Month: August 2019
Bowker Motorrad in Preston has confirmed its first-ever partnership with a British Superbike Championship racing team.
Bowker Motorrad will partner with PR Racing for the 2017 season.
The Motorrad deal comes as PR Racing unveiled their riders for the season which begins on the 31st March 2017 at Donington Park.
Former World Superbike rider Jakub ‘Kuba’ Smrz joins PR Racing to contend the British Superbike Championship. Kuba’s younger brother, Matej will spearhead the team’s return to the National Superstock 1000cc class.
It’s the first time they’ve ridden in the same team for over 10 years.
John Nichol, Bowker Motorrad Head of Business, said: “Bowker Motorrad, and the Bowker Motor group to which we belong, has a track record of supporting sporting endeavour at all levels: from grassroots youth level through to international Olympians.
“Our new exciting partnership with PR Racing sees us link up with two of the the fastest motorcycling brothers on the planet. The Smrz brother’s and The PR Racing team partnership boasts a powerful combination of skill and ambition. We can’t wait for the new season and we’re looking forward to being part of the journey.”
On signing the Czech bothers, John Jameson, Team Principal said: “Kuba is a top rider with many years’ experience at all levels. His attitude and commitment to racing is second to none and this fits PR Racing’s work ethic. It‘s a massive plus for the team to be able to work with a rider of his calibre, as we move forward and take the next step in the championship.”
Jakub Smrz said: “I am really pleased to be joining Matej at PR Racing. Having spent a season learning the BMW, I am looking forward to sharing that knowledge with PR and growing with the team, in what will be a very competitive format.
“We have already met as a group last week to plan everything and PR Racing have started preparing the BMWs so we can start testing as soon as possible. I feel very good about 2017. Can’t wait to get on the bike soon and go racing!”
On returning to the team, Matej said: “I’m feeling confident even after my difficult start last year. Luckily in my first year in BSB I joined a great team. John with his partners have given me another opportunity to continue in 2017 and I would like to show everyone it wasn’t a poor decision.
“Having my brother in the team after more than fifteen years is like a dream and he will be a great asset. I can gain from his experience of the BMW, as well as the circuits. We work well together and I am looking forward to the possibilities this partnership will bring.”
Sponsorship Boost For New Lancashire Youth Football Team Determined to Make Bawling Touchline Parents a Thing of the Past
A new Lancashire youth football team has launched with an innovative club culture that aims to make parental touchline bawling a thing of the past.
Lancashire Attack FC, based in Lytham St Annes, does not permit relatives of players to be coaches. However, every player must have a parental representative on the club committee. And each parent has a clearly-defined role and a direct influence on how the club is run.
Lancashire Attack FC was formed in the summer and has one under 11’s team in the Poulton and District Primary League.
Already local businesses Bowker Motorrad in Preston, Ultra Property in Lytham St Annes and Bite Club UK in Lytham have backed the club’s innovative grassroots football vision with kit sponsorship deals.
The team has been founded and facilitated through a partnership with Orange Soccer.
For Orange Soccer Orrin Benford said: “The idea came about through a discussion with a group of young coaches. We wanted to combine our passion for football with a better way for everyone to enjoy the sport. We wanted to avoid starting yet another club that parents saw as glorified babysitters – before screaming from the touchline on matchday.
“Parents are crucial to the success of the Lancashire Attack team. They are all involved and, in that way, buy in to the unique aims of the club. But we don’t believe it helps if they coach their own children. By distancing them from coaching decisions we think we can minimise the chances of conflict. And we can just let the kids play!”
The club is also piloting other initiatives. Its inclusive culture has a clear focus on player attitude. Players that put the team first – and demonstrate a determination to listen, learn and improve – are rewarded with game time.
Many of the players who have joined so far were not getting as much game time as they had hoped in their previous teams. There are already plans to extend the club’s teams in different age groups for next season after requests from local coaches and players.
For new shirt sponsor Bowker Motorrad, John Nichol, said: “We love the way Lancashire Attack are trying to change things for the better. Sport is a valuable way to teach young people important values. We wish Lancashire Attack every success in their campaign. It would be wonderful to think that, in years to come, the lessons they learn might inspire other teams too.”
Munich/Cernobbio. 80 years ago, BMW presented the BMW R 5 to the international public – an exciting new technological development that was to influence motorcycle construction right through to the 1950s. Inspired by the 500 cc factory racing machine of 1935, it was one of the groundbreaking sports motorbikes of the late 1930s with its newly designed light frame. To mark the 80th anniversary of the BMW R 5, BMW Motorrad is honouring this icon at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2016 with a special model: the BMW R 5 Hommage.
The BMW R 5 Hommage translates the essence of motorcycling into the modern era, combining the world of historical motorcycle design with the modern world of custom bikes.
“At its debut, the R 5 was not only a masterpiece of engineering, the clarity of its lines and the elegance of its proportions also made it stand out clearly from the masses. To this day, the R 5 remains one of the most aesthetically appealing motorcycles in BMW history in my view,” says Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad. “In my opinion, its fascinating and unique beauty lies in its sheer simplicity,” adds Ola Stenegard, Head of Vehicle Design and Creative Director Heritage BMW Motorrad. “In today’s world it is very simple to keep it complicated, but very complicated to keep it simple. And the BMW R 5 captures the very essence of a motorcycle. Our aim was to transport its clarity and elegant aesthetic appeal to the modern era – creating a respectful combination of old-school and high-tech with a dash of high performance.”
Vintage meets custom.
The BMW R 5 Hommage shows just how well the world of historical motorcycles and the custom scene harmonise. At the core there is an original 500 cc Two-cylinder engine provided by motorcycle enthusiast Sebastian Gutsch. This boxer engine was damaged in a race and provided the starting point for creating the BMW R 5 Hommage.
As befits a custom bike, the homage bike was elaborately hand-crafted from scratch. Ronny and Benny Noren were called upon to produce the parts according to the specifications of the BMW Motorrad Design Team: the two brothers have been building tailor-made customer bikes for more than 30 years.
Historical core …
The Two-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine of the R 5 was completely newly designed at the time and had an output of 24 bhp at 5,500 rpm. The valve drive was taken care of by two camshafts powered by a timing chain. Thanks to the likewise newly designed frame made of electrically welded oval tubing, the light R 5 reached a top speed of 135 km/h, making it almost as fast as R 17 with 33 bhp 750 cc – which is one of the reasons it was so frequently used for racing, just like the engine selected for the BMW R 5 Hommage, which was damaged during a race. For the homage bike, numerous components such as the valve cover and the breastplate of the boxer engine were machined from billet aluminium based on sketches: they give the historical core a dash of modern flair.
… in a tailor-made custom outfit.
Two doyens of the custom bike scene, Ronny and Benny Noren, were the perfect partners for the BMW R 5 Hommage project when it came to providing a fitting outward appearance for the historical core and producing the missing parts for the engine and gearbox. The remaining parts gradually took shape in the Noren brothers’ workshop based on sketches by the BMW Motorrad Design Team. All parts such as the frame, fuel tank and rearfender are unique, elaborately hand-crafted components – making this a genuine custom bike. And most important of all: the newly fashioned parts clearly transport the original purist character of the R 5.
Timelessly elegant: the proportions.
The result is impressive: even from a distance the proportions convey the timeless beauty of a consistent reduction to the essentials – entirely true to the spirit of the R 5 – and translate this idea into the modern age. The frame and fuel tank echo the elegant drop shape of the original, though in a more modern, streamlined interpretation. The steering head is slightly more tilted, for example, so as to give the R 5 Hommage greater presence and expressive stance while at the same time underscore the fact that it belongs to the customer bike world. As far as the frame is concerned, the focus here was on the oval shaped tubes which were such a striking feature of the original. Together the frame and fuel tank draw a continuous line from the steering head to the rear wheel hub, giving the side view a touch of elegance. The hand-made steel rearfender perpetuates the minimalistic layout.
A modern interpretation of historical details.
A particularly defining feature in terms of the appearance of the original R 5 was the telescopic fork – new at the time – whose characteristic fork covers were aerodynamically shaped at the level of the headlamp. The BMW R 5 Hommage invokes this element and interprets it in modern style based on the custom made fork. The leading edge of the forkcovers echoes the “crease” on the breastplate and valve covers with a suggested interpretation of the typical “R 5 rib”. The brake and clutch levers activated from the bar-end likewise blend the past with state-of-the-art technology: these custom-made components combine the look of historical reversed levers with the adjustment options of modern controls.
Exquisite custom craftsmanship: supercharger, exhaustpipes and suspension.
The heart of the BMW R 5 rests within the minimalist proportions of the homage bike. The technical highlight of the engine is the specially developed supercharger, which in the BMW R 5 Hommage now significantly boosts the output of the original 500 cc power unit of 26 bhp to achieve a contemporary accurate level.
A completely newly built stainless steel exhaust system ensures that this increase in power is appropriately reflected in terms of sound.
Other contemporary accents are provided by the new rear wheel suspension, the modern piston brake system and the elaborately designed front and rear wheel hub. The latter combines the brake system and spoke mount in a single formal unit – a detailed reflection of the minimalistic concept embodied by the BMW R 5 Hommage.
The colour: classic BMW style yet still a true custom bike.
The BMW R 5 Hommage is presented in classic style when it comes to colour. The basic theme is typical BMW – black with white pinstripes, though interpreted in contemporary style of course. In addition to the opaquely finished surfaces, the so-called smoke finish on the fuel tank and rearfender allow the steel underneath to partially show through. In addition to the white pinstripes, the black finish on the fuel tank and rearfender especially comes into its own right, in perfect custom style, due to the metallic finish and a slight flake effect. The engine cases and gearbox in glass bead aluminium provide the perfect stage for the polished aluminium parts such as the machined breastplate and the valve covers with its “R 5 crease”. The soft lustre of the polished aluminium is especially reminiscent of the BMW R 5 originals. The overall image is rounded off with a handstitched leather seat with high-quality embossing.
The team will contest British Superbikes, Superstock 1000 and International Road Races including the North West 200, Isle of Man TT and the Ulster GP in 2015.
Guy Martin and William Dunlop will be riding the BMW S 1000 RR on the roads, with Alastair Seeley also competing in the North West 200.
Michael Laverty and Tommy Bridewell will line up to challenge in British Superbike Championship – with Alastair Seeley also racing in the National Superstock 1000 support series.
Guy Martin:
“Moving to BMW machinery is the reason I’m still racing next year and not retiring. I’ll always give it my all and to be with a quality manufacturer like BMW is mega. I’m looking forward to getting on the bikes as soon as possible. It’s a new bike and I’ve never ridden it before, but we all know its pedigree. TAS are the best team I’ve ever ridden for; they get me and I get them and we meet in the middle, which is why we’ve been successful and this new venture with BMW is just what we need going into next season.”
William Dunlop:
“Moving to BMW is an exciting change and one I’m looking forward to. We all saw what the BMW S 1000 RR was capable of achieving this season, so with the expertise of the guys at TAS Racing, I’m pretty sure we can do a good job in 2015. I got my first international Superbike win last year and I’d really like more next year as it’s the class to do it in. We have a top team and I’m happy to be working with Guy again at the TT, where I think together we can be even stronger with this exciting new package.”
Michael Laverty:
“I’m delighted to be back in the TAS Racing fold for 2015; this time with a new manufacturer in BMW behind us. It’s a very exciting time for both myself and the team: we are both new to the BMW S 1000 RR but it is a bike built for the race track and I believe we have all the ingredients required to deliver the BSB title.
“I’m very motivated about my move back to BSB. I’ve spent the last two seasons in MotoGP and feel I’m a much stronger rider thanks to that experience, both on the riding and the technical side. I’ve really missed not being on a machine capable of delivering wins and podiums, so I’m already daydreaming about the battles head with Shakey and Co. next season.”
Tommy Bridewell:
“I’m really excited to be joining Tyco BMW for next season. I’ve met the team and they are a great bunch of guys and having ridden the BMW before, and watched what Kiyo was able to do on it this season, I know we will have as competitive a package as anyone on the BSB grid in 2015. In 2012 I put a standard BMW into the top six, so with factory support and the help of everyone at Tyco BMW, the goal is to be challenging regularly at the front and winning more races. I’m also looking forward to working with Michael [Laverty] as he has a lot of experience both in BSB and with the team. So I’m now counting down the days to the first test.”
Alastair Seeley:
“It’s great to be back with TAS Racing and to be part of the whole Tyco BMW set-up for next year. With factory support and what I believe to be the best machinery for both the Superstock class and the North West 200, I really can’t wait to get started. TAS Racing gave me the opportunity to win two British championships so the goal this year is to repay them and hopefully make that three. I’m also happy to be back in the Superstock class as I feel the BMW S 1000 RR will give me a great chance to win the championship and I’ve already started doing my homework for next season.”
Lee Nicholls, BMW Motorrad Marketing and PR Manager, said:
It is with great pleasure that we can finally announce BMW Motorrad’s support of the TAS Racing team for the 2015 British Superbike and Road Racing season.
“In 2014, BMW Motorrad had its most successful season of racing ever in the UK, which has enabled us to increase our support to both the British Superbike and Road Racing paddocks for 2015. The TAS Racing team will spearhead our assault on track, and on the roads, and will receive the full technical support from BMW Motorrad Motorsport in Munich within the framework of the BMW Customer Racing Strategy.
“As a company we are very much looking forward to working with Philip and his team and we are confident that together with the all-new S 1000 RR we will challenge for podiums and wins across the UK and Ireland next year.”
