BMW GROUP SELLS MORE THAN 2 MILLION VEHICLES GLOBALLY
For the first time ever at this point in the year, the BMW Group has delivered more than two million vehicles to customers around the world. A total of 2,008,849 vehicles have been sold in the first ten months of 2017, an increase of 3.4% on the same period last year. October sales of 197,601 (+0.8%) achieved the same high level as last year, despite the current changeover of the significant BMW X3 model, the new version of which is arriving in dealerships during November.
“Our sales results for the first ten months of the year confirm the broad range and appeal of our model line-up,” commented Dr Ian Robertson, BMW AG Management Board Member for Sales and Brand BMW. “Despite significant model changeovers and headwinds in some of our biggest markets, we have delivered over two million vehicles to customers in the first ten months of the year. Vehicles as wide-ranging as the BMW X1, the BMW 5 Series, 7 Series and the BMW i3, to name just a few, have all contributed to that growth,” he continued.
The BMW Group’s unrivalled range of nine electrified vehicles boosted their sales by a total of 63.7% in the first ten months of 2017, with a total of 78,096 delivered to customers. Independent research* confirms the BMW Group’s leading position when it comes to combined sales of battery and plug-in hybrid electrified vehicles worldwide, with the company well ahead in Germany and Europe as a whole. In October, BMW i and iPerformance vehicles made up around 8% of total BMW sales in the USA, France, the UK and the Netherlands, with electrified sales in Scandinavia accounting for over 30% of total BMW deliveries. October sales of BMW i, BMW iPerformance and MINI Electric vehicles totalled 9,405, an increase of 60.3% on the same month last year. The BMW i3 increased sales in the month by 20.3% (2,851).
Global BMW brand sales in the first ten months of 2017 increased by 3.6% with a total of 1,706,020 customer deliveries worldwide. These record figures can be attributed to increased sales across a variety of models in the portfolio. For example, the BMW X family continues to be a strong growth driver, despite availability of the BMW X3 being significantly affected by the current model changeover. Total BMW X sales were up 11.3% (578,336) in the first ten months of the year. Other models contributing significantly to sales growth this year include the BMW 1 Series (161,804 / +12.5%) and the BMW 7 Series (53,043 / +11.9%). Meanwhile in October, the new BMW 5 Series was delivered to a total of 29,370 (+8.5%) customers worldwide. This increase was achieved despite the ongoing ramp-up in the 5 Series’ biggest market, China. Even before the car is fully available in all markets, in October, the new BMW 5 Series sedan was already the world’s best-selling business limousine. The BMW 5 Series is just one of a number of new models launched as part of the company’s ongoing model offensive. Other new or refreshed models such as the BMW 2 Series Coupé and Convertible (4,689 / +5.0%) and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé (6,001 / +21.6%) also made significant contributions to the brand’s sales growth.
Global deliveries of MINI brand vehicles in the first ten months topped the 300,000 mark for the first time ever at this point in the year. A total of 300,212 MINIs were delivered worldwide, an increase of 2.5%. With a sales increase of 19.3% and 64,339 units delivered, the MINI Countryman was the brand’s major growth driver. October sales of that model grew by 45.0% (7,503) with more than one in ten of those cars the plug-in hybrid MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (fuel consumption in the EU test cycle: 2.3-2.1 litres/100 km, electricity consumption 14 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions: 52-49 g/km).
BMW Motorrad continues to achieve record sales, with 12,451 motorbikes and maxi-scooters delivered to customers in October, an increase of 13.5% compared to the same month last year. In the first ten months of 2017, sales at BMW Motorrad climbed 10.4% with 140,269 units delivered to customers.
BMW & MINI sales in the regions/markets at a glance
With ongoing volatility in several significant markets, the BMW Group maintains its clear focus on achieving profitable, sustainable and balanced growth around the world.
Despite ongoing, significant headwinds in the important UK market, BMW & MINI sales in Europe are stable at last year’s very high level, with a total of 901,718 (+0.5%) vehicles delivered to customers in the first ten months of the year.
