BMW Group New Zealand has achieved significant sales success in the first half of 2020, with industry-defying results for both BMW and Mini despite Level 4 lockdown conditions and the global COVID-19 pandemic causing extreme volatility throughout the industry. 

BMW registered 159 vehicles in June 2020 and 712 vehicles year to date. The brand sold more cars compared to the same period in 2019, undeterred by the wider sales slump experienced in the car industry.

Year to date figures show a steadfast recovery, slipping to slightly under 20 per cent even as the wider automotive market took a 26.8 per cent hit.   

These figures from June 2020 complete three consecutive months of an upward swing in sales, following Level 4 lockdown conditions in March when dealerships had to shut their doors to stem the spread of Covid-19. 

Between its brands BMW and Mini in New Zealand, the BMW Group shored up an impressive 25.8 per cent of the premium segment thus far in 2020. 

Sales of electrified vehicles, which include the BMW i range, iPerformance range and Mini’s latest Countryman hybrid led the sales surge, outselling other German brands in the premium segment by more than 300 per cent.  

Much of the sales momentum generated in June is attributable to the 0 per cent Finance offer applicable for the first time across the BMW range, almost doubling website traffic and inquiries during the campaign period. 

Mini registered similar positive sales momentum, selling out the entire 2020 allocation of its all-new and highly-anticipated Mini Electric Hatch, with Christchurch Mini Garage leading the nation in terms of order uptake. 

This stunning result is made even more significant as no cars have arrived locally yet; the allocation sell-out was done 100 per cent  online thanks to the brand’s online deposit mechanism rolled out alongside the new car. 

In light of severe travel restrictions and lockdown conditions earlier in the year, BMW had to adapt its After Sales model to suit accessibility in extraordinary circumstances. 

Over-the-air software upgrades were distributed across thousands of cars in New Zealand, while BMW’s ConnectedDrive gave drivers safety messages from the Government. 

Building further on this cutting-edge innovation, BMW New Zealand just opened its first-ever online store for Lifestyle items and parts; more over-the-air upgrade features will soon find their way into cars arriving in the country as well, including integration of BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant and more in selected older cars.

Karol Abrasowicz-Madej, Managing Director of BMW Group New Zealand said the success achieved across the different areas of the business affirmed the company’s resilience in this time of crisis. 

“This great achievement proves that our team and dealership network are amazing, our product range has immense appeal, and our ‘Power of Choice’ strategy is right, putting customers at the forefront. BMW and Mini are both in great stead despite these challenging times, and with new and exciting products reaching our shores soon, we will continue to push ahead for a good result in the second half of this year,” said Abrasowicz-Madej.