BMW on the Middle East International Auto Show

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG took the opportunity of the ninth Middle East International Motor Show for serial unveilings for its two concept cars and the new M3 Coupe.

The new BMW M3 houses a powerful V8 engine producing 420 horsepower. The M3 can speed from 0-100 kph in just 4.8 seconds. In the Middle East, the M3 will go on sale this coming January. BMWs concept car, the low-slung CS is a four-door Gran Turismo for Middle East’s luxury segment going in production two years from now. Another unveiling was for the X6 concept series. With its twin turbo, BMW marks the X6 as the world’s first sports activity coupe.

According to Phil Horton, managing director of BMW Group Middle East, his region could make it to the top five globally with hit X6 sales. The M6 will make it to dealerships in mid-2008.

"This will be a key market. I think if the company could design a car specifically for the Middle East, it would be the X6. It looks good and both engines offered will have twin-turbo power," he said.

For the year 2007, the BMW X5 was the best selling for BMW in the Middle East. The X5 covers 15 percent of total BMW sales in the region. The X5 is followed by the 5 (including the 530i and its BMW 530i parts) and the 7 series.

Sales trend varies from the United States and Europe, where the 3 series, smaller than the others accounts for the 50 percent of sales for BMW. Before 2007 ends, BMW aims to sell almost 15,000 BMWs and 700 Minis, these figures pose a 25 percent sales increase for BMW and 25 percent increase for Mini sales.

"We're looking at good growth for the next year. Depending on the regional political situation we could easily see 10-15 per cent growth in the market and for BMW," said Horton.

As the third quarter of the year was completed, BMW reported a net profit leap of 78 percent due to higher sales and BMW sees further sales rise before 2007 ends. With these sales result, BMW is maintaining its post as the world’s largest premium automaker.

"The biggest growth opportunities for BMW and most other car manufacturers are in China, India and Russia," said Horton.

"With our [Middle East] growth levels, that clearly puts us in the top ten ranking. The markets of America and Europe are not growing at anything like those levels."