BMW, the world's biggest premium car maker, increased sales volumes of its flagship BMW brand by 12 percent in July thanks largely to soaring demand in China.

Sales increased for the eleventh straight month since September 2009. We also expect our sales performance to remain strong over the coming months, said Ian Robertson, head of group sales and marketing, in a statement on Monday.

He reaffirmed guidance for volumes to rise by about 10 percent this year to over 1.4 million vehicles.

Starting in September, BMW will receive a boost from new model launches including the 5 Series Touring estate, the long wheelbase version of the 5 Series for China, the second generation X3 and the Mini Countryman.

Orders for Mini's all new SUV are already well over plan, according to the company.

Sales of Rolls-Royce jumped five-fold to 251 cars thanks to the new, smaller Ghost.

(Reporting by Christiaan Hetzner)

China