Against the backdrop of the global economic and financial crisis, BMW Group Middle East has announced that Q1 2009 witnessed healthy growth in market share despite a moderate  nine per cent sales decrease compared to its Q1 2008 figures across 14 importers in the region.

BMW Group Middle East reported positive growth in sales during Q1 2009 for several importers including Lebanon and Syria where sales were up 108% and 116% respectively and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which experienced growth of 15%. The X6 Sports Activity Coupé performed very strongly, with 584 units sold during Q1 2009, representing an impressive 1,618% growth in sales versus 2008.  The 7 Series sold 1,118 units, a 93% growth in sales.

Across the region the biggest markets by volume of units sold were Dubai with 772 units, followed by Abu Dhabi with 589 units sold.  568 units were sold in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and 445 units in Kuwait during the first three months of 2009.

“The industry is facing challenging conditions, and in the current context a nine per cent decline in sales is in line with our expectations,” said James Crichton, Sales & Marketing Director,  BMW Group Middle East.

The Top-of-the-line 5-series variant is set to draw customers who are looking for uniqueness and a car for all occasions

Once again defining a brand new segment in the market, BMW has announced the arrival of the all-new Gran Turismo in Oman. 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 all-new BMW X6, the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé, has arrived in the Sultanate of Oman.
The latest addition to the BMW family will be available in two variants – the BMW X6 xDrive35i to be followed by the BMW X6 xDrive50i – representing the most sporting and dynamic rendition in the BMW X Series range yet.
Offering a brand new design approach and interpretation, the highly-anticipated BMW X6 visualises superior driving dynamics and outstanding supremacy. The exterior design of the BMW X6 sports a striking front end, stretched side lines and expresses powerful presence through its wheels, classic coupé proportions and sweeping flow from roofline to rear end.

We interviewed Phil Horton, Managing Director of BMW Middle East for his insight on the brand’s readiness for the new year

What is BMW’s reading of the market during 2009 (The interview was during the Dubai Motorshow in end 2009)?

You are right. It has been a tough year in the market. In fact, we are at the end of November so we have few days to go. The market will be down at least 25% in the middle east overall. In what we call the premuim segment, it is pretty much the same. Having said that, at BMW, we have been very fortunate, particularly because of the strength of some of our models and particularly in that the new models. We were down overall in the whole region about 8%. Obviously better than 25% that the market shrank and in Oman particularly we were running down 5%, so were actually performing better than the whole region.
Primarily this is because of the 7-series. It coincided with the arrival of the credit crisis in the region. Because this part of the world likes big cars and novelty, we have really been saved by the arrival of the 7-series as well as BMW X5 and X6. Both continued to perform very well. Overall we are happy with the year and we are looking for some growth over the next year, 2010.