Record breaking July sales for BMW Group Canada

WHITBY, ON, Aug. 1 /CNW/ - Strong sales continue to exceed expectations as BMW Group Canada (BMW and MINI brands combined) recorded sales of 1508 units in July. Year-to-date, BMW Group Canada's sales are up by 28% over the same period last year with 9876 vehicles sold. BMW Brand: Best July sales in history

Sales of BMW Vehicles in July were an impressive 1218 units, up by 20% over July 2001, marking the best July sales month in history. Year-to-date, BMW's sales are up by 15%, with sales currently amounting to 8854 units.

Significant contributors to July's robust sales include the award winning 5 Series, whose sales were up by 24% over the same month last year with 153 units retailed in July. Meanwhile, sales of BMW's flagship sedan, the all new 7 Series were up a substantial 107% over July 2001.

"The 7 Series has taken the role as the absolute and undisputed leader in the luxury prestige segment not only in Canada, but in the rest of the world," explains Hendrik von Kuenheim, President and CEO of BMW Group Canada. "People recognize that not only is this car built with the latest innovations in technology, it's also a remarkable car built with performance in mind."

In addition, BMW Motorcycles retailed an impressive 93 units in July, representing an increase of 10% over the same month last year. Year-to-date, sales of BMW motorcycles are up a remarkable 25% over the first seven months of 2001.

MINI Brand: Sales continue to rise

After four months on the Canadian market, sales of the MINI Cooper and the MINI Cooper S continue to rise, with 290 customers taking delivery of their MINIs in the month of July.

"We are extremely pleased by the overwhelming success of the MINI in Canada," says Mr. von Kuenheim. "And, as such, we are looking towards expanding both our allocation of vehicles and our Canadian MINI retail network."

MINI is a separate brand within the BMW Group, which alongside BMW forms a second important pillar of the BMW Group's premium brand strategy.

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 the new MINI brand. A total network of 32 independent BMW retail centres, 16 independent BMW motorcycle retailers, and 14 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.