BMW and Mini sales jump 29% in first half

AGMC, the official BMW Group importer in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, has sold a total of 2,014 BMW and Mini cars in the first half of this year, marking a 29 per cent increase over the same period last year. A statement release by the company yesterday also said the BMW Group Middle East, overall, recorded a 13 per cent growth in sales for the first six months of the year over the same period in 2010, having delivered a total of 9,134 BMW and Mini vehicles to customers across 14 Middle East markets, AGMC added that the UAE remained the premium carmaker's "biggest market" accounting for 47 per cent of its sales in the region. AGMC said Mini sales jumped 135 per cent, with 174 units sold. BMW's Premium Selection, the manufacturer's pre-owned car programme at AGMC, sold 300 vehicles, an increase of 48 per cent over 2010. Article continues below While the 5-Series led BMW sales for AGMC in the region in the first half with 431 sold — a 161 per cent growth over last year — the company sold 372 BMW 3-Series cars, it added. Mini sales at AGMC, were led by the Mini Hatch, but the company said the January launch of the new four-door, four-wheel drive capable Mini Countryman was a strong driver of sales. "The continuous demand for vehicles from our existing line-up, including the flagship BMW 7-Series, 5-Series and X range, has allowed us to record sales growth once again," Kevin Hughes, General Manager of AGMC, said in the statement.