BMW Group Outperformed the UK Market in 2010

BMW Group UK has reported a rise of 10.8 percent increase in sales of its BMW and MINI brands during 2010. Demand totaled 153,312 units, beating the market that only increased by under two percent last year. BMW’s market share also expanded to 7.5 percent, while MINI brand also captured more than two percent of the market.

“We have seen strong sales growth from BMW Group in the UK this year and, with sales exceeding 153,000 vehicles.  BMW has not only secured its position as the UK’s top premium brand in 2010 but has also increased its lead in the premium sector,” said Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW Group UK.

Sales of the 3-Series were especially good, exceeding the carmaker’s expectations, driven by strong demand for the 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon with its significant tax advantage. The all-new 5-Series saloon did well, despite the late start in 2010 and the smallest member of BMW’s SUV family, the X1, saw a considerable incremental growth from the start to the end of the year.

MINI was the 9th best-selling car in the last year, with sales of 43,894 vehicles, an increase of more than 10 per cent compared to 2009. It claimed the biggest share of the market since the brand was relaunched, thanks to the new MINI Countryman’s immediate impact on sales. UK customers now have to wait until the spring for delivery of their crossovers to be delivered.

“Although the 2011 outlook is challenging, particularly in the first six months, we remain cautiously optimistic and we are going into the new year with a strong forward order position with our order bank double the size compared to this time last year, “ Abbott concluded.