• New BMW M5 named ‘Car of the Year 2011’ and ‘2011 Sports Saloon of the Year’ by leading automotive publications
• ‘2011 Convertible of the Year’ goes to the new BMW 6 Series Convertible

BMW Group Middle East is celebrating the end of 2011 with four awards for two of its newest models: the BMW M5 and
BMW 6 Series Convertible.

Following an impressive start on the international automotive circuit, including its November launch in the Middle East, the new fifth generation BMW M5 was awarded three coveted titles by two of the region’s most respected automotive publications; Wheels magazine named it their ‘Car of the Year 2011’ and ‘2011 Sports Saloon of the Year’ whilst Evo magazine also awarded the high performance sports car ‘2011 Sports Saloon of the Year.’

The decisions followed heated debate by staff and contributors and were based on their experiences of the cars driven over the past 12 months. In the end, BMW triumphed over rivals, with Wheels magazine Editor Amit Benjamin saying: “The new M5 keeps both sides of the sports saloon promise. It’s comfortable around town and bonkers quick when you put your foot down. It’s got room for five people and their luggage, and it’s a refined long-distance cruiser. It’s a car that does nearly everything exceptionally well. And that’s why we unanimously picked it not only as our Sports Saloon of the Year but also our Overall Car of the Year for 2011.”

Evo magazine Deputy Editor Phill Tromans added: “The latest generation of an iconic series of big Bavarian bruisers is thoroughly deserving of the coveted M badge. It might not be as flat-out brutal as its predecessors, but the BMW M5 mixes long-range cruisability with supreme handling and epic power. Still the sports saloon daddy.”

It was a good year all round for BMW Group as the world’s leading premium automotive manufacturer's new third generation 6 Series Convertible also emerged victorious in Evo magazine’s 2011 Convertible of the Year category. Launched earlier this year, the model was selected because according to Tromans: “At home or abroad, the 650i is fast and accomplished, all the while putting the wind in your hair. Refined, tech-filled and luxurious, it uses its twin-blown V8 to whisk you along at a lick, changing direction superbly for its size. But it’s at its best at a cruise, top down, along a coastal road. In that setting, there’s little better.”

The new BMW M5 combines compelling track performance with the comprehensive practicality of a luxurious business saloon. An exceptionally dynamic high-performance sports car with four doors and five seats, the BMW M5 features the world premiere of a newly developed BMW M high-performance, high-revving, 4.4-litre V8 engine with an M Twin Power Turbo package. With twin-turbo technology, direct petrol injection and fully variable valve control, the V8 engine produces 560 hp from 6000-7000rpm and a maximum of 680 Nm of torque from 1500rpm.

The all-new third generation BMW 6 Series Convertible has a new interior and exterior design and comes with a wealth of new technology highlights that distinguish the new car from the predecessor model. Offering stylish design, outstanding performance, luxury and sheer driving pleasure, the latest generation model is setting trends in the premium car segment.

05.01.2012

• 41% of students do not wear seatbelts because they are ‘uncomfortable’
• 65% of students do not wear seatbelts as car passengers
• 60% of students do not think it is their responsibility to ensure their passengers buckle up

UAE – Despite 46% of UAE university students having been involved in a traffic accident, a staggering 69% were not wearing a seatbelt at the time. These statistics have been revealed by BMW Group Middle East following phase two of their award-winning ‘Stay Alert. Stay Alive.’ road safety campaign to continue raising awareness across the Emirates of the importance of buckling up.

More than 2,000 male and female 18-23 year old university students participated in event roadshows held at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) campuses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Sharjah, to tangibly display to university students the devastating effects of not practicing safe driving.

The BMW Group team, working in partnership with the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the Road and Transport Authority of Dubai (RTA), HCT and the Emirates Driving Institute (EDI), provided interactive demonstrations to students about the importance of buckling up. An EDI seat belt convincer and ‘accident roll car’ were used to teach people about the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt in an accident, while students were also encouraged to sign a pledge board with the commitment to buckle up. They also took part in a film competition to create the most impactful two minute film about road safety and participated in an interactive quiz to test their buckling up habits. BMW Group Middle East also teamed up with Emirati hip-hop duo Desert Heat who felt so strongly about the issue that they wrote a song specifically for Stay Alert. Stay Alive, which they performed throughout the roadshow.

