INCHEON ― BMW Korea said Thursday it will continue to seek double-digit sales growth rate this year to secure the No.1 imported carmaker status with 12 facelifted or improved models of BMW cars, two Minis and five Motorrad motorcycles. 

The new cars will vary from the full changed sedan to SUVs and electric vehicles, said Kim Hyo-joon, representative director and president of BMW Korea, at the company’s annual press conference held at the BMW Driving Center in Incheon on Thursday.

BMW sold 40,174 units with 20.46 percent share of the newly registered imported cars last year. The brand showed 18 percent growth compared to its sales record in 2013. Korea is the eight largest market for the German carmaker.

To start with, BMW’s first front-wheel drive 2 Series Active Tourer will be launched in March, followed by the plugged-in hybrid sports car i8. The improved 1, 6 series and the fully changed X1 alongside the New 7 series will also lead BMW’s success here, Kim said. Mini will also introduce JCW and Clubman models.

He was also optimistic on the EV market. The company has established 200 EV battery charging stations nationwide and is planning to double its number by the end of the year. “We have joined hands with POSCO ICT in securing the infrastructure. I am sure this will set an example of private businesses collaborating for the greater public good,” Kim said.

Kim noted that the company is selling cars “too well” and suffering a supply shortage leading to a rather slowed-down sales in January ― according to Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association, BMW sold 3,008 cars in January and fell to third place behind Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

“I think the supply shortage will continue till the end of February. But after that we will proceed as planned,” he said.

Kim also announced the company’s zeal to expand corporate social responsibility programs including a KLPGA golf tournament scheduled in July and fellowships for engineering school students, among others. Last year, the company allotted 4 billion won for the BMW Foundation out of its 50 billion won-operating profit.

“We understand that blending into the society while satisfying our customers is very important,” he said.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)