AGMC, exclusive importer of BMW, Mini and Rolls Royce in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates said sales for the first half of the year reached 1,953 units to the end of June 2008, an increase of 19 per cent over the same period the previous year.

The number of units sold during the six months also represents the highest sales figure across the Middle East for BMW Group.

The top three selling models were the BMW X5, followed by the BMW 3 Series, and the BMW 5 Series.

The newly launched BMW X6, the world's first Sports Activity Coupe, also enjoyed remarkable demand in just over two months since its launch in April this year.

'AGMC continues to be the highest volume seller for BMW Group in the region, and this growth is largely attributed to the company's offerings in the luxury market segment across Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, which in turn has allowed us to experience phenomenal expansion,' said Stathis I Stathis, general manager, AGMC.

'AGMC has experienced tremendous sales growth over the first six months of this year, building on last year's leading performance for the BMW Group, where AGMC delivered a total of 3,594 vehicles to customers, accounting for 23.7 per cent of total sales in the Middle East.'

'Our sales performance for this year is well on track and we expect to conclude 2008 by surpassing last year's outstanding figures.

'In addition, the implementation of several expansion initiatives and the introduction of segment-leading products will support AGMC's growth in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates,' said Stathis.

Another area of AGMC's business that witnessed growth during the first six months of the year was the company's certified pre-owned car programme – BMW Premium Selection.

The BMW Premium Selection programme is reserved exclusively for pre-owned BMW vehicles that meet strict criteria.

Vehicles need to be less than five years old, have a mileage of under 100,000 km and have been serviced by authorised BMW importers to qualify for the programme.

This year will see the completion of AGMC's multi-million dirham expansion project which reflects the growth of the company, where the BMW showroom and service facility on Sheikh Zayed road will be doubled in size and will be equipped with state-of-the art equipment and machinery.

'The Sheikh Zayed road showroom is just one of the company's initiatives in our promise to develop our sales and after-sales facilities. Alongside staff training initiatives, we are building on our guarantee to provide customers with the latest technologies and vehicles utilizing the most professional service,' said Stathis.

AGMC has also announced the development of a multi-million, state-of-the-art facility for BMW Group products within the transportation zone of Dubai Investment Park.

Additionally, AGMC will be opening a new BMW Premium Selection, certified pre-owned vehicles showroom next to the main BMW showroom in Sharjah in Industrial area 12. - TradeArabia News Service