"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. "Both BMW and MINI brands have outperformed the market and in particular we have seen significant growth coming from the company car market. Sales of the 3 Series have exceeded our expectations driven by a strong performance from the 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon with its significant tax advantage. The new 5 Series Saloon has made an excellent start and we have also seen considerable incremental growth from the X1. MINI has seen its highest ever market share since it was launched and the new MINI Countryman has made an immediate impact with customers now waiting until the spring for delivery of their vehicles.
"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.
BMW Brand Sales
In 2010, sales of BMW brand vehicles increased by 10.8 per cent with a total of 109,418 vehicles representing 5.39 per cent of the UK market.
MINI Brand Sales
Capturing more than two per cent of the market, MINI was the 9th best-selling car in the UK in 2010 with sales of 43,894 vehicles, an increase of more than 10 per cent compared to 2009.