Commenting on the campaign, Dr. Howard Reed, Director of Dubai Women’s College said: “We were delighted be part of such an important initiative. Unfortunately a number of DWC students have been involved in serious road accidents or have lost someone close to them because of dangerous or negligent driving. We look forward to continuing working with BMW Group to help further encourage our students to protect themselves and others on the roads.”

Information captured during the UAE ‘Stay Alert. Stay Alive.’ road safety roadshow emphasised the need for ongoing education within this target audience, revealing varying reasons for why students do not buckle up, including; the perception that seatbelts are uncomfortable (41%); unnecessary (27%) and uncool (11%). The survey also revealed that 65% of students did not think it necessary to wear a seatbelt when travelling as a passenger and over half (60%) thought that it was not their responsibility to ensure that their passengers buckle up.

Child booster cushion distribution continued alongside the university roadshow. Events took place in BMW Group importers AGMC and Abu Dhabi Motors showrooms as well as at Step-by-Step and Kid’s Cottage Nursery Schools in Dubai, with a total of 900 booster cushions given out to families.

The UAE still has one of the world’s highest rates of road deaths – an average incidence of 19.9 deaths per 100,000 population in the last 3 years (2008-2010). According to a new study released by Abu Dhabi Dept. of Transport in April 2011 total costs caused by road traffic crashes and injuries in the UAE have been estimated to account for around 3.5 billion AED annually.
BMW Group Middle East is currently rolling out the campaign across the GCC and Levant, working in partnership with its importers in each market to drive awareness and educate communities about road safety.

15.01.2012

• Record sales for both new and pre-used BMW cars
• Record sales for MINI brand – the fastest growing premium brand
• UAE is top performing market with 47% of regional sales

Building on an impressive performance in 2010, latest figures from BMW Group Middle East have revealed a 9% increase in new car sales in 2011 – the most successful year in BMW Group’s history in terms of regional sales.

With a total of 18,657 BMW and MINI vehicles delivered to customers across 14 Middle East markets, the company’s year-end results clearly demonstrate the continued strength of both brands in the region - with most of its importers reporting an increase in sales in 2011 and a number of markets recording double digit growth.

The UAE remained the biggest market, accounting for 47% of BMW Group Middle East’s 2011 sales. Abu Dhabi was the highest volume selling market, with a 23% growth and 4,436 cars sold while Dubai also witnessed an increase of 23% with 4,395 cars sold. Other top performing markets included Qatar by 26% (1,265 cars), Saudi Arabia, with a 2% sales increase (3,072 cars) and Kuwait and Bahrain both with a 6% increase. Also among the markets with the biggest growth were Yemen and Pakistan with 37% and 27% growth respectively.

Commenting on the Group’s successful year-end performance at the official press conference, Dr. Joerg Breuer, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East said: “The Middle East is enjoying robust growth across all sectors of the automotive industry, with the luxury segment in particular growing substantially. These market factors coupled with the commitment of our importer partners and the launch of seven beautifully-designed and technologically-advanced new models during 2011, have helped drive our 9% sales growth."

BMW: high-end models drive sales to new record
The company's flagship BMW 7 Series remained the highest volume selling model with 4,511 cars sold. Combining ultimate style, comfort and luxury with supreme driving dynamics and pleasure, the 7 Series has been designed around BMW’s robust EfficientDynamics strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions and is the most fuel efficient engine in its class.

The BMW 5 Series also showed growth with 4,286 cars sold and a 30% increase. The other best selling BMW models included the X6 Sports Activity Coupé (2,620 cars), X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (2,510 cars) and the BMW 3 Series (2,033 cars).

MINI: brand's popularity continues to increase
MINI recorded another year of exceptional sales, achieving a 77% growth in 2011 across eight Middle East markets and sales of 1,108 cars – the strongest growth ever since the brand was launched in the Middle East eleven years ago, and an impressive achievement when operating in a market that predominantly favours large, luxury cars.