Phil Dashey, Vice President & General Manager at Tyco Security Products concluded:
“We’ve had a great working relationship with TAS; our brand has grown significantly as a result, so to renew with them, but work with a new manufacturer under the Tyco BMW banner is a very exciting prospect”
“We’ve enjoyed success on various platforms in a number of guises and liveries with the TAS team, but I’m sure I will echo everyone’s sentiments when I say our major goals for 2015 are to lift the British Superbike title and a coveted Isle of Man TT top step.”
Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“It really is a great honour for TAS Racing to be chosen by BMW to spearhead their racing efforts in 2015, and everyone involved has been very supportive in helping us put the correct package together.
“Although our agreement is with BMW Motorrad in the UK, the support we have received from BMW in Germany is already very encouraging. We will have full support from the factory both technically and personnel wise next season to help us achieve our goals.”
“We put a lot of thought into our rider line up for 2015 and as always the goal is to win races both in British championship and also at International level on the roads. We fully expect to be championship contenders in British Superbike and the National Superstock class next season racing BMW’s S 1000 RR, and on the roads I’ve every confidence that William and Guy will also benefit from riding top class Tyco BMW machinery.”
Michael Smallbone from Live Ribble Valley Magazine visits one of the region’s most prestigious car showrooms, where he spots a magnificent ultra-rare Lotus Exige.
With blossom on the trees, the days lasting longer and spring lambs in the fields our minds begin to fill with thoughts of the approaching summer time. Here in the Ribble Valley we are able to see the signs of summer everywhere and what better way to enjoy them from the exciting driving seat of a sports car?
The now well established Bowker Ribble Valley dealership on the A59 at Osbaldeston offers a wide selection of vehicles from a range of prestigious manufacturers such as Porsche, Land Rover, Mercedes, Lotus and Aston Martin. Plus, the recent addition of the Maserati dealership that operates in perfect harmony at the same premises. Each car that Bowker Ribble Valley supply is more than likely to be something you don’t see every day, for instance when I was there I got the opportunity to see a magnificent, ultra-rare Lotus Exige in the showroom.
For extra peace of mind when you buy a car from Bowker Ribble Valley it will come with a comprehensive 12 month warranty through Warranty Wise – who have recently spent two days at the Osbaldeston showroom filming their latest national television commercial with Quentin Wilson.
As part of the larger Bowker Motor Group, Bowker Ribble Valley since its launch in October 2012, has built on the already high standard of customer care that has become synonymous with the Bowker name. A relaxed and enjoyable experience with a no pressure attitude will greet you when you arrive at their dealership allowing you to browse the various models for as long as you want – but remember a member of the team will not be too far away to answer any questions or to arrange a test drive. The expanding work force all have at least one thing in common – a passion for all things motoring whether it be on two or four wheels meaning they are more than happy to talk to any fellow ‘petrol head’ both male and female! Jim Gregory, sales manager at Bowker Ribble Valley, explained that they have established relationships with customers, who have now become friends and there are various people who have bought as many as three consecutive cars from them.
In many respects buying a car is the easy part but for many the wide choice of servicing options can be quite daunting. However, Bowker Ribble Valley can take care of all aspects of vehicle maintenance and enhancements. The services they offer include valeting using AutoGlymproducts, servicing of all makes and models without compromising the manufacturer’s warranty, plus tyre fitting – all of which is carried out by factory trained qualified technicians with many years of experience.
Moving away from the stereotypical traditional used car dealership, Bowker Ribble Valley has created something unique. Visitors can browse and purchase some of the most interesting and desirable cars available today from a member of the family-owned Bowker Motor Group, but without the, sometimes overwhelming, franchised dealer experience. Put a smile on your face ready for summer with a car from Bowker Ribble Valley – it could be a sports car, a convertible, a luxurious four wheel drive or how about one of each?
Bowker Ribble Valley Servicing
Free local collection and delivery service
Complimentary valet and health check with every service
Free courtesy cars available
Spring Check including air conditioning refresh £35
All makes and model servicing from £85
Lease car drivers catered for
Vehicle upgrades including wheels, body-styling and interior
Tyres at very competitive prices.
For information on servicing, please call 01254 769 069 or write to our dedicated service e-mail, service@bowkerribblevalley.co.uk
It's our 10th anniversary
We invite you to our family fun weekend on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 May 2016 as we celebrate our BMW and MINI Centres’ 10 year anniversary on Trident Park in Blackburn.
