The global slowdown in the auto sector in 2008 had no affect on BMW's M car division that reported a 50 percent sales increase over 2007.

Overall, BMW sold 24,186 'M' vehicles till date. Making 2008 the second best year in the sport division's 30-year-old history after 2002 when it shipped 26,776 units. The driving force behind the M division's success was the new BMW M3, which in its first full year of production managed to sell 18,000 units worldwide.

In the other hand, BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd is optimistic about its sales performance and business growth this year despite a deepening global credit crunch.

Managing director Geoffrey Briscoe said BMW Malaysia was well positioned to face the challenges ahead even with an economic slowdown. He added that there would be an impact but we feel that the volume-based car segment would be more affected than the premium segment.