In the UAE, Dubai was the biggest MINI market, with an increase of 164% (493 cars) while Abu Dhabi saw growth of 63% (196 cars).

While MINI sales continue to be led by the MINI Hatch, January’s launch of the new MINI Countryman – the first MINI with four doors and four wheel drive capabilities – was a strong contributing factor to the brand's 2011 success, as was the November arrival of the all-new MINI Coupé – the first two-seater MINI and sportiest model to join the portfolio. In addition, three new dedicated MINI showrooms were launched in Dubai, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi to cater for the brand’s progressive growth.

BMW Premium Selection: Pre-owned car programme sees record growth
Another area of the business that saw growth for BMW Group Middle East was BMW Premium Selection, the company’s pre-owned programme that offers customers the same peace-of-mind motoring as if they were purchasing a new BMW. The best year since the
programme launched in 2007, 2,761 BMW vehicles were sold through the programme in eight markets, representing an increase of 140% on the previous year.

Breuer added, “It has been a great 12 months and we anticipate that 2012 will be as successful for BMW Group in the Middle East. Together with our importer partners, we remain committed to driving our BMW Group brands forward in the Middle East with the investment in facilities, customer service and the launch of new models.

"We will see some exciting new models added to our portfolio that will include the all-new BMW 3 Series and the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé. There will also be another addition to the MINI family – the MINI Roadster will both add an exciting new dimension to the brand's portfolio and will help contribute to the growth of the BMW Group brands in the region."

10.01.2012

Having led the Middle East’s premium automotive segment for the last two years and achieved excellent regional sales in 2011, the BMW 7 Series is at the peak of its success. To further emphasise its segment leadership, BMW Group Middle East has unveiled the new BMW 7 Series M Edition that will add another string to its highest volume selling model’s bow.

Arriving in the region this month, the new BMW 7 Series M Editionwill feature the BMW M Sport Package to further accentuate the sportiness and dynamism of the 7 Series while allowing potential customers to individualise the model to their liking.

BMW M Sport PackageFeatures

Made specifically for driving enthusiasts, the grippy M leather steering wheelensures perfect control of the vehicle in every situation with a slightly smaller diameter and special thumbrests. Meanwhile, the driver and front passenger are welcomed by exclusive comfort seats designed for increased driving pleasure. These seats perfectly underline the sporting character of the BMW 7 Series and provide comfortably firm back support even on long journeys.

Aesthetics and dynamics cast in aluminium, the exclusive 19 and 20-inch M light-alloy wheels of the BMW 7 Series M Edition deliver precise responses in every situation. This gives the driver the advantage of more precise steering at higher speeds, and ensures great stability and increased comfort.
Finally, the front and rear apron, and rear diffuser of the M Aerodynamics Package accentuate the sporty character of the BMW 7 Series Sedan, designed with driving pleasure in mind.

The flagship BMW 7 Series remained BMW Group Middle East’s highest volume selling model in 2011 with a total of 4,511 cars sold. The introduction of the BMW 7 Series M Edition will serve to strengthen the BMW 7 Series’number one position in the region’s luxury sedan segment.

Combining ultimate style, comfort and luxury with supreme driving dynamics and pleasure, the BMW 7 Series has been designed around BMW’s robust EfficientDynamics strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions and is the most fuel efficient engine in its class.

13.02.2012

BMW Group Middle East has welcomed the all-new BMW 3 Series sedan – the world's best-selling premium car – to the Middle East. The success story of the 3 Series over the past 37 years is set to continue with the powerful new design elements making this model bigger, sportier and more dynamic than ever.

Having sold 12.5 million cars since its launch in 1975, the BMW 3 Series continues to be the BMW Group's best-selling model series, consistently accounting for more than a quarter of the company's global sales. In 2010, every third BMW sold was a 3 Series.

