Month: August 2014

Bowker BMW on the docks in Preston has revealed plans to expand the dealership.

The proposed two-phase development will cost £750,000 and initially see the building refurbished in time for the launch of it’s i Agent dealership – Lancashire’s first BMW electric car dealership – in November.

The second phase would see the capacity of the dealership increase to accommodate a further 16 cars and 34 in total, creating as many as five new jobs in the process.

Managing director Tom Fox said,

“Our i Agent launch is a massive opportunity for the dealership. We have a wonderful location. But we still have space to develop and enhance the retail experience for all our customers.

“With new models, and the i Agent launch in particular, we’ll be showcasing some of the most technologically-advanced production cars on the planet. So we need to ensure we have a facility here to match the cars on show.”

Bowker Preston will be one only 46 sales agents that will supply and support BMW i, BMW’s revolutionary new sub-brand featuring electric drive systems and premium mobility services.

In January, Bowker unveiled a new £600,000 extension to the MINI showroom on the same site. The extension, built by Longridge-based Carefoot, increased the showroom capacity from three to eight cars and created three new jobs.

In October 2012, Bowker Motor Group opened its first non-franchise Bowker dealership in Osbaldeston near Blackburn on the A59 with an investment of over £750,000. The new dealership on the site formerly occupied by Bay Horse Saab is called ‘Bowker Ribble Valley’ and created 10 new jobs.

And later this year Bowker will open Lancashire’s first Maserati dealership on its Osbaldeston site.

Bowker Motor Group has been shortlisted for two awards at the prestigious AM Awards.

Highlighting the company’s continued success, Bowker is a finalist in the Best Retail Group (under 10 sites) category. Designed to recognise and honour quality, innovation and service, this category acknowledges the performance successes of each of the Bowker sites. 

In addition, Bowker BMW Blackburn has also been shortlisted for Excellence in Aftersales. As one of the most competitive parts of the motor industry, service and repair departments must display value for money and high levels of customer service. Bowker is one of four companies shortlisted for this award.

The AM Awards is an annual automotive-industry awards ceremony. Associated with the Automotive Management Magazine, which provides news and coverage on the UK’s automotive industry, the awards are recognised by some of the most respected figures of the industry. Each category is judged by a range of industry experts.

The awards ceremony took place on Thursday 20th February at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. BBC presenter Sophie Raworth hosted the event, with entertainment provided by comedian Marcus Brigstocke.