Stoic BMW and Mini dealers have won praise for maintaining the standards of their brands despite the economic downturn.

Outstanding work by both networks brought a tribute from BMW UK managing director Tim Abbott at the company’s annual media event in London.

“They have done a magnificent job of weathering the storm, keeping the faith and providing the outstanding customer service that has become a hallmark of the BMW and Mini experience.

“The networks have also made a big contribution to better results over the last three months and I’m confident each brand will finish clear leaders over premium competitors in terms of retail sales this year.

“I must also commend them for not getting sucked back into the new car broker business – business that delivers a poor customer experience and an area that we have worked extremely hard over the last two years to avoid,” he said.

Abbott added: “We have weathered the storm of the last year rather well, but the scrappage scheme has clouded the picture in recent months. I must say we were rather disappointed with its structure – while support for the industry is welcome, there was a real opportunity here to link the financial support to encourage the purchase of more fuel-efficient, lower-emitting cars.
“Other markets did this and I really feel this was an opportunity missed.”
Earlier, Abbott claimed a commitment to sustainability was the reason why the German group had clinched the prestige London Olympics automotive partnership.

“It played a significant role in our discussions with the Olympic committee and proved to be a major factor in our selection,” he said.

Named as the most sustainable car firm in the world for the fifth year in a row, BMW will supply more than 4,000 cars and motorcycles as official transport at the 2012 event.