BMW Group, the world’s leading premium automotive manufacturer, has announced a 25 per cent increase in sales in 2009 for its BMW Premium Selection, its global used-car programme.

Overall, 1,888 BMW Premium Selection vehicles were sold across eight markets in the Middle East compared to 1,512 in 2008. Top performing markets in 2009 include Bahrain which achieved an impressive 54 per cent increase in sales, followed by Saudi Arabia which witnessed a 41 per cent increase.

Abu Dhabi also generated a strong increase in sales, up 16 per cent with 359 cars sold in total, while Oman recorded an increase of 39 per cent. Dubai recorded the highest volume of sales with 501 Premium Selection vehicles sold during 2009.

The BMW Premium Selection programme was established in the Middle East in 2006 as a sub-brand of the BMW Group. The programme is offered by select BMW importers across the region, including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Jordan and Kuwait.

“This programme appeals to customers now more than ever, because it gives access to a quality-assured luxury product at a more affordable price,” said James Crichton, sales and marketing director, BMW Group Middle East.

The BMW Premium Selection programme is reserved exclusively for used BMW vehicles that meet strict criteria. Vehicles need to be less than five years old, have a mileage under 100,000 km and have been serviced by authorised BMW importers to qualify for the programme.

Vehicles pass a comprehensive 75-point technical check by trained BMW technicians before they are accepted and sold, ensuring high levels of quality, reliability and value to customers. A 12-month warranty and road side assistance is also given when purchasing a BMW Premium Selection vehicle.-TradeArabia News Service