Asia continues to be a significant growth driver for BMW Group sales, with the Chinese market performing particularly strongly. Sales in Asia (691,319) are up 13.1% in the year-to-date.
Ongoing volatility in the US automotive market is reflected in the BMW Group’s figures for the Americas (361,135), which in the year-to-date are 3.4% below last year’s level.
In October 2017 | Compared with Previous Year % | In yld October 2017 | Compared with Previous Year % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Europe | 86,023 | -5.0% | 901,718 | +0.5% |
– Germany | 22,457 | -6.4% | 255,821 | +0.0% |
– UK | 15,677 | -19.8% | 202,207 | -3.2% |
Asia | 71,032 | +12.7% | 691,319 | +13.1% |
– China (Mainland) | 50,412 | +14.2% | 487,069 | +15.1% |
– Japan | 5,663 | +8.1% | 64,311 | +6.3% |
Americas | 35,328 | -3.9% | 361,135 | -3.4% |
– USA | 26,877 | -3.9% | 281,839 | -5.1% |
– Latin America | 4,187 | -8.6% | 40,708 | +5.8% |
BMW Group sales in/ytd October 2017 at a glance | ||||
In October 2017 | Compared with Previous Year % | In yld October 2017 | Compared with previous Year % | |
BMW Group Automotive | 197,601 | +0.8% | 2,008,849 | +3.4% |
BMW | 168,509 | +1.0% | 1,706,020 | +3.6% |
MINI | 28,818 | +0.2% | 300,212 | +2.5% |
BMW Group electrified* | 9,405 | +60.3% | 78,096 | +63.7% |
BMW Motorrad |
12,451 |
+13.5% |
140,269 |
+10.4% |
*BMW i BMW iPerformance, MINI Electric |
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EMIRATES SKYWARDS AND STANDARD CHARTERED LAUNCH A CREDIT CARD
Earn Skywards Miles on everyday spends Exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits await Pakistan’s frequent flyers First co-branded credit card in collaboration with a foreign airline First Infinite Card of Pakistan
Standard Chartered and Emirates Skywards in Pakistan announced the launch of a credit card tailored specifically to offer exceptional value to the country’s growing community of frequent flyers.
The Emirates Standard Chartered Credit Card, will be available in two premium variants; Infinite and Platinum, allows clients to enjoy an array of exclusive privileges and world class services from both Standard Chartered and Emirates airline. These privileges include:
- Welcome bonus of up to 20,000 Skywards Miles
- Up to 30,000 bonus Skywards Miles annually
- Emirates Skywards Silver membership for a year
- Ability to earn Skywards Miles on everyday spends
- Double Skywards Miles on Emirates spend and foreign currency transactions
- Complimentary airport transfers in Pakistan when flying Emirates
- Complimentary access to upto 750+ airport lounges worldwide
- Priority check-in at Pakistan airports when flying Emirates
- 25per cent off on purchase of Skywards Miles and more
Commenting on the launch, Shazad Dada, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Pakistan said, “We are proud to partner with Emirates to launch the first ever Co-brand credit card with a foreign airline and an Infinite Credit Card in Pakistan. Our clients have sophisticated travel needs and we lead the market in travel spend. In line with our promise to bring best-in-class products to our clients – this partnership fits perfectly to provide our client with the most powerful travel card catering to their business and leisure travel needs with a leading airline.
With the Emirates Standard Chartered Credit card, they can now not only earn Skyward Miles but also enjoy the unparallel travel luxuries that come with this card. This partnership ensures that the best travel experience is closer than you think. ì
“With more than 19 million members worldwide and over 391,000 members in Pakistan, we are committed to continuously look for ways to stay relevant to our members and provide value. We aim to stay global with local relevance, which is why we have chosen to invest in a partnership with Standard Chartered and offer our members unique benefits that will further enhance their Emirates flying experience. With this latest financial offering and a portfolio of over 100 partners in the lifestyle and travel space, being an Emirates Skywards member is more rewarding than ever,” said Dr. Nejib Ben Khedher, Senior Vice President, Emirates Skywards.
