BMW Group Middle East reports sustained growth in first quarter of 2011

BMW Group Middle East has completed the first three months of 2011 with a 19% sales growth over the same period in 2010. The world's most successful premium automotive manufacturer delivered 4,635 BMW and MINI vehicles to customers across 14 Middle East markets, confirming the strength of both brands in the region. 

Following record success in 2010 that saw the Group deliver the highest volume of vehicles since the company commenced Middle East operations in 1994 - the latest results reveal sustained growth in the first three months of 2011 across most importer markets. These included Abu Dhabi, the highest volume market, where sales increased 42% (1,091 cars); Dubai 38% growth (1,081 cars); while Oman saw sales improve 19% (173 cars) and Saudi Arabia by 11% (819).

 Reiner Braun, Director of Sales and Marketing for BMW Group Middle East.

Commenting on the Q1 sales success, Reiner Braun, Director of Sales and Marketing for BMW Group Middle East, said, "Our success is largely attributed to our customers and the commitment and dedication of our importers who are the lifeblood of our business. A number of sizeable investments made in facilities and customer service across the region coupled with our great products all helped contribute to strengthen the company's performance across the region."

BMW: New model launches set to drive sales further

The new BMW 5 Series, launched in March 2010, was the top selling model with 1,055 cars sold, followed closely by the company's flagship BMW 7 Series that saw 1,046 cars sold. The BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe and X5 Sports Activity Vehicle continue to be amongst the top selling cars with 694 and 634 cars sold respectively. The BMW 3 Series, the world's best selling premium car, continues its success story with 647 cars sold.

The ongoing success comes on the back of an active first quarter for BMW Group Middle East in which two new BMW models were launched; the third generation BMW 6 Series Convertible and the all new BMW X3. Entering a new era in driving dynamics and innovative technology, the second generation BMW X3 has a totally new exterior and interior design and has already secured two global awards including the Four-wheel Drive Car of the Year 2011 by Auto Bild Allrad, and Favourite SUV by readers of German magazine Off Road. Similarly, the new head turning BMW 6 Series Convertible that arrived in the region in March, offers stylish design, outstanding performance, luxury and sheer driving pleasure.

MINI: brand's popularity grows

MINI also recorded exceptional sales growth during the first three months of 2011, achieving 81% growth across eight Middle East markets with sales of 210 cars. Markets that performed well included Dubai with an increase of 178%, Abu Dhabi with 76% growth, Kuwait with 54%, Qatar 78% and Oman with 50% growth. The MINI Hatch continues to be the best selling MINI model and January's launch of the new MINI Countryman was a strong contributing factor to the company's first quarter success. The fourth MINI family member continues to make waves across the region with its innovative use of space and unique 4 door design and 4 wheel drive capabilities. The new MINI Countryman appeals to customers who appreciate MINI but are looking for a bit more MINI, and a MINI which goes far beyond urban boundaries.

BMW Premium Selection: Steady growth continues

Another area of the business that saw growth for BMW Group Middle East was BMW Premium Selection, the company's pre owned car programme that offers customers the same peace-of-mind motoring as if they were purchasing a new BMW. 639 vehicles were sold during the first quarter through BMW Premium Selection in eight markets, representing a growth of 19%. Qatar was the biggest seller of BMW Premium Selection, recording a 121% increase, followed by Dubai at 60%, Kuwait with 29%, Saudi Arabia at 21% and Abu Dhabi, with an increase of 18%.

Reiner Braun added, "The drive for success and hunger for further growth will dominate the coming months for the BMW Group in the Middle East. And to continue that momentum we will be welcoming more exciting new models to the region; these will include the BMW 6 Series Coupé, the BMW 1 Series M Coupé, BMW M5 and the MINI Coupé. Together with our importers we look forward to continuing our growth in 2011."  

source: www.ameinfo.com 

2000 BMW 3 Series 323ci review from North America

"There is a reason why they're called the ULTIMATE driving machines"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

So far I have not experienced any problems with my car. In fact all I have had to do was fill it with gas and drive. I do have some minor gripes, but they are to be expected from a car of this age and mileage.

1. Sometimes the sunroof acts goofy when I attempt to close it; it will get close to closing, then retract back to open. When this does happen, I just give it a few more minutes to make up its mind.

2. Power steering fluid sometimes overflows from the canister. I've had this checked, and was told that this is pretty common because of the design of the lid. I keep an eye on it, and have never had to refill it.

3. Sometimes I notice a very faint burning smell. I took it to a BMW specialist, who found a very small leak around the seal. He advised me not to worry about it, because the leak is very small. According to him "It would take about 6 months for a half of a quart to leak out." I haven't experienced any spills in the driveway, so I'm trusting his knowledge, all while saving up some 'future repair cash'.

General comments?

