BMW X3• Best sales ever for BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce
• BMW X3 4×4 enjoys strongest growth
• Large sales increases in Asian markets

BMW has posted record sales figures for 2011, selling over 14 per cent more vehicles than in 2010.

The figures, which include sales of MINI, Rolls Royce and BMW Motorcycles, show that the German manufacturer sold 1,668,982 vehicles globally last year.

The X3 compact 4×4 enjoyed the largest growth, selling 156 per cent more than in 2010. The massive increase in sales was due to the new model, which was launched in 2011, and comprehensively addressed the previous generation’s dynamic and aesthetic shortcomings.

The perennially popular BMW 5 Series executive saloon continued its trend of being the best-selling car in its segment, with over 310,000 being sold globally. The BMW X1 crossover also posted record sales, with the high riding hatchback selling 126,429 units.

Whilst sales of BMW products increased globally, it is in Asian markets that demand has rocketed. China, now considered by many manufacturers to be the single most important emerging market, bought 232,586 vehicles – a 38 per cent increase on last year.

The United States remains BMW’s largest single market, with the MINI brand proving particularly popular.

With the top selling BMW 3 Series due to be replaced with an all new model, BMW are looking forward to further sales success in 2012.

Speaking on the company’s future plans, BMW board member Ian Robertson said: “We want to continue to grow, with balanced sales growth across all continents. Growth will be driven by the new BMW 3 Series which will be launched worldwide next month. This is the best BMW 3 Series sedan we have ever built and we are confident it will continue this model’s success story.”

By Daljinder Nagra