BMW struggles to keep up with Mideast X6 demand

HOT MODEL: The BMW X6 has proved a big hit in the Middle East. (Supplied)

BMW said on Tuesday it can't keep pace with demand for its new X6 car in the Middle East as sales fall in Europe.

The car maker has already sold 1,259 units of its X6 model across the region since launching the sports coupe in March – almost its entire production allocation for the year.

“Following its Middle East launch in March 2008, demand has exceeded supply in a number of key markets,” said Phil Horton, MD of BMW Group Middle East.

But the world's largest maker of luxury cars is expecting falling demand in Europe. Deliveries fell 15 percent last month as the impact of the credit crunch was felt.

Sales fell to 121,621 cars and sports utility vehicles from 142,357 units a year earlier, the company said.

The Munich-based car maker remains confident of stronger Middle East sales in the fourth quarter following the recent arrival of the X6 xDrive50i engine variant.

The new model features a more powerful 4.4-litre V8 twin turbo engine capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds and has a top speed of 250km.

BMW said it also sold 2669 X5 cars in the Middle between January and September.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Shame
Posted by Graham Plater, Munich, Germany on Thursday 30 October 2008 at 13:39 UAE time


It's a real shame that production logistics prevent a quick manufacturing shift from low-profit old models like the 5 series to highly profitable models like the X6 and the new 7 series in order to satisfy demand in the Middle East. The car industry is in a real crisis due to short-sighted strategic decisions and the global economic crisis. Maybe a good time for the Al Waleeds to buy themselves a luxury car company or two? Aston Martin is already largely owned by investors from Kuwait, any more out there?

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