[supa-dupa-cooper]

BMW Group combines record sales with high profile events to remain the UK’s number one premium car company

BMW Group achieved record UK new car sales in 2007 with 169, 236 BMW and MINI vehicles registered, an increase of 10 per cent over 2006.

The BMW brand accounted for 121, 575 sales, an increase of five per cent compared to 2006 and the seventh successive year for record sales. MINI achieved 47,661 registrations, its best annual sales performance since the vehicle’s UK launch in July 2001, representing a 25 per cent increase over 2006.

Combined, the BMW and MINI brands accounted for seven per cent of the total UK market in 2007 (BMW five per cent and MINI two per cent) bolstered by the introduction of a record 99 new derivatives last year.

Jim O’Donnell, Managing Director BMW (UK) Ltd, commented: “2007 proved to be another extremely successful year for BMW Group in the UK. Although it has been a competitive year, BMW and MINI have yet again achieved record sales. The introduction of a range of cars equipped with EfficientDynamics features helped us to consolidate our position as the leading manufacturer of premium vehicles.”

The sales performance was supported by the launch of EfficientDynamics fuel saving and emissions technologies including Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and the optimum gear shift indicator. Over 94 per cent of all BMW models sold in the UK at the end of 2007 were equipped with elements of the technology that reduces emissions and fuel consumption yet increases power and performance. All MINI Hatch and Clubman models benefited from these technological revisions with the MINI Cooper D, already BMW Group’s cleanest ever car, capable of returning 72.4mpg and CO2 emissions of just 104 g/km.

“EfficientDynamics set BMW and MINI apart from the competition in 2007. And it looks set to widen the gap in 2008. It is the perfect scenario for both private and corporate buyers: cleaner, greener, faster, more dynamic and less expensive to run. In my view no other car company has done more than BMW Group in 2007 to address both environmental issues and consumers’ desire for enjoyable driving. And that progress has been reflected in our record UK sales,” said Tim Abbott, Sales Director, BMW (UK) Ltd.

2007 saw 87 per cent of BMW sales volume in the UK fall below 225g/km and 14 per cent below 140g/km. These emission figures will further improve in 2008 with 95 per cent of BMW UK sales volume set to be less than 225g/km and over 40 per cent less than 140g/km. All MINIs sold in 2008 will fall below the 225g/km level, with 50 per cent below 140g/km.

The new record reflects a successful first full sales year for the second-generation MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S. Joined by the MINI One and MINI Cooper D in April, total Hatch sales reached 38,053 in 2007, a 32 per cent increase compared to 2006. The MINI Cooper proved again to be MINI’s most popular model with 17,173 sales, 20 per cent higher than last year. The MINI Convertible performed strongly with 7,795 sales and remained the second best-selling convertible in the UK.

Overall MINI sales were bolstered by the arrival of the new MINI Clubman in November. This is the third model in the MINI range, joining the Hatch and Convertible, with nearly 3,000 orders placed for the new car in 2007.

A record year for used car sales…again

The popularity of BMW Approved Used Cars and MINI Cherished vehicle sales was again underlined in 2007. BMW (UK) Ltd achieved record used car sales through its dealer network in 2007. Over 105,000 BMW Approved Used Cars and MINI Cherished vehicle sales were recorded in 2007. This shows an increase of 11.8 per cent compared to last year’s record year.

MINI recorded a total of 28,567 Cherished sales, exceeding the previous record of 23,746 in 2006 by 20.3 per cent, and emphasising the increasing demand for its used cars. Andy Hearn, MINI UK’s General Manager, said: “The MINI Cherished programme has helped more UK motorists get behind the wheel of used MINIs than ever before with the assurance that they are buying a MINI in the best possible condition for their driving adventures.”

The Cherished programme offers significant benefits to customers, including a minimum 12 month warranty and emergency service cover, as well as the renowned MINI tlc servicing package. The reassurance provided by MINI’s high residual value is also not to be underestimated. Six years after its launch, the car still tops the residual value charts and makes ownership a sound financial prospect.

Looks like it was a good year for the group!