Given the constant barrage of doom-and-gloom automotive news these days, it’s refreshing to hear that someone, anyone, is doing well. BMW is one of the few automakers experiencing sales success and has every reason to be pleased with its M division - that’s the real good stuff for you non-beemerphiles - managing to eclipse last year’s sales figures by an impressive fifty percent.

From January to November 2008, BMW managed to move 22,340 M-Model cars worldwide compared to the 14,092 vehicles sold in the same period last year. NO less than 1900 M-spec beemers rolled out the door during November alone, with global sales figures to August 2008 eclipsing last year’s total of 16,150 units.

Ludwig Willisch, President of BMW’s M division, had this to say:

“The fact that our dealers were able to supply significantly more vehicles than the average of the last nine months even in such dramatic times for the world economy demonstrates the fascination and attraction which BMW M automobiles exercise on our customers.”

The all-new M3, pictured here in sedan form, is responsible for a large chunk of BMW’s success, having sold almost twice as many units than its predecessor in the same period . The M3 is available in Coupe, Sedan, and range topping Convertible form, which only widens its appeal.

Aside from the M3, BMW also offers an M5 sedan and touring, as well as an M6 coupe and convertible. Rumours suggest that BMW is looking to expand its M line of products in the near future,  so there could be more to come.

It’s good news for BMW, who has experienced a 3.5-percent decline in overall sales globally this year, and bucks the trend for manufacturers worldwide at present. Having moved a total of 1,105,112 vehicles this year, BMW looks to be sitting pretty for now.

[Source: CarScoop]