KUALA LUMPUR: German automaker BMW Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd aims to strengthen sales of its electrified vehicles (plug-in hybrid) in the country, underpinned by continued positive demand from the local market.
Its managing director and chief executive officer Harald Hoelzl said the BMW's plug-in hybrid portfolio currently accounts for more than half (56 per cent) of its total sales with over 3,200 units sold in the first-half (1H) this year.
“Our aim is to increase sales plug-in hybrid globally. For 2018, the BMW Group global target is about 140,000 electrified cars.
“Malaysia will surely contributes heavily to reach this target by increasing the sales of plug-in hybrids cars in the country,” he told media during a press conference, here, today.
Hoelzl said Malaysia has the highest share of plug-in hybrid cars segment in South East Asia.
“It is well on its way to shaping mobility of the future here in Malaysia, from the executive segment right up to the luxury segment with the BMW 7 Series.
“The progressive take on luxury is closely linked to the number 7 in the BMW model scheme,” he said adding that the luxury saloon has served as a paragon of exclusive driving pleasure for over 40 years now.
BMW Group Malaysia recorded an 11 per cent increase in car sales, having delivered over 5,300 cars to new BMW owners in 1H this year.
MINI brand grew 18 per cent with a delivery of over 550 units, while BMW Motorrad sales rose eight per cent with over 540 units delivered in 1H of 2018.
Overall, the group recorded an 11 per cent growth, delivering over 6,400 vehicles to new BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad owners in the first half this year.
Meanwhile, BMW Group Malaysia today unveiled the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance, a luxury-class BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) for the first time in South East Asia.
Hoelzl said the concept car is welcomed by the success of the premium German marquee in the first-half (1H) of 2018.
“This new luxury was first unveiled at the BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion through the BMW Concept 8 Series early this year. Now, we are proud to once again share this vision of progressive luxury through the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance,” he said.
He said the concept vehicle demonstrated the BMW Group’s new take on the luxury segment, encapsulating the brand’s modern understanding of visionary mobility and progressive luxury.
“It is not merely a look ahead to the future production model, but is also a case study in modernity, luxury and presence which will set a new benchmark in the luxury segment,” he added.
The company's sales success also echoed the BMW Group worldwide sales performance of having 1,242,506 vehicles delivered including BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce in 1H of 2018.
Year-to-date deliveries of electrified BMW and MINI vehicles totalled 60,660, confirming the BMW Group’s position as a leading global provider of premium electrified mobility.
The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance will be showcased exclusively at Bangsar Shopping Centre from Wednesday, July 18, 2018 to Sunday, July 22, 2018 during the BMW X Range Roadshow.