BMW Group Canada records Best First Quarter Sales Results in History

WHITBY, ON, April 2 /CNW/ - ...BMW Group Canada recorded its best first quarter sales result in history, posting sales of 2950 vehicles -- a 16% increase over the 2528 units sold during the same period last year. March 2002 was also the best March ever, citing sales of an impressive 1405 units which amounted to a 20% increase over March 2001. The X5 Sports Activity Vehicle experienced its second highest single sales month in history. March X5 sales were up by 31% over the same month last year, recording sales of 338 units. Sales of the all new 7 Series also continue to be strong, recording an impressive 67% growth over the first quarter last year.

"The first quarter sales results point BMW firmly towards experiencing another record year. This month also marked the highest Z3 sales month since May 2000," explains Hendrik von Kuenheim, President and CEO of BMW Group Canada. "It would appear that Canadians are ready to welcome in the spring!"

Meanwhile, 14 MINI retail centers across Canada officially opened their doors on March 22, 2002 by which time over 900 of the 2000 units allocated to Canada for this year had already been sold through pre-orders or as part of the Getting In Line Online Internet campaign. Initial supply of MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S models have been distributed to retailers, and deliveries will begin this month

BMW Group Canada, based in Whitby, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, motorcycles, BMW Financial Services, and beginning in March, the new MINI brand. A total network of 32 independent BMW retail centers, 16 independent BMW motorcycle retailers, and 15 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.