BMW sets pace with record sales

Solid sales in the US and China are contributing to BMW's popularity. Photo / Supplied

BMW Group New Zealand has finished the first quarter as the leading supplier of premium vehicles in the local market.

Registration data from the Motor Industry Association shows BMW finished the first three months this year up 30 per cent year on year and Mini up 45 per cent year on year.

"This is a great result for our brands, for us and for our dealers," said BMW NZ managing director Mark Gilbert.

"It has resulted from both the introduction of some exciting new models - 1 and 3 series - and the continued strength of our X and 5 series model ranges, as well as a focus on delivering the ultimate in customer service.

"Many driver-orientated attributes, and a range of very frugal yet very powerful engine options further enhances the BMW driving experience.

"Our success in the first quarter reaffirms that New Zealanders recognise and appreciate that BMW still is the ultimate driving machine."

Ian Robertson, a member of the board of management, sales and marketing, said: "With over 400,000 BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce vehicles sold worldwide, we have had an outstanding first quarter and the best ever in the company's history.

"We have seen over 16 per cent growth in the United States this quarter and we expect further momentum with the new BMW 3 Series sedan on the market, as well as the introduction of the BMW X1 to the US in September this year."

The introduction of the BMW X1 to the US market will build upon its global success. Since its launch at the end of 2009, more than 264,000 units have been sold worldwide, making it the leader in its segment.

Record first quarters in both the US and China contributed to the BMW Group's outstanding first-quarter sales results. In the US, sales climbed 13 per cent in March to 29,806 vehicles (the previous year was 26,382). Year to date, 75,729 vehicles have been sold in the US, an increase of 16.6 per cent over the previous year (64,957).

In China the company achieved strong double-digit growth in the first quarter with more than 75,000 vehicles delivered (the previous year was 58.506).