BMW tops the two million mark in the UK

The September registration plate change marked a significant milestone in the history of BMW. Just over 31 years after BMW UK Ltd sold its first vehicle, the best-selling premium marque in the UK has now surpassed the two millionth car mark.

The first car sold on 1 January, 1980 was an E12 5 Series Saloon. Move forward 1,999,999 cars later and the proud owner of a BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo has taken delivery of the extra special BMW car.

Ken Haynes, from Wolverhampton, said: “I’m delighted to find out I’m the two million man for BMW. The BMW 530d Gran Turismo is the perfect car for me as I like the space, versatility and high standard specification. I run an engineering business under my own name and being able to have a luxury car that allows for large items in the boot is the perfect combination.”

Steve Mills, Dealer Principal at Benham BMW, said: “Ken’s been a delight to deal with and is just the sort of person who buys a BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo; he’s someone who used to drive Mercedes and lately was in a Volkswagen Phaeton, but has now moved to BMW. Clearly BMW products are the way forward for the Haynes household, as a MINI Countryman also sits on the drive.”

The BMW 5 Series range has been one of the most popular cars in the history of BMW, selling 5,839,866 worldwide since its launch. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo has also proved popular with the discerning buyer looking for something more unique. Since the model was introduced in the UK at the end of 2009, nearly 2,500 models have been sold with the 530d GT proving the most popular.

Ends

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI, Husqvarna Motorcycles  and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 25 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

During the financial year 2010, the BMW Group sold 1.46 million cars and more than 110,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for 2010 was euro 4.8 billion on revenues amounting to euro 60.5 billion. At 31 December 2010, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 95,500 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last seven years.

For further information please contact:

Krystyna Kozlowska            BMW Media Relations Assistant

Tel: 01344 480707             Email: Krystyna.Kozlowska@bmw.co.uk

Gavin Ward                           BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel:  01344 480829            Email: Gavin.Ward@bmw.co.uk

Wieland Bruch                      Corporate Communications Manager

Tel: 01344 480113             Email: Wieland.Bruch@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs                       Corporate Communications Director

Tel:  01344 480109            Email:  Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

Main office number:            01344 480320

Media website:                    www.press.bmwgroup.co.uk

Customer website:              www.bmw.co.uk