The BMW Group increased its sales significantly in January, it has emerged.

A total of 112,163 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles were delivered to customers (prev. yr. 105,193) – an increase of 6.6 per cent.

"We made a successful start to the new year, selling more BMW brand vehicles than ever before in the month of January," said Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing.

"The BMW Group reported strong sales gains in the Asian and North American markets, among others."

The new BMW 3 Series Sedan, scheduled for worldwide release in mid-February, will create positive impetus for growth going forward.

"We expect the positive trend in sales to continue over the coming months. In fact, we anticipate even more dynamic growth in the second half of the year in light of the launch of additional new models," added Mr Robertson.

The BMW brand reported the strongest January in its history.

Sales climbed 5.9 per cent to 96,183 vehicles compared to 90,858 in 2011.

With a total of 13,070 deliveries, compared to 10,976/+19.1 per cent last year, the new BMW 1 Series registered substantial growth. In spite of the coming model change, sales of the BMW 3 Series remained at a high level with 22,710 units down over three per cent last year.

The MINI brand also remained on its successful course worldwide. A total of 15,768 vehicles, up from 14,125 in 2011, were delivered to customers – an increase of 11.6 per cent.

The MINI Countryman was among the models to post significant growth.

The BMW Group made strong gains in a number of markets, including North America and virtually all of the Asian markets, in January. In Asia, deliveries climbed 25.6 per cent to 36,422 vehicles.