BMW Group Grows in Malaysia and the APAC region in 2012
Kuala Lumpur, 14th December 2012 – BMW Group today announced record performances globally, regionally and in Malaysia for the first 3 Quarters of 2012 during an exclusive business briefing session chaired by Mr. Hendrik von Kuenheim, Senior Vice President Region Asia, Pacific and South Africa, BMW Group as well as Dr. Gerhard Pils, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
As of year to date November 2012, the BMW Group has already delivered 1, 664, 088 vehicles worldwide, representing an increase of 10.1% over the same period last year (2011:1,510,857) and reinforcing BMW’s position as the world’s largest premium automobile group. Similarly, the Asia Pacific (APAC) region reflected this growth, making the region the fastest growing BMW market globally and the second largest market after Europe.
During the session, Mr. Hendrik von Kuenheim said, “The strong performance of the BMW Group is proof of the strength of the business pillars on which we are built on and have taken us through a global automotive climate which still feels the impact of recession throughout Europe. Short of any further declines in the global economic climate, we are confident that we will be able to achieve a sustainable Earnings Before Income Tax (EBIT) margin of between 8% and 10% for the year 2012 and beyond.”
Closer to home, BMW Group Malaysia also reflected the group’s dynamic performances, with a total of 6,162 BMW, MINI and Motorrad vehicles delivered from January to November 2012, representing a 20% growth over the 5,166 units delivered in the same period last year, which in itself was already a record-breaking year for BMW Group Malaysia.
Mr. von Kuenheim further added that in view of the Malaysian government’s positive steps to re-invigorate the automotive industry, such as the greater liberalisation of automotive policies to induce greater foreign investment and incentives to encourage the greater adoption of Advanced Green Technology such as Hybrid and Electric vehicles, Malaysia continued to be an important growth market for the BMW Group.
“In light of the on-going strength of the BMW brand in Malaysia, which is now the number one selling premium automotive brand in the country, it comes as no surprise at all that the country continues to be a core BMW growth market; which are countries with the right combination of growing personal wealth, manufacturing capabilities and meaningful Government legislature to become key markets for automobiles.” said von Kuenheim.
Echoing von Kuenheim’s views, Dr. Gerhard Pils, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said “Malaysia continues to be an important growth market for BMW with our operations here which include our National Sales Company, Group Data Centre and Regional Training Centre in Cyberjaya; assembly plant in Kulim; Parts Distribution Centre in the Port of Tanjung Pelepas and of course, our extensive network of premium dealerships nationwide. We continue to look for opportunities to further up-scale our operations in Malaysia.”
In order to cope with the increasing demand for BMW vehicles throughout the country, BMW Group Malaysia has since the year 2011, increased local production of BMWs to more than 5,000 annually while also upgrading its local distribution network with the launch of new BMW 4S (Sales, Service, Systems and Spare-parts) facilities in Setia Alam, Kuantan, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. The BMW Group now has 16 BMW and four MINI dealerships in the country.
In 2012, BMW Group Malaysia also further enhanced its business strategy by expanding its commitment to introducing BMW EfficientDynamics technologies with the introduction of two all new BMW Advanced Hybrid models, the BMW Active Hybrid 3 Series and 5 Series in the country. Fitted with the most advanced power train technology for hybrid vehicles, BMW’s Active Hybrid vehicles excel in every aspect of the hybrid discipline – output, fuel efficiency, range, all-electric top speed, acceleration and internal space and luggage capacity; all of which is designed and engineered by BMW to continue to deliver Sheer Driving Pleasure to its Malaysian customers without any compromise.
“We are the Most Sustainable Car Company in the world, with the globally respected Dow Jones Sustainability Index ranking us as the number one automotive company in the specialised field for eight consecutive years in a row. The BMW EfficientDynamics strategy is thus a cornerstone of our operations in Malaysia as we believe that clean and green technology is the irrefutable future of the auto industry. Today, over 20% of BMW vehicles sold in 2012 are diesel-powered and with the addition of our Active Hybrid models, I am confident that sustainable engine alternatives will continue to grow in popularity amongst our BMW customers.” said Dr. Pils.
Dr. Pils noted however that it was important for Malaysia to make significant steps to further grow its automotive sector so as to reap the rewards of innovation trends in the industry in the future.
“It is my hope that the Malaysian government will seek to further enhance the automotive segment by adopting a two-fold strategy of encouraging stronger investments towards advanced green technology into the country by businesses throughout the automotive supply chain as well as financial incentives which will encourage early adoption amongst consumers. Only then will we be able to take advantage of the unique economic opportunities that are presently available.” said Dr. Pils.