The new powerful design elements include a new BMW face, with flat headlights reaching along as far as the BMW kidney grille. This emphasises the elegantly dynamic design of the new BMW 3 Series, which has increased in length (+93mm), width (front +37mm, rear +47mm) and wheelbase (+50mm) compared to the predecessor model, giving the car an elegant and athletic silhouette.

Inside the new BMW 3 Series, the noticeable increase in space means significant benefit for the rear passengers. The classic BMW interior surfaces and lines flow over the instrument panel towards the front passenger side of the cabin, where they form a smooth and protective border. The cockpit wraps around the driver and ensures that all important functions are within easy reach.

Drive and chassis technology have always been key areas of expertise for the brand, and agility and driving dynamics remain outstanding attributes of the new BMW 3 Series. A choice of two powerful four-cylinder engines: 335i and 328i with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and TwinPower Turbo technology will be available for the new 3 Series offering more EfficientDynamics technology that make the new 3 Series more economical and lower in pollutant emissions compared to the predecessor model.

BMW EfficientDynamics technology includes the new Driving Experience Control switch which comes with four driving programmes allowing the driver to choose between sporty, ultra sporty, comfortable and extremely economical driving. ECO PRO mode, a new feature on the 3 Series, helps drivers maximise fuel economy through their driving style, thereby enabling them to increase the distance they can travel on each tank of fuel.

Under the umbrella of BMW ConnectedDrive, features that give the driver and passengers information and services to help make their driving experience safer and more comfortable, the new BMW 3 Series offers the latest-generation full-colour Head-Up Display, which projects key information in 3D onto the windscreen so it appears directly in the driver’s field of view. Also available is Surround View with Side View and Top View, which gives a bird’s-eye perspective of the vehicle and the area around it.

Commenting on the soon to be launched new BMW 3 Series, Joerg Breuer, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East said: "With the global success story of the BMW 3 Series, it's a model that is not only important, but one which makes us feel very proud, so launching the latest generation is another milestone for the company. The new car is the most dynamic 3 Series yet so we are looking forward to seeing its positive impact on this year’s regional sales performance.”

19.02.2012

• Inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori UAE, Minister of Economy
• Ian Robertson, BMW Group Board Member, attends grand opening
• AED300 million investment in facility across all areas of the business


Abu Dhabi, UAE – Ian Robertson, Board Member for Sales and Marketing of BMW AG and Chairman of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd, arrived in Abu Dhabi yesterday to attend the opening of the world’s largest BMW Group showroom facility in the Umm Al Nar area of the UAE’s capital.

The showroom was formally inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy and Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing, at an exclusive event on Tuesday evening attended by over 1,000 guests. The invited guests also included Graeme Grieve, Vice-President for Importer Markets of BMW AG, Adrian van Hooydonk, Director of BMW Group Design, and a large number of VIPs and celebrities from the region, including fashion designer Walid Atallah and Lebanese singers Maya Diab and Wael Kfoury.

The impressive and unprecedented facility, built by Abu Dhabi Motors, the exclusive BMW Group importer in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, covers an area of over 35,000 sqm and is the culmination of an AED 300 million investment in expanding and improving all areas of the facility at the importer’s flagship showroom.

Located in Umm Al Nar, between the two bridges and in the same place as the previous Abu Dhabi Motors showroom, the new facility offers 172 parking spaces for customers and 120 work bays for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Aimed at delivering a premium experience to its discerning clientele, the state-of-the-art facility can accommodate the display of 80 new and pre-owned cars, 10 motorcycles, and features a private cinema-style theatre, Gloria Jean’s Cafe, F1 Racing Simulator, children’s play area, dedicated waiting rooms for men and women, in addition to the latest in audiovisual technology such as touch-screen tables and televisions screening BMW Group videos on the latest product and technology information.

Commenting on the landmark opening, Ian Robertson said: “The Middle East is an important region for the BMW Group, not only because it's a market where our top-of-the-range models are best sellers, but also because of future growth potential in many of the countries such as the UAE. The investment in this impressive and unique facility that makes it the world's biggest BMW Group showroom, is testament to the continued opportunities that lie ahead in Abu Dhabi."

