BUKIT KIARA (Apr 16): German premium automaker BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd has cut the prices of its BMW and Mini vehicles by up to 1.9% and its motorcycle brand - BMW Motorrad - by up to 18%.

"This is part of our concerted effort to transfer the benefits gained from the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) early this month," managing director and chief executive officer Alan Harris told reporters today after launching the 2015 BMW World Malaysia exhibition here.

Harris added that post-GST, consumers will have "a much clearer conscience" in deciding to purchase vehicles of their choice, as the price speculation activity stops.

Harris also launched the new BMW i8, the very same plug-in hybrid vehicle that was driven by Tom Cruise in the movie 'Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol'. The car is priced at RM1.189 million here, excluding insurance.

"We are very excited as this is the first time we are introducing the new BMW i8 in Malaysia. It is a beast on its own that communicates the elegant brand that we carry, which is unlike any others," said Harris.

Besides the BMW i8, the group also launched several other models today, including the BMW X6 xDrive35i (RM718,800), BMW 218i Active Tourer (RM218,800), Mini Cooper Countryman (RM198,888),  Mini John Cooper Works (RM288,888) and BMW Motorrad S 1000 RR (RM108,900). All prices quoted do not include insurance.

Meanwhile, Harris said the opening of BMW World in Malaysia will solidify the group's position as the premium car brand in the country.

BMW World Malaysia is a three-day event featuring six new vehicles from its three premium brands - BMW, Mini and BMW Motorrad - as well as experiential showcase of the brand's landmark concept vehicles for the first time in Asia.

The event is open to the public from tomorrow (Apr 17) until Sunday (Apr19) at the Bukit Kiara Indoor Arena.

"In the first three months of 2015 (1Q15), we delivered a total of 1,729 units of BMW, Mini and Motorrad vehicles. This performance reflects the current situation in the automotive industry due to over speculation on car prices," Harris shared.

Going forward, Harris said BMW Malaysia will maintain, if not accelerate, its momentum in achieving record performance in terms of sales and profitability.

"2015 is a challenging year, but there are opportunities for everyone. We are always on the progress to sustain our growth in this country, with exciting plans in the pipeline," he added.