BMW cars have been lording it over other premium luxury cars in the country for 9 consecutive years posting a robust 19 percent growth in 2011 faster than the segment growth of 7 percent.

Maricar Parco, president of the official BMW distributor Asian Carmakers Corp. (ACC), revealed the company’s performance and 2012 plans at yesterday’s press conference.

In 2011, the company sold 792 units as against 664 units in 2010. This year, however, Parco said they are looking at 850 units or a little bit over 5 percent growth over 2011 sales performance. This is also in step with the industry’s growth conservative forecast of 5 percent for 2012.

“Our growth is always product driven with our 3 Series model and 1 Series as our volume model. We closed 2011 with a 33% share in the segment, solidifying our leadership in the premium luxury segment for the ninth consecutive year. So, we are looking towards 10th year,,” Parco said.

According to Parco, the 3 Series and 1 Series models, its entry level and most affordable models, account for 30 percent of its total sales.

ACC would be launching the 6th generation 3 Series model in April this year. The existing 3 Series has a price tag of P2.49 million while the current second generation 1 Series retails at P2.2 million a unit. The 1 Series grew 141 percent year on year accounting for 54 percent of the total segment’s sales of over 2,000 units last year while the 3 Series accounts for 33 percent of the premium segment.

ACC has the most complete line of luxury models starting from the P2 million level. The security vehicles, which are just a handful, have prices of over P10 million depending on the unit’s security level.

The 7 Series, its flagship model, has been the choice of CEOs. This model continues to be the frontrunner in its category with 37% of the segment and year-to-date sales growth of 11%.

Parco further said they have been spared from the impact of the tsunami in Japan and the flooding in Thailand because all their products are imported completely built-up packs from the US and Germany.

Similarly, the premium luxury segment was not also affected by the disasters because most of their imports come from Europe or US except for Lexus, which is imported from Japan.

Manila Bulletin Online

Tsikot.com Philippines

BMW, as the market leader in the luxury segment, certainly did not rest on its laurels in 2011. Asian Carmakers Corp., BMW exclusive distributor in the Philippines, launched four new models this year. These were the all-new X3, the 1 Series M, the 6 Series Convertible, and the all-new 1 Series.

The all-new 1 Series and X3 proved popular, increasing their unit sales by 116 and 144 percent, respectively. The 5 Series, launched last year, kept its momentum, registering a 48 percent growth. They helped boost the company’s total unit sales by 14 percent, to 710 units. ACC’s market share likewise grew to 32 percent, from the previous 28 percent.

What is interesting is that BMW’s core product, the 3 Series sedans and coupes, managed to eke out a 2.6 percent growth, despite its nearing the end of its life cycle. BMW will be launching the all-new 3 Series sedan in a major event in 2012. The new 3 is expected to raise the benchmark once again for the compact executive class sedan.

The all-new X3 is notable for having an Auto Start Stop system, which automatically shuts down the engine in traffic jams and at stop lights. The system will instantly start up the engine again when needed. X3 xDrive 20d is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with common-rail direct injection and turbocharger. With 184 hp and 380 Nm on tap, 0-100 km/h is reasonably quick, at 8.5 seconds.

The 1 Series M is a previous-generation 1 Series body stuffed with a 340 hp/450 Nm, 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine. Acceleration is blistering, with 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

Another sports car launched by ACC was the new 6 Series Convertible, a Gran Turismo geared for comfort and effortless style. At the launch, Glen P. Dasig, ACC sales and marketing director, himself a new addition to the company, said, “The new BMW 6 Series will add to the tradition of open top cars that embodies the hallmark proportions of a BMW convertible.”

It was a very active year of model launches here and abroad for ACC. ACC operated a ten-day BMW expo called the Joyfest in November, celebrating the brand’s market leadership. Maricar Parco, president of ACC, joined Castrol executives Mars Sota and Ariel de Jesus in the Nurburgring Experience as a way to re-affirm their companies’ commitment to motorsports.

ACC also capped the year with the revival of the BMW Cup Invitational golf tournament at the Wack Wack east course and the special screening of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, the Tom Cruise movie featuring the BMW Vision Car.

By Jason K. Ang, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Tsikot.com Philippines

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the country’s official importer of BMW automobiles, happily revealed its latest 4-door offering, the all-new 1Series last Wednesday November 23.

The second generation entry-level hatchback offers elevated dimensions that highlight the car’s roomier interior space. Bimmer’s premium hatch has become longer at 4324 mm and wider at 2690 mm, representing a rise of 85 mm and 30 mm correspondingly in the older model. Even though vehicle’s height remains unchanged, the wheelbase continues to be extended by 30 mm, which directly improves ride comfort. Consideration for rear residents was prioritized, thus allotting all of them with 21 mm more legroom, as the boot space continues to be broadened by 30 liters to permit more cargo. With that said, its still no lounge area for six-footers.