Abu Dhabi Motors began its operations in May 1986 with a small showroom and workshop in Umm Al-Nar employing just 24 people, and has grown over the years to become the leading BMW Group importer in the Middle East. It currently employs over 450 staff members in 6 different facilities across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

2011 saw the importer maintain its status as the biggest-selling importer of BMW Group vehicles in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi Motors broke its record for BMW Group vehicle sales, selling 4,436 cars in 2011, a growth of 23% over 2010 sales, with most sales coming from high-end models such as the BMW 7 Series, BMW 5 Series, X5 and X6.

On a brand specific level, the importer sold 4,240 BMW cars, an increase of 21% over 2010 and 196 MINI cars, a growth of 63 %. It also maintained its status as one of the top ten Rolls-Royce Motor Cars dealers in the world, with a 16% sales growth in 2011, boasting the highest bespoke revenue per car in the Middle East.

Arno Husselmann, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Motors said: “This new facility will not only allow us to match our sales growth with our physical growth, but also underline our ambition to achieve greater results in the coming years as they have been designed with customer requirements and expectations in mind. We have already seen the benefits of this customer-oriented approach as we came out top of the customer service satisfaction index for the entire BMW Group Middle East.”

The new Abu Dhabi Motors BMW Group Showroom in Umm Al Nar is open from 9am to 1pm and 430pm to 9pm.

15.02.2012

First four-door BMW Coupé to go on sale in the Middle East in mid 2012

BMW Group has unveiled its new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé – the first four-door Coupé in the history of the brand – to global audiences at the 82nd Geneva International Motor Show.

Expected to go on sale in the Middle East during the middle of this year, the third model in the BMW 6 Series range attracted crowds to the BMW stand with its elegant and powerful looks. Following in the tracks of the BMW 6 Series Convertible and Coupé that was launched last year, the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé is set to establish a new benchmark in the top-class premium segment in terms of aesthetics, emotionality and modernity.

12.03.2012

Dubai – BMW has reaffirmed its premium leadership status by being selected to provide a luxury fleet of its flagship 7 Series models for the Annual Investment Meeting 2012 (AIM) taking place in Dubai from 1-3 May 2012 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.

As the event’s Official Automotive Business Partner, a fleet of 30 chauffeur-driven BMW 7 Series vehicles have been provided for the transportation needs of the attending VIP’s and delegates, reiterating BMW’s position as the leading choice of vehicles for high-profile events across the Emirates.

The Annual Investment Meeting is an initiative from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade and is aimed at enriching the attending institutional, corporate and individual investors with a comprehensive set of guidelines for their future investment decisions in high growth regions.

Commenting on BMW’s involvement, Mr. Kevin Hughes, General Manager of AGMC.
said: “AIM gathers leading decision-makers from around the world, it is therefore the perfect event for the flagship BMW 7 Series, a vehicle that embodies luxury, status, performance and pioneering innovation.

“BMW vehicles are continuously selected as the vehicle of choice by many corporations, companies and governments across the world, including the UAE. This part of our business has grown substantially in the past few years, and we look forward to expanding it further through partnerships with government, corporations and international events.”

The superiority of the company’s flagship BMW 7 Series exemplifies the elegant and dynamic character of the BMW brand. The vehicle’s advanced design features, including its outstanding profile and refined elegance, befit any occasion of state. High quality craftsmanship combined with exquisite materials in the interior give an even more exclusive and sophisticated appearance, positioning BMW as the perfect partner for high profile gatherings and forums such as AIM 2012.

As part of this year’s sponsorship, BMW showcased their latest groundbreaking ConnectedDrive system – BMW Assist Advanced E-Call (ACN) – to the conference’s attendees, through a presentation presented by Mamdouh Khairallah, Regional Director at AGMC on the second day of the conference.

Exclusively available at AGMC, if crash sensors detect that a vehicle has been involved in an accident, Advanced E-Call automatically contacts the Dubai Police call centre and provides detailed information about the accident, including its precise location, the number of occupants, the crash severity and direction, the number of deployed airbags and seat belt status.

03.05.2012