BMW Group Canada reports strong first quarter.

Richmond Hill, ON.  Following a record-breaking January and February, BMW Group Canada’s March 2011 results helped the company secure a significant Q1 increase over the first quarter of 2010.  With a year-to-date total of 6,087 units sold, the Group (BMW and MINI combined) surpassed first-quarter 2010 sales by 8.9 per cent.

“We’re happy to have a strong first quarter under our belt,” said Manfred Braunl, president and CEO, BMW Group Canada.  “With several new products about to hit the market, we believe the next quarter will be at least equally positive.”

BMW.

The BMW brand reported year-to-date sales of 5,327 units, an increase of 8.4 per cent compared to the first three months of 2010.  The 5 Series has done particularly well during the first quarter of 2011, selling 744 units, an increase of nearly 95 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2010.  The all-new BMW X3 has also enjoyed a robust Q1, with 897 units sold for a total increase of 71.8 per cent over the first quarter of 2010.

MINI.

MINI sales for the first quarter of 2011 totalled 760 units, representing an increase of 12.8 per cent compared to Q1 2010.  Two models providing impetus for the brand in the first quarter of 2011 were the MINI Clubman, which reached an increase of 48.6 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2010, and the all-new MINI Countryman (not available in Q1 2010).

Motorrad.

BMW Motorrad Canada reported year-to-date sales of 235 units , a decrease of 27.5 per cent compared to the same period last year.  The arrival of spring and the all-new K1600 are expected to positively impact the brand’s sales in the coming months.

Pre-owned.

BMW pre-owned sales are up 13 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2010, with 2,943 units sold.  On the MINI side, quarterly pre-owned sales are up 151 per cent over 2010, with 608 units sold.  Both of these figures are quarterly records for pre-owned sales for the BMW Group.

BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 41 BMW automobile retail centres, 19 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 26 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

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For more information, please contact:

Barb Pitblado, Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

Office - 905-428-5005 / Cell – 416-627-0436 / barb.pitblado@bmwgroup.ca