BMW distributor sees 10% sales growth next year

MANILA, Philippines - The local distributor of BMW vehicles expects to end the year with a 10-percent growth in sales and is aiming for a higher increase in sales next year as it launches three new vehicle models in line with it being the premium mobility partner of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

 “This year has been a good year for BMW. We are looking at a 10-percent growth in sales this year,” Asian Carmakers Corp. (ACC) executive director Glen Dasig told reporters.

ACC sold a total of 653 BMW vehicles in 2013.

As of end-November, this year, the company’s BMW sales reached 633 units, 20 units shy of last year’s total.

The firm expects higher sales this year citing sustained demand for cars amid a positive economic backdrop.

“A lot of economic indicators show the economy is getting better. The premium segment has normalized,” Dasig said.

December, he added, is traditionally a good month for car sales.

For next year, he said the firm is looking at a 25-percent growth in total sales on expectations of sustained favorable economic conditions.

The launch of three new BMW vehicles here next year is expected to help drive higher sales for ACC.

Dasig noted that among the vehicle launches for next year is a model in the 2-series.

The BMW vehicle range currently being sold in the country are the 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Z4 and M series.

Apart from the rollout of three new vehicle models, ACC also expects to achieve higher sales next year as it serves as the premium mobility partner for the APEC meetings to be held in the country.

More than 200 units of BMW vehicles in the 5 and 7 series will be used for the meetings of the 21-member APEC next year.

“With the APEC, because of the exposure of our vehicles, we think that can help draw more people,” Dasig said.