BMW group has pledged to make 'solid gains' in the second half of this year after posting 5 per cent rise in July sales and a 7.6 per cent increase over seven months.Sales of BMW Group brands, including BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce, rose to 135,537 last month, helped by strong demand from China.BMW's sales and marketing chief, Ian Robertson, explained in a statement that: 'The BMW Group continued on its successful course in July,'' adding that the company expected the launch this month of a face lifted 7-series sedan and X1 small Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to help boost sales throughout the second half of the year.Group sales in the United States rose 4 per cent to 27,152 last month and 9.5 per cent to 185,715 in the first seven months. China sales were up 22.5 per cent to 23,092 for the month and 29.6 per cent to 182,048 for seven months.European sales, according to Reuters dropped 2.4 per cent in July to 60,855, after a modest rise of 1.5 per cent in June. Over seven months, sales in the region remained flat at 497,932. In Germany, the group's sales dropped 17.9 per cent last month to 19,041 and by 3 per cent to 167,900 in the first seven months.Global sales of BMW-brand cars rose 4.2 per cent to 113,253 vehicles in July and were up 7.7 per cent to 860,327 for the first seven months, boosted by demand for the 3-series sedan, X3 SUV and 1 series and 5 series.Mini's global sales increased 9.6 per cent to 22,083 in June and 7.3 per cent to 173,960 for the first seven months, helped by demand for the Mini Countryman and growth in the United States and China.Meanwhile, the 2012 BMW 128i and 135i have received a minor face-lift that includes revised light clusters, a more aerodynamic front fascia for the 128i and refinished interior controls.The 2012 BMW 1 Series comes in coupe and convertible body styles, both of which are available in 128i and 135i configurations.The 128i comes standard with 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, cruise control, eight-way manual front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, premium vinyl upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 10-speaker stereo with a CD player, HD radio and iPod connectivity.The 128i convertible adds a fully lined power-folding automatic soft-top and a special convertible mode for the climate control.Aside from its more powerful engine, the 135i adds a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights with auto-leveling and washers, different front and rear lower fascias and (on the coupe) a sunroof.The Convenience package adds keyless ignition/entry, rear parking sensors, an alarm system and, on the 128i, xenon headlights. Premium package adds auto-dimming mirrors, eight-way power front seats with driver memory settings, leather upholstery, Bluetooth, BMW Assist emergency telematics and, on the 128i, a sunroof. The convertible's available leather upholstery features a sun-reflective treatment.The 128i Sport package adds a sport-tuned suspension, different 17-inch wheels, sport seats, dark 'Shadowline' exterior trim and an increased top speed. The 135i Sport package adds sport seats, an M Sport steering wheel, Shadowline trim and increased top speed. The M Sport package, available with both models, basically takes each respective Sport package and adds different wheels and a dark-colored headliner, plus the 128i version gets the M steering wheel and the 135i's aerodynamic body kit.Rear-wheel-drive BMW 1 Series offers a choice of two different 3.0-liter inline-6 engines. The 128i produces 230 hp and 200 pound-feet of torque.A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic transmission is optional.The 135i's turbocharged inline-6 engine produces 300-horse power and 300 lb-ft of torque.A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a seven-speed automated manual transmission (known as DCT) is optional.Antilock disc brakes (with brake drying and standby feature), traction and stability control and hill-start assist for manual-equipped cars are all standard on the 2012 BMW 1 Series. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on the coupe; convertibles come equipped with front-seat side airbags that extend higher to protect occupants' heads. The convertible also features pop-up rollover hoops.
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