BMW Group Thailand

Press Release
February 19, 2015
BMW Group Thailand posts record sales for fourth consecutive year
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BMW Group Thailand sold 8,386 vehicles of both BMW and MINI brands,
the highest sales record in the history of operations in Thailand
MINI sales up 51% YOY; Motorrad up 75%
BMW Group worldwide also post record sales for fourth consecutive year
in 2014 with 2,117,965 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles sold, more than
ever before in the Group’s history and a 7.9% surge in worldwide sales from
the previous record year, continuing to lead the global premium segment.
Photograph shows BMW Group Thailand executives led by Matthias Pfalz, President (6th left)
with German Auto executive, Piyavit Khemarangsan, President (5th left) joined photo session for
the BMW Group Thailand Annual Press Conference 2015 and the announcement of German Auto business
expansion becoming the first fully-fledged BMW dealership on Chaengwattana Road.
From left:
Khun Krisda Utamote, Director Corporate Communications, BMW Group Thailand,
Khun Preecha Ninatkiattikul, General Manager MINI Thailand,
Mr. César Badilla, Director Aftersales, BMW Group Thailand
Khun Jatupon Puttaviboon, General Manager Dealer Development, BMW Group Thailand,
Khun Piyavit Khemarangsan, President German Auto,
Mr. Matthias Pfalz, President, BMW Group Thailand,
Khun Wichai Charoenlarpdilok, Sales & Marketing Director, German Auto,
Dr. Peter-Oliver Wagner, Managing Director, BMW Financial Services Thailand
Mr. Markus Glaeser, Head of BMW Motorrad Thailand,
Mr. Lars Nielsen, Sales and Marketing Director, BMW Thailand
Bangkok. BMW Group Thailand today revealed another record sales result for 2014, with 8,386 BMW and
MINI vehicle deliveries being the highest in the company’s history of operations in Thailand.
The announcement was made at BMW Group Thailand annual press conference, an event which also
marked the opening of German Auto Chaengwattana, the first-ever BMW Group Thailand’s authorized
dealership to offer BMW, BMW i, MINI, BMW Motorrad and BMW Premium Selection / MINI Next certified
used cars, all at the one location.
Mr. Matthias Pfalz, President, BMW Group Thailand said, “At the end of 2014, the BMW Group achieved
another record worldwide, delivering for the first time over two million vehicles to customers last year with
a total of 2,117,965 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles sold, more than ever before in the Group’s history
and a 7.9% surge in our worldwide sales from the previous record year. This marks the highest sales record
in our company’s history as we successfully maintain our position as the world’s leading manufacturer of
premium vehicles in 2014,
In December 2014, BMW Group Thailand achieved the best-ever sales performance of four digits with
1,205 BMW and MINI deliveries in a single month. This has been reflected in our 2014 annual result where
we achieved record sales for fourth consecutive year with 8,386 BMW and MINI vehicles delivered.
This illustrates steady demand for models across our BMW line-up despite the headwinds.”
A highlight for BMW Group has been the performance of MINI, which has recorded a 51% increase
year-on-year with 921 deliveries to become by far the fastest growing brand in Thailand’s premium
automotive segment, and also the highest growth rate within the entire MINI subsidiaries worldwide.
The continuing success of the locally-assembled MINI Countryman has contributed considerably to the
success of the MINI product portfolio, supported by strong customer interest in this unique and historical
brand. With the expansion of dealer network by including MINI at the recently opened Millennium Auto in
Ubon Ratchathani and now German Auto Chaengwattana in Bangkok, MINI Thailand is only set to grow
with the increased national MINI fanbase.
BMW Motorrad too saw a record-breaking sales achievement bolstered by the unveiling of two locallyassembled models, the BMW F 800 R and BMW F 800 GS, both of which have been exceedingly wellreceived by Thai Big Bike enthusiasts. The marque achieved an all-time high sales with 700 deliveries,
reflecting a full 75% year-on-year growth spurt. The brand looks forward to further traction with the opening
of the second BMW Motorrad stand-alone showroom, MF Motorrad Rama II as well as dealership
expansions at German Auto Chaengwattana, German Auto in Pattaya, and Cherdchai Autohaus in Korat in
the first quarter of 2015.