This is my 6th car and 1st BMW/European vehicle. My 04 Maxima was stolen, so after my insurance paid the lein holder, I decided to use the leftover cash to buy something straight out instead of financing.

While I have appreciated the strengths of my previous vehicles, nothing has put a smile on my face like my 323. I bought this vehicle from its original owner, who had always had it serviced by BMW, and they had the paperwork to prove it. Not to mention the original window sticker, all of the manuals, CDs, and keys. And I got it well below KBB and NADA estimates :)

It handles like a dream, and the gas mileage is great. I love that it is so well balanced, and driving this car for me is intuitive. I find myself just going for random drives all of the time.

Although this is a coupe and I am 6 feet tall, I have no complaints about space. Keep in mind that I don't have any children, and I'm usually in the car by myself with the occasional 1 or 2 passengers. I have been able to travel comfortably with 4 people in the vehicle for long trips.

The sport suspension may be a bit too stiff for some, but it's just right for me. Not too soft, not too firm, you can drive this thing on rough city streets and not pay for it with back spasms later. You're talking to guy that drove a 00 Mustang for four trouble free years. However it was not nearly as comfortable.

I must admit that I had apprehensions, because my 04 Maxima had a larger engine and about 100 more horses. Let me tell you, the power from the 2.5 is more than adequate, so don't let numbers fool you into thinking that the 3 won't move. If it's not quick enough, you can always upgrade parts or get an M3 ;)

source: www.carsurvey.org

 

 

Contrary to expectations, next-gen Cadillac CTS will offer coupe model

 

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

Cadillac has apparently changed its plans for the next-generation CTS yet again, confirming the development of a coupe to fill out the rest of the line when it arrives in 2013. This comes after reports that Caddy's mid-level fighter would only be offered in sedan form.

Fighting it out for the hears and wallets of coupe and convertible buyers was originally going to be left to Cadillac's upcoming BMW 3 Series competitor, currently codenamed the ATS. The rationale was that a more traditional coupe roofline and folding convertible top would integrate into the ATS's rump more smoothly than the angular CTS. For the next generation CTS, Motor Trend says Cadillac is changing the car's underpinnings from the current Sigma platform to the Alpha rear-drive platform, which will also see duty under the next Chevrolet Camaro.

Rumor has is that Cadillac is working on an even more radical design for the next-generation CTS Coupe, which will likely share its doors with the Camaro. And as we've heard so many times before, there may be a low-volume flagship model from Cadillac, nosing its way past the six-figure price point.

source: www.autoblog.com

How to find a used BMW for sale online

The internet is an incredible retailing channel that has changed the way most people shop. Gone are the days of spending hours walking around town looking for something and not finding it. Everything is well in reach online, and second hand cars are no different. BMW is one of the most popular makes of car on British roads, so here’s how to find a used BMW for sale using the net!

The first thing you need to realise is exactly how cheap second hand cars are. You’re looking at significant discounts on brand new prices, and then a bit of depreciation is added onto that. What you end up with are premium brands like BMW for the price of entry level cars straight out of the showroom. Can you see those £ signs yet?

Everything online begins with a Google search, and using the right one can make finding a second hand BMW for sale much easier. If you just want to browse and see what’s out there, putting in something like ‘used cars BMW’ will bring up a lot of general results. However if you know the car you want already, using a specific search like ‘used BMW 3 series Leeds’ will give you less results but they will be more relevant.

So when you’ve got the results, it’s time to look at some websites. In general you should try to stick on the first page of any results as that’s where the best quality websites are. Carsource and Teletextcars are right up there for most things, and are worth a look even if they aren’t. Listing over 100,000 motors each you’ll find a BMW quite easily, and the great thing is they only list the absolute best.

Clearly then, BMWs are the ultimate driving machines, but getting one can be a challenge if you buy brand new. Going the second hand route can get you the car of your dreams for a fraction of the cost, to take a look on line today!

source: mosquito press

Rumormill: BMW 3 Series GT could actually be new 4 Series

 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé concept

We've heard a few times that BMW is working on a 3 Series Gran Turismo, but a rumor floated at Germany's Auto Motor und Sport claims the GT may instead be an all-new 4 Series. If true, BMW Blog says that a 4 Series could be offered as a four-door coupe that would help BMW compete with offerings like the A5 Sportback. The move would also enable BMW to offer a more stylish vehicle that slots well below the 6 Series in price while still demanding a premium over the 3 Series. And keep in mind that BMW has already green-lit the 6 Series Gran Coupe, which will feature two-door styling and four physical doors when it arrives in 2012.

Given that Audi has feverishly expanded its lineup the past few years, we wouldn't blame BMW for countering with a 4 Series, but this is the first we've heard of it, so we'll keep this one squarely in the rumormill category for now.

Source: BMW Blog