The company has sold nearly 7,953 BMW and Mini vehicles in the region in the first half of 2008. For the same period, BMW has experienced a sales growth of 68% and 56%, respectively, in Lebanon and Abu Dhabi. Sales in Dubai accounted for nearly 25% of the total sales in the Middle East region.

The sales in the Middle East region have boosted the global sales of the company by 4.7%, despite a slowdown in the US economy and decreased sales in the European countries. In the first half of the 2008, BMW has delivered 1,690 3 Series cars. The sales of the X5 model increased 66% over the first half of 2007.

Phil Horton, managing director of BMW Group Middle East, said: "We launched five new models in the region during the first six months: the Mini Clubman, BMW 1 Series Convertible and Coupe, BMW M3 and the all-new BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe, which have all helped contribute to this growth."

Staff Writer, Automotive Business Review.