“The continuing success of BMW Group here in Thailand can be attributed to the innovation of our model
line-up, the strength of our premium brands and our global recognition for sustainability. We are extremely
proud to have been named the most admired automotive company in Thailand by the Company magazine,
which reflects the appreciation Thai customers have for BMW vision.
Our long-term commitment to Thailand continues with the 15th anniversary of our BMW Group Manufacturing
Thailand in Rayong in 2015, a major milestone for the only BMW Manufacturing facility in the world to
produce vehicles for all three brands – BMW, MINI, and Motorrad. We are exceedingly proud to have seen
the 50,000th car come out of Rayong in 2014, and we look forward to the next 50,000,” Mr. Matthias Pfalz
added.
The new dominance expands to northern Bangkok – German Auto Chaengwattana will be the first
BMW Group Thailand’s authorized dealer to offer BMW, BMW i, MINI, BMW Motorrad, and BMW
Premium Selection / MINI Next certified used cars at the one location.
Mr. Piyavit Khemarangsan, President, German Auto said, “To strengthen our commitment to providing
services that meet the BMW global standard, and enhancing our customer experiences, we decided to
reinforce our partnership with the BMW Group Thailand through German Auto’s expansion on
Chaengwattana road. Following the success of our Bangna showroom where we currently offer BMW, MINI
and BMW Motorrad sales & service facilities, German Auto Chaegwattana will offer new BMW, MINI, BMW
Motorrad, and BMW Premium Selection / MINI Next certified used cars. This will be also the BMW i
authorized sales and service facility. The latest showroom will cover northern Bangkok, Nonthaburi and
Pathum Thani with 75 staff currently employed to ensure we continue to provide the very highest standards
of service and after-sales care that exceed our customer expectations.”
With a 420 million baht investment, German Auto Chaengwattana features a state-of-the-art sales and
service facility across 2.5 rais (4,000 sq.m.), including a total of 18 work bays. The new showroom also has
the capacity to display 19 BMW and MINI units, 9 BMW motorcycles, and 17 units of BMW Premium
Selection/ MINI Next certified used cars.
2015: Forward into the future of sustainability
The opening of German Auto Chaengwattana was complemented by the presence of the BMW i3 and
BMW i8, the world’s most innovative electric car and the world’s first plug-in hybrid sports car, respectively,
which will be available through the new showroom. “With these two already-legendary vehicles, BMW has
demonstrated to be at the absolute forefront of sustainability. The official presentation of the BMW i3 in
Thailand shows our strong commitment in bringing the future of sustainable mobility to the country,”
Mr. Pfalz observed.
Demonstrating the BMW Group’s initiative in developing the most advanced engine technology, the BMW i3
is the world’s most innovative all-electric car with a passenger cell made out of ultra-light carbon fibre,
a material of the future for automotive engineering. It offers visionary design, a ground-breaking vehicle
architecture, dynamic performance and innovative connectivity.
In 2015, BMW Group Thailand will embark on an initiative for the R&D of DC quick charger for electric
vehicles with the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, the Provincial Electricity Authority and
ThaiGerTec. This collaboration is intended to expand the level of technology transfer from Germany to
Thailand and share the knowledge on electric mobility with the Thai automotive sector in order to make
a sustainable, emission-free mobility a reality in the Kingdom, as well as to promote Thailand as an ASEAN
innovative automotive hub.
“BMW Group is committed to sustainability in everything we touch and in every market where we work in,
from our production processes to our products, and along with this design initiative, the BMW i3 and BMW i8
are the finest manifestations of that spirit,” Mr. Pfalz concluded.
2015 introduces more BMW vehicles with character to create greater driving pleasure
Mr. Pfalz also announced the Thailand launch of the new BMW F 800 R and the BMW i3 presentation to
the public at the 36th Bangkok International Motor Show in 2015.
“The arrival of the BMW i3 sees BMW Group Thailand expand its portfolio into another new model segment.
The newcomer is a fully-electric vehicle that is being introduced in Thailand for the first time and is perfectly
suited to cope with the growing challenges of urban mobility. Following on the success of the BMW i8, the
BMW i3 powered by eDrive technology will certainly bring our customers to the new level of sustainability
and help them welcome the new era of electric mobility.