Payment partner for this product is VISA, the leading global payments technology company. The cards are loaded with enhanced security features against fraud with embedded microchip technology.
xt travel is now closer than you think. For more details, visit www.sc.com/pk or call 111-002-002.
CAPTION: (Left to Right): Shehzad Arif, Chief Operating Officer – Retail Banking Standard Chartered Bank; Shehzad Dada, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank; Jabr Al-Azeeby, Vice President Pakistan, Emirates; Dr. Nejib ben Khedher, Senior Vice President, Emirates Skywards.
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KE PROMOTES ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SZABIST
In continuation of its efforts to promote environmental sustainability, K-Electric under its Plant for Pakistan campaign, organized a tree plantation drive at Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST). Hundreds of students joined the drive and pledged to adopt a tree each; with their collective efforts 400 saplings were planted and over 200 plants were distributed.
It is pertinent to note that 70,000 trees have been planted since the launch of the Plant for Pakistan initiative under KE’s climate change policy last year.
According to KE spokesperson, “Aimed at encouraging the youth to play their role for a greener environment and providing them with an opportunity to collectively preserve the ecological balance, we are delighted to partner with SZABIST. KE’s Plant for Pakistan campaign provides an opportunity to the community to take collective efforts to protect the environment which further consolidates the values of environmental protection and sustainable development. The enthusiasm observed during the drive at SZABIST motivates us to continue our efforts towards environmental protection and sustainability with even greater vigor.”
Spokesperson SZABIST said, “We are grateful for the initiative that K-Electric has taken in educating students about how important it is for us to lead a greener life. Since the students co-managed the event, it also served as an effective learning opportunity for them. We look forward for collaborating with KE for more such initiatives in the future as well.”
The utility benefits around 3.9 million lives annually through social partnership initiatives with key philanthropic healthcare and educational organizations. KE has created various powerful platforms to engage the youth in healthy activities through sporting events, providing them professional exposure and encouraging students’ initiatives. Earlier this year, KE also partnered with NED University for Plant for Pakistan wherein over 6,000 plants were distributed, and 300 saplings were planted.
CAPTION: In continuation of its efforts to promote environmental sustainability, K-Electric under its Plant for Pakistan campaign, organized a tree plantation drive at Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST). Hundreds of students joined the drive and pledged to adopt a tree each; resultantly 400 saplings were planted and over 200 plants were distributed.
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KHUSHHALI MICROFINANCE BANK PROMOTING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF PAKISTAN
Khushhali Microfinance Bank, the leading microfinance bank of Pakistan, celebrated the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day with the pledge to continue its support for women owned businesses. Celebrated every year on 19th November, World Women’s Entrepreneurship Day commemorates women who continue to uproot the societal stereotypes and despite all the resistance and hindrances, excel as professionals and home makers in developing economies around the world.
Khushhali Microfinance Bank, the country’s first microfinance bank established in 2000, now has a network of over 149 branches primarily in the rural areas of Pakistan and caters to over 663,365 active borrowers. Currently, over 28% of the bank’s loan clients are aspiring females that have taken loans from Khushhali Microfinance Bank to invest in their enterprises – 22% come from Punjab, 4% from Sindh and 2% from KP.
The bank envisages leading by example when it comes to identifying women empowerment opportunities and optimizing on them. The bank’s client history reveals that women have not shied away from availing loans and experimenting with new business in all economic fields. Our female borrowers have invested in enterprises, agricultural industry and livestock and have successfully managed to add to their family’ income and in some cases, they supported families entirely on their own.
Speaking about the various financial assistance programs available, Ghalib Nishtar, President Khushhalibank said, “As a market leader, Khushhali Microfinance Bank has always prioritized policies that support women inclusion in the economy. Our loans and savings products have been designed to facilitate female clients to borrow and invest in agriculture, livestock, home based/commercial enterprises and trade. In addition, our savings products also encourage females to move away from informal saving methods and save with us for secure savings with returns. We strongly believe that financial inclusion of women ensures national economic progress and success.”
