BMW M-division defies downturn

BMW’s M division has recorded a 50 per cent increase in sales for the year.

M GmbH, the performance car arm of BMW, sold 22,340 vehicles worldwide from November 2007 to November 2008, up from 14,092 vehicles in the previous year. While sales for many manufacturers have been declining, the M Sport division is predicting its most successful year in its 30-year history.

Worldwide sales were boosted by the arrival of the BMW M3, selling nearly twice as many units in the first year as its predecessor thanks to the addition of the BMW M3 Convertible and M3 Saloon.