased with the sales results for both our BMW and MINI brands and look forward to continuing to work closely with all our importers during the second half of the year to achieve our 2010 year-end sales target."

15.07.2010