CHENGDU, Feb. 9 (NBD) -- Boosted by the launch of a string of new products, BMW saw its sales surpass 500,000 cars for the first time ever in China last year.

In the fiercely competitive premium car segment, the carmaker narrowed its gap with Audi to around 70,000 cars.

To continue the strong growth momentum, BMW will bring 14 new models to the Chinese market in 2017, Dr. Michael Liu, president of BMW (China) Automotive Trading Ltd., told NBD.

The all-new BMW 1 Series Sedan is slated to hit the market later this month.

Liu also revealed that the auto manufacturer expects 50% growth in deliveries of its M series this year.

Email: lansuying@nbd.com.cn