January 24, 2015 – 2014 was a positive year for BMW Group sales in Lebanon with Bassoul-Heneine sal selling 790 BMW and MINI vehicles to customers, which represented an 8% increase in sales over the previous year. Lebanon also ended the year as the second biggest market in the region for MINI sales, with almost 200 MINI cars sold, a 4% growth on 2013 figures.
In pole position for BMW was the popular BMW X model family, accounting for 32% of BMW Group’s total sales in Lebanon. The BMW X5 Sports Activity Coupé was the top-seller, with a total of 168 vehicles sold to customers representing an exceptional 460% year-on-year growth. Mirroring the vehicle’s regional success, the BMW X5 remains one of BMW’s best-selling models across the region and accounted for 5,797 unit sales in the Middle East for 2014.
Next to delight Lebanese customers was the BMW 4 Series range, with 153 cars sold. Representing the fourth generation of BMW’s mid-size coupé, the all-new BMW 4 Series Coupe represents 61% of the total BMW 4 Series sales followed by the Gran Coupe 21% and Cabrio 18%. Meanwhile, the BMW 3 Series also played a significant role in the importer’s 2014 performance with a total of 105 vehicles sold.
In the year that saw MINI turn 55, the British icon and arguably one of the most loved and unique car marques in the history of motoring saw significant success in Lebanon. Bassoul Heneine sal achieved its best-ever annual sales result with almost 200 MINI vehicles sold, representing a 4% increase in sales over the previous year and making Lebanon BMW Group’s second biggest market for MINI sales in the Middle East.
Model sales were driven by the MINI Countryman – the first MINI with four doors and optional four-wheel drive. The all-new MINI 3 door Hatch also proved popular, with the MINI 5 door Hatch, which arrived in the last quarter of the year, expected to fuel further growth in 2015 as it takes road presence to a new level in its segment and is expected to attract new customers to the MINI brand.
Commenting on the company’s 2014 performance, Mr. Nagy Heneine, General Manager for Commercial Affairs at Bassoul-Heneine sal, said: “2014 was a great year for the BMW Group in Lebanon – not only did we achieve growth across both brands but we were also the second biggest MINI market in the region after the UAE, a factor fuelled by our customers’ desire for driving fun, individualistic style and premium quality. We’re excited about what’s to come for 2015.”
Across the Middle East region, the success was echoed with BMW Group Middle East selling more vehicles in 2014 than ever before in the company’s history. 30,148 BMW and MINI vehicles were sold across 12 countries, an increase of 23% from the previous record year.