Alpina GmbH+Co KG, purveyors of BMW Alpina automobiles, has announced an unprecedented 65.5 per cent increase in 2006 GCC sales over 2005, which reflects the premier car manufacturer’s massive regional growth.

Leading the growth has been the BMW Alpina B7 which saw an exceptional volume increase of 67 per cent across all its six GCC partners. The B7 is top-of-the-class in the BMW Alpina stable with a 500-hp supercharged 4.4-litre V8 engine, dedicated sports suspension and a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.
Launched in early 2006, the B6 was also a top seller, leading vehicle growth with the B6 Coupe outselling the B6 Cabrio four to one. Amongst all GCC BMW Alpina importers, Abu Dhabi Motors and Saudi-based MY Naghi Motors performed especially well in volume and overall growth, respectively.
“We have the right business partners across the GCC,” said Kris Odwarka, sales operations, Middle East, North America and the UK, for ALPINA GmbH+Co KG. “With an exclusive automobile such as the BMW Alpina and importers who cruise along with the toughest of our business objectives, achieving high double-digit growth has been relatively straight-forward.
“The BMW Alpina B6 led this immense growth alongside the B7 in its very first year.  It’s the fastest BMW Alpina created yet, with a top speed of 315 km/h and a phenomenal 0-100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds.”
While automobile volume has been on the rise for all GCC importers, Alpina’s accessories and parts volume growth has seen a rapid increase, too.
“The automotive aftermarket is highly competitive across the GCC, but our long-term business strategy, coupled with aggressive marketing inputs especially in the wheel/tyre and aerodynamics packages has led the way,” explained Odwarka.
“Our continued investment in the business and in our customers has paid dividends and the premium service our partners provide in sales and aftersales demonstrates our commitment to being a leader in the burgeoning automotive industry.”