BMW M Car Sales Increase by More than 14 Percent in 2010

Sales of BMW's M car series continue to sprout as the Bavarian company's performance division concluded the 2010 business year with a 14.2 percent increase to 16,967 units, despite the phase out of the V10-powered M5 and M6 models.

The M brand's most popular model remained the M3 with 5,729 units of the coupe, 2,544 units of the Convertible and 1,843 Saloons. Worldwide sales of the newly introduced all-wheel drive X5 M and X6 M totaled 2,778 and 3,082 respectively.

The USA was once again the most important single market in 2010 for the performance brand with overall BMW M car sales up by more than 6 percent to 6,821 units. As before, the number two sales region was the German domestic market with sales of 1,716 cars, followed by Britain and Northern Ireland with 1,264 units.

BMW M's division saw its most dynamic growth in China where sales rose by 355 percent to 1,088 units, making the country the fourth-strongest market for the brand. Significant gains were also registered in Brazil (+ 237 percent) and Russia (+ 104 percent).

The German company said that it also recorded a 1 percent increase in sales of the M Sport packages, with 138,800 units in 2010. The main market for M Sport packages was Britain and Northern Ireland, followed by Germany and the USA. The was also a significant jump in the demand for the firm's Individual program, with 24,155 options being ordered in 2010, an increase of 47 percent over 2009.

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Vorsteiner Releases VRS Aero Package for the BMW X6 M [with VIDEO]

Following a teaser announcement back in March, German tuning specialist Vorsteiner has launched its new VRS Aero Package for the BMW X6 M crossover. Trying to improve the X6 M's appereance ain't an easy task, though Vorsteiner seems to have pulled this one off with its new kit.

At the front, the Germans opted for a carbon fiber front spoiler, which increases downforce on the front axle while also channeling more air towards the engine and brakes. The new hood is also made from the same lightweight material and features vents that extract the heat produced by the stock 555 hp twin-turbocharged V8.

A carbon fiber diffuser replacing the plastic factory piece dominates the rear, encompassing three modular fins and two vents. The latter cool the exhaust system.

An add-on rear deck lid spoiler and forged mono-block aluminum alloys, shod in Michelin PS2 tires, complete the package. If potential customers don’t like the rims showcased on the SUV, they need not worry, as Vorsteiner has a wide variety of wheels they can choose from.

By Csaba Daradics

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BMW X6M Receives the AC Schnitzer Treatment

Well-known BMW tuning house AC Schnitzer has set its eyes on the M version of the X6 sport crossover. The company said it is still working on a performance upgrade for the X6M's twin-turbocharged V8 engine that churns out 555HP in standard form, but buyers can choose from a variety of options that revamp the crossover's look.

The aero bodywork includes a front spoiler, roof spoiler, bonnet air-vents, rear wing, rear diffuser and design elements for the front skirt and chromed front grille. There's also a new carbon piece for the bonnet with a Plexiglas window through which the engine is visible.

AC Schnitzer offers a wheel arch extension kit that adds 40 mm on each side as well as numerous alloy wheel designs available in sizes 20-, 22- and 23-inches. The company also offers a new sport exhaust system with chromed tail-pipes.

Interior options include a restyled speedometer and rev counter with white dials and red lighting, carbon trim, aluminium footrest and pedal set, specific floor mats and a an AC Schnitzer steering wheel.