BMW Group Australia has achieved another record sales year.

BMW brand cars and SUV racked up 14,860 sales in 2004 (2003: 12,973), an increase of around 15 percent.

The Australian performance reflects the international success of BMW Group which comfortably reached over 1.1 million unit sales, thanks to strong demand in all global markets.

In Australia, Mini sold almost 1,500 hardtop models in 2004, down from the 1,633 units in 2003. In 2005, Mini expects to sell in excess of 2,000 vehicles boosted by the arrival of the new Mini Cabrio, in dealerships from 10th January.

“The BMW 3 Series and 7 Series, together with the X5, were leaders in their respective segments,” said Dr Franz Sauter, managing director of BMW Group Australia.

The BMW brand entered two new market segments in 2004 with remarkable results. The all-new BMW 120i returned rear-wheel driving dynamics to the premium compact five-door market; and at the highest level of the sports performance Coupé and Convertible market, the BMW 6 Series set hearts aflame with the V8-powered 645Ci.

Underpinning BMW successes, the E46 3 Series continued as the most popular BMW range in Sedan, Coupé, Convertible, Compact and Touring guises, while the much acclaimed 5 Series retained its grip as the pinnacle expression of technical advancement and driving excitement in the luxury sport sedan market.

Among ultra-luxury car buyers, the 7 Series continued to outsell its rivals, reflecting its sales success around the world.

In the full size luxury all-wheel drive market, the BMW X5 was once again Australia’s favourite choice, a commanding performance in its fourth year on sale enhanced by its much-acclaimed 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine. A record 3,138 vehicles were delivered.

The sharply-styled BMW Z4 Roadster was the first choice for dynamic driving thrills for 382 buyers.

BMW will not rest on its laurels and has already amassed a range of new cars to launch in 2005, headlined by the powerful V10-engined M5 and the new benchmark in medium-market sports luxury sedans, the all new four and six-cylinder E 90 3 Series.

By mid-year, the E61 BMW 5 Series Touring will arrive, followed late in the year by the new V10-powered M6 Coupé, adding yet another layer of sporting prowess and prestige to this highly desirable family.

First of the new model onslaught to reach customers will be the BMW 118i, powered by a 95 kW version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder VALVETRONIC engine from the 120i. The 118i is priced at $37,900 as a five-speed manual, making entry to the world of BMW ownership more affordable than ever.