BMW global sales continue their upward surge, putting the company on track to break its record of 2000, a success put down to a marketing "offensive" which will see the product range double in the next six years.

The news was revealed by chairman of BMW's management board Dr Joachim Milberg at the Frankfurt motor show this morning. He announced that total sales for 2001 are expected to reach 900,000 - or 9.5% more than the landmark figure achieved last year.

In the first eight months of 2001 more than 596,000 vehicles, including 600 Minis in the UK, were delivered. (Jan - Aug 2000: 544,047).

"Our objective is to be the most successful premium brand manufacturer in the entire automotive industry," Dr Milberg said.

"We have every reason to assume that the successful development of the BMW Group will continue throughout the whole of the current fiscal year, in terms of sales revenue and profits therefore significantly outperforming the previous year on all major points."

Dr Milberg said BMW plans to introduce 20 new models and three new engines series in the next six years, "virtually doubling our supply range".

Sales in Germany in August reached a record of 15,064 vehicles delivered.

  • Construction work on Rolls-Royce's head office and manufacturing plant at Goodwood is now in "full swing" in preparation for the launch of a new car in 2003, said Dr Milberg. "The new car will be a genuine, authentic Rolls-Royce, an all-new development from the ground up", he said. Dr Milberg also insisted Rolls would remain an independent company, "moving into a safe and profitable future".