BMW is planning to launch its first all-electric model in the Middle East next year, part of a series of launches the German car maker is planning to further capitalise on its growth in the region.

BMW Group achieved its highest sales for the first six months of the year with a total of 954,521 vehicles sold worldwide. Sales in the Middle East were up 22 percent year-on-year to 12,657 cars in the same period.

“The best half year that BMW has ever experienced. The volume and biggest growth percentage was mainly achieved here in the GCC market which is a reflection of the economic strength in the region,” said Dr Jeorg Breuer, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East.

In a bid to maintain this growth, the second quarter of 2014 will see the launch of the futuristic and environmentally friendly BMW i8.

The i8 is one of the first all-electric models to be launched by the BMW Group and the first to be introduced to the Middle East. This plug-in hybrid has a combination of electric and combustion engines and an interior made entirely of environmentally friendly materials, from seat covers to flooring.

The four passenger cell of the BMW i8 is made entirely out of carbon fibre, and promises to deliver the sporting ability of a high-performance car with the fuel consumption and emissions of a small car.

“There is no other car manufacturer that is doing as much to reduce CO2 emissions and reduce fuel consumption, as such, the BMW Group has been awarded the Most Sustainable Car Company for eight consecutive years by the Dow Jones Indexes,” said Leanne Blanckenberg, BMW Group’s corporate communications manager.

The BMW i8 is one of a number of new launches planned in the region by the German manufacturer over the coming months. A new sports coupe will be introduced in the Middle East in September 2013.

The new BMW 4 Series Coupe will be visibly larger in width and wheelbase than the outgoing BMW 3 Series Coupe, and its dynamically stretched coupe silhouette sits considerably lower to the road.

“The car is dynamic, it is masculine, it is stylish and it embodies what BMW really stands for, on the other side, it will also contribute here to the growth in the second half of the year,” said Breuer.

When asked whether this series will replace the existing 3 series in the market, Breuer’s response was “we’ll have to wait and see,” but it seems like all signs are pointing in that direction.

Source : arabianbusiness.com