BMW promises a greater degree of refinement and sportiness using the new 1Series, because it sees the model mature with new engine, suspension, and driver aiding technologies. Initially, ACC will offer you the 1Series in three distinct variants: the gasoline powered 116i, and also the diesel powered 118d Urban Line and 118d Sport Line.

Style-smart, the brand new 1Series reflects the household genealogy from the bigger kidney grille, pointier car headlights, and clean chiseled lines. Throughout the launch, siblings Anton and Armand Del Rosario, known football aficionados (the previous is really a star from the Filipino Azkals) were available to assist introduce the brand new 1-Series. Anton displayed the 1Series Sport Line model, targeted for individuals having a longing for excitement and pulse-raising looks. The Activity Lines are indicated using the better red-colored coat, bigger 5 spoke alloy wheels, and red-colored stitching around the seats. However, his older brother Armand presented the 1Series Urban Line, a far more subdued yet cosmopolitan undertake this new BMW. Colored dark blue, the Urban Lines are set apart by silver accents around the grille and bumper, while body key-colored sections actually accentuate its luxurious feel.

Placed on the 1Series would be the new generation of BMW’s gas and diesel engines. Debuting around the 116i is BMW’s new TwinPower Turbo technology that includes a twin-scroll turbocharger, high precision injection, Valvetronic, and Double-Vanos systems. Through modern turbocharging, BMW has the capacity to provide sufficient energy in a tiny displacement engine while making certain fuel efficiency in everyday use. We have an creation of 136 hewlett packard @ 4400 revoltions per minute and max torque of 220 Nm between 1350 to 4300 revoltions per minute. In real life figures, the 116i can accelerate to 100 km/h from stay in 9.1 secs and achieve a high speed of 210 km/h. Fuel consumption for EU combined testing was ranked at 5.6L per 100 km.

Effective yet efficient, the 118d may be the current range topper reflecting the consumers’ readiness to trust today’s diesel technology. It creates 143 hewlett packard @ 4000 revoltions per minute and creates a solid 320 Nm of twist from 1750 to 2500 revoltions per minute. -100 km/h is available in a shorter 8.9 seconds, also it can also achieve a rather greater terminal velocity of 212 km/h. Combined EU cycle for fuel consumption is 4.5L per 100 km.

Dynamic driving remains the 1Series’ core trait, supplied by its very best in class suspension. Double joint mix strut front axle with Macpherson struts comprise the leading, while a five-link rear setup can be found in the trunk. Benefitting from the wider track, the 1 still offers a 50:50 weight distribution for ideal balance. Obviously, rear wheel drive is your best option.

A remarkable listing of standard electronic helps abound that’s to become expected with modern BMWs. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) guarantees safety on all climate conditions, while preventing energy is enhanced by ABS, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC also enables for automatic brake drying out and hill assist). All 1Series models offer three driving modes namely Comfort, Sport, and Eco Professional. Sport Line models are kitted having a 4th mode known as Sport for enhanced driver enjoyment.

Prices for that brand new 1Series are the following: BMW 116i at P2,290,000, BMW 118d Urban Line at P2,490,000, and also the 118d Sport Line at P2,690,000.

Tsikot.com Philippines

Asian Carmakers Corp (ACC), the official distributor and importer of BMW cars in the country, has recently assigned Autohaus BMW in Libis as the official M Certified Dealership in the Philippines.

With this, ACC is finally bringing to our local shores the high-performance character of combined power and exclusivity – the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M.

The discerning customer now has the opportunity to enjoy the superior driving qualities of a BMW M car also in the segment of BMW X models: The BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the first all-wheel-drive models to offer the supreme performance, dynamic driving features, athletic design, and premium quality of a typical BMW M Car.

Both models are powered by a newly developed V8 high-performance engine delivering 555 hp at an engine speed range between of 6,000 rpm from an engine capacity of 4,395 cc.

The new M TwinPower Turbo engine is the world’s first power unit with a common exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders and featuring Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology.

With the current new items in its model program and the further extended product range, BMW M GmbH has created an ideal basis for the continuation of its successful business development. Enthusiasm for exclusive high-performance vehicles in the premium segment continues unabated in automobile markets throughout the world.

Current sales figures indicate a dynamic start to the year 2010 for BMW M GmbH. 1,146 BMW M automobiles were sold worldwide in January 2010 alone. This is an increase of 7 per cent over the previous year.

