BMW is launching the Mini brand in Jordan after posting a 77% increase in Middle East sales in 2011.

A new outlet will open in the centre of the capital Amman – population about 3m – in partnership with a local BMW sales and service dealer. All body styles will be sold in petrol powered Cooper (90kW/122hp) and Cooper S (135kW/184hp) form.

Last year, the BMW group sold a record 18,657 vehicles in the Middle East. The strongest markets were Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. Other markets include Lebanon, Bahrain and Oman.