BMW Group Asia: Outstanding sales result in 2012.

BMW’s East Asia regional sales grew 6%, while MINI scored an impressive 33% year-on-year growth in the region.

Singapore. BMW Group Asia has concluded 2012 with continued growth, with a total sales of 10,096 units of BMW and MINI vehicles (+8.1% compared to 2011) in its East Asia region comprising of 11 markets, including; Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Brunei, Bangladesh, Guam, Mongolia, New Caledonia and Tahiti.

Sales of BMW vehicles in the East Asia region has increased by 6.0% in 2012 to reach 9,128 units, while MINI achieved a remarkable 33% increase with total sales of 968 units.

“We are delighted with this spectacular result for 2012. In Singapore, we have continued our premium segment leadership for the third consecutive year and as the brand of choice for the second year in a row. Meanwhile, we also achieved the leading position in the premium segment in Philippines, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Guam and Tahiti. This is amidst an uncertain economy and various local market challenges. We attribute this remarkable result to the high quality dealership network across our region, and the comprehensive product and technology portfolio, which have enabled us to serve our customers efficiently and effectively,” said Mr Neil Fiorentinos, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia.

“With Cambodia joining our existing list of dealerships this year in 2013, we will be further extending BMW’s outreach across East Asia region and offering sheer driving pleasure to more customers in this part of the world.”

BMW: Remarkable growth in the East Asia region.

Apart from retaining its brand of choice position in Singapore for the second consecutive year, BMW also achieved strong sales growth in nearly all markets in the region.

“We attribute our success to our strong product portfolio, featuring the Efficient Dynamics technology that offers enhanced performance and driving dynamics without compromising on fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. Product-wise, the BMW 5 Series has continued to outperform its peers, while the BMW 3 Series and BMW X1 have also performed extremely well,” commented Mr Fiorentinos.

MINI brand: New sales record

MINI has witnessed significant growth with 2012 figures ending at 968 units (+33%) for the region thereby reinforcing the strength of the MINI brand across the East Asia region. MINI performed significantly well especially in markets like Indonesia and Philippines, which contributed approximately 35% and 17% respectively to its overall growth in the region.

“As a global icon for more than 50 years, the MINI brand has been experiencing exponential growth over the years as a result from the growing recognition of the brand’s premium quality, as well as the extensive range of models offered that cater to the varying needs of our customers,” said Mr Fiorentinos.

The arrival of the four-door MINI Countryman turned out to be a major boost to the brand by targeting at customers with a desire for more utility space without wanting to compromise on MINI’s signature personality and go-kart handling. The introduction of the two-seater MINI Coupé and MINI Roadster have also enhanced the overall product portfolio to reach out to customers with a penchant for style.

2013: New models

The year 2013 welcomes the arrival of many exciting new products from both BMW and MINI.

The BMW 316i. The world’s best-selling premium car is now available in the form of the BMW 316i. The BMW 316i comes with a new-generation four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine featuring the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. It has a maximum output of 136 hp at 4,350 rpm and a peak torque of 220 Nm at 1,350 rpm. The BMW 316i is able to complete the century sprint in 9.2 seconds. Thanks to the Efficient Dynamics technology, the BMW 316i achieves the class-leading fuel economy with an average of 5.9 per 100km and a CO2 emission of 137 grams per kilometre (EU combined test cycle).

This model will be available in Singapore, Bangladesh and Brunei.

The 3-door BMW 118i M Sport. This new variant of BMW 1 Series comes in a sporty 3-door hatchback styling. Powered by BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the car is designed to be extroverted, sporty and self-confident. The dynamic look of this BMW 1 Series will offer even greater balance between sportiness and driving comfort. With a maximum output of 170 hp at 4,800 rpm, and a maximum torque of 250 Nm at between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. The BMW 118i is exceptionally responsive and is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 222km/h. It also enjoys exemplary efficiency with a fuel consumption rating of just 5.8 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 134 g/km (EU combined test cycle).

This model will be available in Singapore.

The MINI Paceman. A pioneer in the urban environment, the MINI Paceman is the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé in the premium small and compact vehicle segment. With its two doors and large tailgate, plus two-full-size individual rear seats, the seventh model in the MINI family complements the elegant sportiness of its proportions with a new rendering of the familiar MINI interior. The MINI Cooper S Paceman comes with 184hp with a maximum torque of 260Nm at 1,600 – 5,000 rpm. It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds.

This model will be available Singapore, Philippines, Brunei, New Caledonia and Tahiti.

The MINI John Cooper Works. Injected with even greater efficiency and other far-reaching powertrain innovations, the latest MINI John Cooper Works models – MINI John Cooper Works Hatch, MINI John Cooper Works Cabrio, MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, MINI John Cooper Works Coupé and MINI John Cooper Works Roadster – are now equipped with automatic transmission and are powered by the twin-scroll turbo engine that develops the same levels of output and torque as its predecessor with substantially reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The MINI John Cooper Works model range is powered by 211hp with a maximum torque of 260Nm from 1,850 – 5,200 rpm.

This model will be available in Singapore, Philippines, Brunei, New Caledonia and Tahiti.