BMW Group Middle East sold 10,205 BMW and MINI cars in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Levant region last year compared to 7,410 units in 2001, a 38 percent growth.
Each of BMW's active 12 Middle East markets witnessed significant growth. The biggest markets in terms of sales volume were in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a total of 3,984 units compared to 2,616 units over last year.
AGMC, exclusive importer in Dubai and Northern Emirates sold 2,175 units compared to 1,377 units while Abu Dhabi Motors sold 1,809 units compared to 1,239 units. The UAE market was followed by Saudi Arabia, which sold 1,854 units and Kuwait with 1,367 units.
The fastest growing market in the region was Dubai with a 58 percent increase over last year followed by Saudi Arabia recording an impressive 48 percent growth and Abu Dhabi, with a close 46 percent growth.
Worldwide, the BMW Group sold 1.1 million BMW and MINI vehicles. BMW's history with the Middle East dates back to 1924, when BMW was still only an aircraft turbine manufacturer. That year, the first intercontinental flight powered by BMW engines went to Persia. The first BMW car to be sold in the UAE came in 1976 with the sale of a BMW 520i.
The BMW regional office officially opened in Dubai in 1994, although operations had begun as early as 1993. It was the first regional office of a European automotive manufacturer in the Middle East. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