“The new models BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M have made a key contribution to this positive trend,” said Dr. Kay Segler, chairman of the board of management of BMW M GmbH.

BMW M GmbH is a 100 per cent subsidiary of BMW AG. With its products and services in the four business areas of BMW M Automobiles, BMW Individual, M Sports Packages and Options and BMW Group Driving Experience, it is geared towards customers with particularly high aspirations in terms of the performance, exclusivity and individual style of their vehicle.

Based in Munich, the company was founded in 1972 as BMW Motorsport GmbH. Since then, the letter M has become synonymous all over the world for success in motor racing and for the fascination of high-performance sports cars which can be used for everyday driving. The production of BMW M automobiles is integrated in the manufacturing processes of the BMW plants.

BMW M GmbH has the status of an independent automobile manufacturer and ACC is proud to bring this rich heritage to the Philippines with the M Certified Dealership in Autohaus BMW in Libis.

Malaya Business Insight

Tsikot.com Philippines

Losses of BMW AG’s local unit widened as it ended operations in the Philippines last year and turned over the local dealership to its Filipino business partner.

BMW Philippines Corp., in its 2008 financial report, said it had to sell inventory at a loss ahead of the closure of local operations.

The company’s net loss last year ballooned to P186.53 million from only P22.43 million in 2007. Meanwhile, sales of the leading luxury car brand inched up by only P15 million to P1.89 billion in 2008.

BMW Philippines decided to stop local operations last Dec. 19.

The company, a joint venture between BMW AG of Germany and local partner Asian Carmakers Corp., said it had terminated lease agreements and other major contracts effective Dec. 31.

It also paid P25.2 million in separation packages to its 34 employees.

Last September, BMW AG announced the dissolution of Philippine operations, citing the need to improve business efficiency worldwide. The car maker also shut down operations in Turkey and Taiwan, citing the same reason.

BMW Philippines has said the move would not affect customers.

Asian Carmakers’ operations will be monitored by BMW’s regional office in Singapore, which also oversees the dealerships in Vietnam, Brunei and Guam.

The local BMW dealership sold 621 units last year, down by almost a quarter from 805 units in 2007, industry data showed.

Asian Carmakers Chairman Jose Ch. Alvarez said last year that BMW’s sales would drop to 600 to 800 units this year due to the entry of Japanese luxury cars with the implementation of a bilateral free trade agreement between Japan and the Philippines.

Don Gil K. Carreon, Business World

Tsikot.com Philippines

The BMW Group of Germany has decided to return control of its automobile business in the Philippines to its minority partner Asian Carmakers Corp. (ACC). The turnover will take effect Jan. 1, 2009.

In line with this BMW Philippines, owned 70 percent by the BMW Group and 30 percent by ACC, will be dissolved by December.

In an exclusive interview with The STAR, ACC chairman Jose Ch. “Pepito” Alvarez  said the BMW automobile business in the country will remain intact, but would now revert back to the control of ACC which had previously controlled the franchise.“It’s the same. Before, they wanted to take control so I let them. Now, because of their restructuring, they’ve decided to return control back to us,” Alvarez explained.

Alvarez said ACC is expanding its BMW business with a P250-million investment for an automotive technical institute that would train automotive service technicians for the Middle East, China, North Asia, Korea and Japan.
“It will be even better,” Alvarez stressed.

He said the BMW Group will continue to provide technical support while marketing and sales will be taken over by ACC.

“All the German technicians will remain while we will also train more service technicians,” Alvarez said.

The institute, Alvarez said, hopes to train and graduate 25 to 50 technicians every three months and send them mostly to the Middle East and China.

According to Alvarez, BMW continues to be the No. 1 in sales in the luxury car segment.

So far, this year, Alvarez said, BMW has sold 865 units with the total for the year expected to reach almost 900 units. However, the prospects for next year are not as good, with sales going down to between 600 and 800 units, he said.

This is due to the forthcoming election and to the effectivity of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) which would give Japanese cars a strong price advantage over their European counterparts.

In a press statement, BMW Asia managing director Roland Krueger, who oversees the BMW business in the Philippines, said that BMW Philippines would be “restructured.”

By Jan. 1 next year, ACC will take over the importation of BMW automobiles and “further development of the BMW automobile business in the Philippines.”

According to Krueger, “the restructuring is a logical step in view of the objective to increase business efficiency worldwide.”

“Our top priority is to ensure the best sales and service standards to our customers in the Philippines and this priority will remain unchanged,” he said.

By Marianne V. Go , Philippine Star

Tsikot.com Philippines