BMW: Leading the Luxury Market through 2004
MINI Plant to Expand?

July 28, 2004

- BMW continues leadership of Luxury Import market - Dynamic new models underpin strong H1 sales lead - Target set for another record sales result - New X3 and 1 Series to lure a new generation of BMW enthusiasts

Daring innovation and driving dynamism continue to propel BMW Group Australia to the head of the imported luxury market, official figures out today confirm.

The first half sales results for 2004, as issued by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries VFACTS statistics service, illustrate BMW has a commanding lead over its rivals and is on track to post another record overall sales result for the year.

In the first six months BMW sold 7306 vehicles compared with 6421 in the same period last year, according to VFACTS. Year-to-date BMW controls 31 percent of the luxury passenger car market with 5131 sales, well ahead of its rivals.

In the luxury SUV segment BMW leadership, cemented in 2003, continues unchallenged in 2004, as the revised X5 family continues to seduce customers.

As a measure of its superior appeal to buyers in this segment, the BMW X5 is six percentage points clear of its nearest rival.

BMW remains dominant with a solid 25.5 percent of the luxury SUV market year-to-date, again well clear of its rivals. The new BMW X3 is destined to become the hot-ticket item for compact luxury SUV buyers.

June?s sales of 1332 vehicles included deliveries of 145 BMW X3s - launched four days before month end - as well as 237 5 Series, 265 X5 Sport Activity Vehicles and 605 3 Series family vehicles.

BMW Group Australia aims to accelerate even harder in the second half of 2004 thanks to the arrival of the exciting new X3 and 1 Series, both of which provide volume sales and market share growth opportunity.

BMW has not neglected its seminal 3 Series family with enhancements conferred upon the Coupe and Convertible, eagerly received by the market.

The new E60 5 Series range continues to fill out with the arrival of the 525i and V8-powered rocket-ship 545i, with sales in June the highest this year so far. The addition of a Sport model for the 7 Series has further added to the appeal of this technically advanced driving machine.

The launch of the new 6 Series in 645Ci Coupé and Convertible guise has stimulated levels of interest beyond expectation, spurred by its involving and exhilarating driving dynamics.

And despite a cooling roadster market, the BMW Z4 continues to secure a substantial piece of the action with its choice of two world-famous straight-six cylinder engines, the 2.5-litre version of which was recently voted international ?Engine of the Year? for its capacity at the annual Engine Oscars.

This acclaimed 2.5i engine is also found in most 3 Series derivatives, the 5 Series, and X3 in addition to the Z4.

BMW has also just won ?Germany?s Best Innovator Award 2004?, in recognition of its industry-leading driver-oriented technology.

German Federal Minister Wolfgang Clement said: ?The BMW Group, as one of the world?s most innovative companies, shows that Germany still leads the global field as a centre of innovation.?

BMW?s unique Active Steering (fitted to all Australian delivered 5 Series and 6 Series cars) was highlighted as a key technical and customer-oriented innovation.

And six of the world?s best production sedan racing drivers powered the unique V8 powered M3 GTR Super Coupe to yet another victory recently, decimating a strong field of contenders to claim a memorable 1-2 victory at the 24

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