BMW Group Middle East Scoops Six Industry Wins Including Two 'Car of the Year' Awards

BMW X6, M3 and MINI Clubman recognised in two of the regions most
respected automotive awards BMW Group Middle East is celebrating a
host of awards including a double win for two of its premium models
named Car of the Year in two independent and highly respected
automotive publications, CAR Middle East and Autocar Middle East. The
X6, BMW's new Sports Activity Coupe took top honours at the CAR Middle
East awards, when it was named both Car of the Year and Best SUV.
Beating 12 other category winners for the much lauded Car of the Year
crown, the BMW X6 offers an innovative interpretation of the features
and design qualities typical of a large coupé combined with the
typical X family high driving position and versatility. Not only did
the X6 win Car of the Year, but it also claimed the Best Luxury Sports
SUV title at the Autocar Middle East award ceremony in recognition of
its unique positioning in the highly competitive SUV category. Phil
Horton, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East said: "The X6
is proving to be a real winner in every respect, having pioneered a new
category in motoring as the world's first Sports Activity Coupe, and
enjoying sell-out success in the Middle East. To be named 'Car of the
Year,' 'Best SUV' and 'Best Luxury Sports SUV' in its first year of
launch in our region is the ultimate recognition of BMW's leadership in
automotive technology and design." Also receiving the coveted
title of Car of the Year 2008 is the BMW M3, having fought off stiff
competition from 81 other models in the Autocar Middle East awards.
Each car was judged on 26 separate assessment points, with the 36
finalists going through another 12-point assessment that included
high-speed handling, acceleration, emergency braking and lane changing.
The high-performance and sporty features of the M3 won yet another
Autocar Middle East award for the model as it was named Best Premium
Sports Car, securing pole position for its balance of form and
function. Accepting the awards, Phil Horton added: "Our motto for
our M range of vehicles is 'engineered on the race track, built for the
road', and this motto holds true for the new M3 coupe and convertible
models that were launched in May this year." Also standing tall
on the winner's podium at this year's Car Middle East awards was the
MINI Clubman, taking top prize for Best Small Car. A universal
favourite among all ages and groups, the MINI Clubman is small in
exterior design, but big in style, attitude and on-road presence. In
the Middle East, MINI's distinctive interpretation of style and design
continues to capture heads and hearts in every market in the region. -
Ends - For more information please contact:- Leanne Blanckenberg,
Corporate Communications Manager, BMW Group Middle East Telephone: +971
4 313 2615) Email: leanne.blanckenberg@bmw.com Charlie Akielan,
Account Manager, d'pr Tel: +9714 3311104 Email: Charlie@d-pr.ae