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MCB BANK AND ISRA UNIVERSITY IN MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL FINANCIAL SERVICES
MCB Bank, one of the largest & most innovative banks in Pakistan, has entered into an agreement with leading academic institute Isra University for fee collection and financial services.
The agreement was signed by Prof. Dr. Ghulamqadir Kazi of ISRA University, MCB Bank CIO, Mr. Faisal Ejaz Khan and Mr. Azfar Nomani, Head Retail Banking South in the presence of senior executives from both organizations. Under the agreement, MCB Bank will facilitate the University and its students, with fee collection services, digital financial products and associated financial services.
At the ceremony, Mr. Azfar Nomani, Retail Head South appraised the delegation of the Bank’s diverse product portfolio and its customer centric financial solutions. Mr. Faisal Ejaz Khan, CIO MCB, also shared with the delegation details of the Bank’s digital solutions, including its innovative Internet Banking and Mobile Banking services. Mr. Khan also spoke of the importance of digital financial services, especially with regards to the National Financial Inclusion Strategy of the SBP.
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CHAIRMAN SECP MEETS PSX BOARD OF DIRECTORS, TREC HOLDERS AND OTHER MEMBERS
The Chairman Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, Mr. Zafar Abdullah, alongwith his team of senior officials of Commission visited the Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited (PSX) on Thursday to meet members of the Board of Directors of PSX, market participants and senior stakeholders. Subsequently, he also addressed the TREC Holders of PSX, responded to their queries and participated in Gong Ceremony by striking closing trading bell.
In the meeting with PSX Board, Mr. Arif Habib, representing the Chairman-PSX, welcomed the Chairman-SECP and his team at the Exchange. Mr. Habib enumerated various issues which are contributing to decline of capital market and expressed his confidence that SECP would be able to resolve these issues, as its Chairman has past extensive exposure to capital market. He emphasized that capital market improvement is in the interest of government as well as other stakeholders to boost economic activity.
On this occasion, Mr. You Hang, Officiating Managing Director of PSX, while giving an overview of past and present performance of PSX, presented various recommendations for market development. The other stakeholders present in the meeting also expressed their views on various matters concerning the market and suggested various measures to bring improvement in capital market. The Chairman-SECP, while agreeing with most of the suggestions, extended full support of Commission to PSX and assured to do his best for implementing these suggestions. He said that the Brokers’ Association, which is a representative body of TREC Holders, has a very vital role to bring to the information of SECP various issues requiring action on the part of SECP, while the PSX Board should act as a front-line regulator.
After meeting the Board of Directors of PSX and other market stakeholders, the Chairman-SECP and his team attended a meeting with TREC Holders in the PSX Trading Hall. Mr. Arif Habib welcomed the SECP-Chairman alongwith his team and the TREC Holders. He said that Chairman-SECP has listened to all the issues concerning the market and assured to provide necessary support in this regard. Mr. Habib pointed out various matters which were discussed and SECP’s positive response thereto. Mr. Zafar Abdullah said that the Exchange is on a very sound footing and in case of a growth in market, it will be a success both for the stakeholders and the SECP. He said that a task force of 2-3 people of SECP would be formed to resolve the issues on war-footing. Mr. Abdullah further said that it is the desire of SECP that pre-emptive controls are in place which will avoid the need to impose any penalty. With regard to non-representation of TREC Holders on the PSX Board, he said that there is a need of a vibrant Brokers’ Association of TREC holders, which would raise all their issues directly with the SECP.
Thereafter, the TREC Holders raised their various queries, which were responded by Chairman-SECP.
In the end the Officiating MD-PSX while thanking the SECP team and the TREC Holders for participating in the meeting, expressed his closing remarks and informed the about various actions being considered by Chinese stakeholders comprising of various Exchanges of China for bringing improvement and development of PSX. Finally, the Chairman SECP participated in the Gong Ceremony by striking closing trading bell of Exchange.– PR
CAPTION: Group photograph with Chairman SECP