In addition to the BMW i3, we are pleased to introduce the new BMW F 800 R as the latest additions to
our existing BMW motorcycle assembly lines. Thailand’s big bike market sees the great sign of leap growth
this year as aforementioned achievements. The new BMW F 800 R with improved features will therefore be
another choice of BMW Motorrad that thrills Thai bikers.” Mr. Pfalz added.
The new BMW F 800 R is further enhanced by new suspension components and optimised ergonomics,
including an upside-down fork now takes care of front suspension duties, a new seat fixed lower down
(at 790 mm instead of the previous 800 mm), combined with higher output of 66 kW (90 hp) at 8,000 rpm.
The design also provides a visual showcase for extra rider engagement, with its symmetrical main headlight
that gives a distinctive “face”, plus newly designed fairings, radiator shields, front mudguard and wheels.
BMW Service Inclusive and MINI Service Inclusive have been changed to BMW and MINI Service and
Extended Warranty packages, providing vehicle maintenance and warranty extension of
5 years/100,000 km for BMW and 5 years/50,000 km for MINI
Commenting on the change, Mr. Pfalz said, “To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the BMW Service Inclusive
(BSI) in Thailand , the familiar BMW and MINI Service packages have been brought into line with the
warranty benefits. This means that as of January 2015, BMW and MINI customers are offered a warranty
extension which is 100 % identical to the standard warranty attached to a new car.”
“The new BMW and MINI Service and Extended Warranty packages offers are added benefit to our
customers since the coverage of 5 years/100,000 km for BMW and 5 years/50,000 km for MINI will continue
to cover service maintenance costs as well as the extended warranty under the same terms and regulations
as regular warranty during the agreed duration/ kilometre allowance.”
“The new BMW and MINI Service and Extended Warranty packages are tied to the vehicle, so the
subsequent owner can enjoy their benefits for the remaining duration of the contract, thus contributing to the
higher resale value of BMW and MINI in return.” Mr. Pfalz added.
Expanded dealer networks
In addition to the official opening of German Auto Chaengwattana, BMW Group Thailand announced
intentions to expand its dealer network to further parts of Bangkok as well as to major provincial centers in
conjunction with authorized BMW and MINI dealers.
“Within 2015, we will add five new BMW, four new MINI and four new BMW Motorrad fully fledged facilities
to our dealer network. Working with our partners and maintaining high standards of technical service we
have established through our BMW Apprentice Program, we will continue to work to provide customer
service that exceeds the highest expectations,” Mr. Pfalz concluded.
BMW Financial Services achieved record-breaking performance, demonstrating BMW and MINI
customer portfolio growth year after year.
Dr. Peter Oliver-Wagner, Managing Director of BMW Leasing (Thailand) Company Limited, commented,
“Under the brands of BMW Financial Services and MINI Financial Services, the company achieved another
record-breaking performance in 2014, driving year-on-year growth for new customers of more than 25%.
Consequently, the BMW and MINI customer portfolio under management expanded by more than 18%
compared to 2013, reflecting the successful sales achievement of BMW Group vehicles in Thailand in 2014.”
“Strong collaboration between BMW Group Thailand and our BMW and MINI dealer network allows us to
fully integrate our sales process to successfully support dealers in their business growth. Our ambition is to
take care of customers and to make ownership of a BMW and MINI as convenient as possible via
tailor-made products and on-going campaigns in response to the needs of new and existing customers.
BMW Financial Services also launched a variety of programs supporting customer loyalization. In order to
further deliver benchmark services, BMW Financial Services has substantially invested in information
technology in the past year, supporting processes with close collaboration between our Customer Interaction
Centre (CIC) and the dealers, therefore enabling us to support our customers effectively.”
“At the upcoming 36th Bangkok International Motor Show, BMW Financial Services will launch its new
“BeJoy” financial product, which has been designed to provide customers more payment flexibility and give
them even more joy when owning a BMW," Dr. Wagner concluded.
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For further information, please contact:
BMW Group Thailand
1-800-269-269
www.bmw.co.th
www.mini.co.th
Media Contacts:
Carl Byoir & Associates
Suthatip Boonsaeng (08-7685-1695 or 0-2627-3501 ext. 102)
Denwood Holmes (08-1143-1892 or 0-2627-3501 ext. 224)
Kanyavee Narasuwan (08-6903-2392 or 0-2627-3501 ext. 209)
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected]