BMW reached a company benchmark by selling more than 30,000 vehicles in China in the first quarter of this year.

A total of 34,179 BMW and Mini automobiles were sold, more than twice the previous year.

The company's 7 Series increased in its segment, delivering 4,938 units, double the amount for the same period in 2008.

The X family, including the X1, X3, X5 and X6, sold over 6,500 models, thereby retaining its lead position in the sports vehicles segment.

Other Series also showed stable growth, including the 1, 3 and 5 Series. Sales of the 3 Series went up 208 percent to 10,190 units. The 5 Series achieved sales of 7,584 with its elegant style and outstanding performance, making China one of the three largest markets for the BMW 5 Series worldwide.

In the entire China sales region including Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao, the group sold a total of 36,579 BMW and Mini brand automobiles, representing a year-on-year increase of 100.5 percent.

Christoph Stark, president and CEO of BMW Group Region China, said: "We are full of confidence regarding the long-term development of the Chinese market due to the strong performance at the beginning of the year. This year, we will continue to enhance our advantage in the market through innovative products as well as network and service system expansion."

At the Beijing Auto Show, BMW Group will present a comprehensive overview of the present and future of the car in China.

Company profile

With its three brands, BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce, BMW Group is one of the world's most successful premium manufacturers of cars and motorcycles.

It operates internationally with 24 production sites in 13 countries and a global sales network with representation in more than 140 countries.

During the financial year 2009, sales reached 1.29 million cars and more than 87,000 motorcycles worldwide.

Profit before tax for 2009 was $561 million, revenue totaled $68.9 billion and by the end of 2009, the group had a workforce of approximately 96,000 employees.

Long-term thinking and responsible action have long been the foundation of the BMW's success.

Striving for ecological and social sustainability along the entire value chain, taking full responsibility for products and giving unequivocal commitment to preserving resources are prime objectives firmly embedded in its corporate strategy.

For these reasons, BMW Group has been sector leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last five years.