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The BMW Group once again improved sales volumes substantially in February of this year. A total of 91,758 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce automobiles were delivered to customers (prev. yr. 80,474) – representing an increase of 14.0%. The figure for the year to the end of February was 173,911 units – 15.3% higher than the previous year (150,893).

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing: “After a substantial increase in January, sales year on year were significantly higher as well in February. Last month we saw growth in Asia, in particular, but we also made gains in many markets in Europe, Africa and the Americas. In key sales markets such as the US, the automotive sector is also showing encouraging signs of a gradual recovery.“ Almost all markets are experiencing a definite upturn. In the US, the BMW brand was the segment leader in February with growth of 16.3%. In Germany, the BMW Group managed to increase volumes by 6.8% despite the downward market trend. In China, the company sold 96.7% more vehicles in the month under review.

Robertson added: “We are looking forward to the new BMW 5 Series and the start of deliveries on 20 March. There is already tremendous interest in this vehicle which accounts for almost one fifth of BMW retail volumes – and is one of the brand’s mainstays, alongside the 1 Series and the 3 Series. However, primarily due to the
5 Series model change, we expect temporary slower growth in total sales during the launch phase in spring.”

A total of 78,248 BMW brand automobiles were delivered to customers in February – an increase of 13.7% (prev. yr. 68,823). For the year to the end of February, sales were 14.7% higher than the previous year (129,085) at 148,112 units.

Sales of the MINI brand also continued to perform well. Last month, 13,443 MINI cars, 16.0% more than in February 2009 (11,584), were delivered to customers worldwide. 25,645 MINI vehicles were sold in the year to the end of February. That represents an increase of 18.2% (prev. yr. 21,704). Ian Robertson: “Over the next few years the MINI product family will grow from three to six members. The MINI family’s fourth model, the new MINI Countryman, will arrive in showrooms in September and will play an important part in the premium brand’s long-term growth.”

For the first time the new MINI Countryman is currently being presented at the Geneva Motor Show. Until 14 March, the BMW Group will be showcasing a wide range of new models and technologies at the show. Other highlights include the world premiere of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan as well as revised BMW 3 Series Coupé, 3 Series Convertible and X5 models. The 2010 Geneva Motor Show also provides a showcase for two very innovative concept cars: With its BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid, BMW is presenting its concept for a ground-breaking full-hybrid model for the upper middle class segment. Also making its European debut is the BMW Concept ActiveE, a concept car based on the BMW 1 Series Coupé, equipped with fully-electric drive and innovative energy storage technology. Two new BMW hybrid models will be available by mid-April, when the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 go on sale in Europe.

The Rolls-Royce brand delivered 67 automobiles in February (prev. yr. 67/+0.0%). For the year to the end of February, 154 Rolls-Royce cars were handed over to customers worldwide (prev. yr. 104/+48.1%).

Following a good performance in January, deliveries in the Motorcycle Segment again rose substantially in February by 24.6% to reach a total of 5,485 vehicles (prev. yr. 4,401). For the year to the end of February, that represents an increase of 14.4% to 9,299 motorcycles sold (prev. yr. 8,132). The revised R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure and R 1200 RT, all strong volume models, contributed to this growth as well as the newly introduced S 1000 RR.

It was dark, humid, and overcast when I started the day at 6AM in Sebring, Florida. However, by the time I was showered and dressed at 6:45AM I could already hear the roar of high-powered machinery echoing across the flat landscape.

Walking into the track at 7:30 sharp, the trailers and staging areas for all of the teams and cars were very quiet with only a few engineers wandering around with an assortment of various tools or lightweight rims adorned with slick tires. Upon spotting a large trailer and an empty, covered corral under underneath a cluster of BMW flags I found the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team….

Read the rest over @ BMW Blog

Another exciting BMW model unveiled today at the Geneva Motor Show was the BMW M3 Coupe facelift with Competition Package. The M3 Coupe, Sedan, and Convertible models become 2011 models this spring and BMW ups the ante on the M3 Coupe and Sedan by offering a new “Competition Package” for MY2011.

The package (ZCP) further enhances the highly responsive chassis by installing a 10mm lower suspension and 19” wheels with greater offset for a wider track.

Combined with remapped Electronic Damping Control and Dynamic Stability Control systems, the M3 with Competition Package is the best handling production M car ever built.

Design wise, modified rear lights with glass covers in a homogeneous red color provide an additional visual accentuation in the BMW M3 Coupé and the BMW M3 Convertible. With two harmoniously illuminating light banks fed by LED units, they create a characteristic nocturnal design.

The M3 with Competition Package also comes with an exclusive color, the stunning Monte Carlo Blue. In the U.S., the Competition Package is available on the Coupe and Sedan models for $2,500.

Courtesy of BMW Blog

At 2010 Geneva Motor Show, BMW took the cover off their latest update to the popular X5 Sports Activity Vehicle. The changes in the model year 2011 are quite significant, both in terms of exterior design, but most important, underneath the hood.

The front-end goes through an extensive facelift, the lower front bumper/fascia appears to have been lifted and given a little redesign from the X6, giving it an appearance that makes the front end look lower and more aggressive. It also allows for wider air openings to feed the larger and more powerful engines more air.

To go along with what BMW has been doing lately for the 3-Series LCI, 335is, and F10 5-Series, the X5 features corona rings, or halos as most like to call them, that are full LEDs. The rear taillights get a new L-shaped LED design as well.

Read the rest @ BMW Blog

Sales by Model:

via BMW NA

Breaking news this morning. BMW USA just posted some photos on their website of the upcoming 2011 BMW 335is. As we mentioned last week, the 2011 BMW 335 Coupe and Convertible will be offered in the “is” version as well, an upgraded model with 324 horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 332 lb-ft in “regular mode”; an electronically-controlled overboost function can briefly increase torque under full load by another 37 lb-ft bringing the torque peak to 369 lb-ft.

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