Take advantage of our FREE 10 minute wash and vacuum for your car. Booking recommended by calling 01254 274444.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
• American style diner food from ‘The Dog House’
• BMW technology demonstrations
• Behind the scenes Workshop tours
• Indoor go-karts and facepainting for children
• Win a MotorSport Track Day or Spa Day for Two
• Celebratory offers on New and Approved Used BMW & MINI
• Classic and rare BMWs & MINIs on display. (BMW Z8, BMW Z1, BMW 3.0 CSL and a MINI Challenge)
Bowker Blackburn BMW & MINI
Trident Park, off Whitebirk Drive, Blackburn, BB1 3NU.
The new BMW M2 Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 199 g/km)* sets the benchmark in the segment of compact high-performance sports cars when it comes to driving dynamics and performance.
Its extrovert design further underscores the car’s highly dynamic character and outstanding suitability for the race track. From March 2016, the dynamic qualities and the visual appearance of the BMW M2 Coupé can be further enhanced with the newly presented range of BMW M Performance Parts.
They comprise components derived from motor racing for the areas of aerodynamics, engine, cockpit and suspension which meet the very highest standards in terms of functionality and design.
Aerodynamic components for an improved appearance and driving response.
The M Performance Parts product portfolio features a particularly extensive range of aerodynamic components made of carbon-reinforced plastic (CFRP or carbon fibre). These include front and side sill attachments, rear diffuser and mirror caps that are perfectly harmonised in their aerodynamic effect and additionally emphasise the powerful exterior design of the compact high-performance sports car.
The front and side sill attachments in combination with the rear spoiler and diffuser from the BMW M Performance range optimize the airflow around the vehicle, for example, which in turn impacts positively on handling and driving performance.
Matching these there are carbon fibre exterior mirror caps which stylishly round off the car’s enhanced sporty appearance with their striking look.
The same applies to the M Performance radiator grille for the front and side in high-gloss black with integrated BMW M logo in the BMW M colours red, blue and light blue.
Options for engine, suspension and brakes that enhance dynamic performance.
The M Performance flap silencer system makes for more intense perception of the engine sound. Its two operating modes Sport and Track can be set by Bluetooth remote control.
The Sport mode is intended for use on public roads and indulges the driver with a distinctive sporty sound that has been specially harmonised with the BMW M2.
Meanwhile the Track setting further intensifies the volume and character of the exhaust sound, perceptibly enhancing its emotional flair.
This creates a much more intense driving experience and makes the driver feel more closely connected to the car.
The M Performance flap exhaust system further enhances the BMW M2 visually, too, with its high-gloss silencer unit including deep-embossed M Performance logo, tailpipes with a diameter of 80 millimetres and perforated inner pipe. As an alternative there are also carbon fibre tailpipe trim elements available for the M Performance exhaust system with a diameter of 93 millimetres and integrated BMW M logo.
The BMW M2 Coupé can be fitted with the BMW M Performance coil-spring suspension so as to optimise road holding and handling.
This reduces ground clearance by at least five millimetres as compared to the standard suspension. And the coil-spring technology can be used to lower the vehicle by an additional 20 millimetres. What is more, the shock
absorbers can be adjusted to 16 levels in the rebound stage and 12 in the compression stage. This means the driver can create his own suspension set-up according to personal preference. Whichever setting is selected, the tighter basic set-up as compared to the standard suspension reduces the pitch and roll movements of the vehicle superstructure, thereby ensuring a highly neutral driving response and maximum direct feedback to the driver.
The BMW M Performance sports brake pads offer increased suitability for the race track as well as enhanced active safety.
Their composition is derived from the long-distance brake pads that have become well-established in motor racing. This means the BMW M Performance sports brake pads have a particularly high resistance to thermal stress and do not show any fading tendencies even when constantly subjected to extreme use.
They also offer an improved, more direct response as compared to the standard brake system.
Options for the interior inspired by motor racing.
The interior of the BMW M2 Coupé can also be given a definite touch of personal sporty style with the addition of BMW M Performance Parts. For example, the BMW M Performance LED door sill cover strips for the driver and passenger side add a stylish and striking accentuation directly as the door is opened.
The same applies to the M Performance floor mats, which are not only sporty in design but also offer optimum grip due to their non-slip surfaces made of rubber and textile fibre.
The stainless steel pedal covers are a perfect match here: with their pronounced rubber profiles they effectively prevent the foot from slipping off the brake and clutch pedal.
BMW is one of very few automobile manufacturers in the world to offer its own steering wheels with Alcantara cover for retrofit purposes, and the BMW M Performance range actually includes two different models.
The M Performance Pro steering wheel with grip areas covered in Alcantara is particularly marked in its shaping and generally has a harder foam body than the standard steering wheel, resulting in better grip and a more precise steering feel. It also has a light blue central marking at the 12 o’clock position. The three-colour M seam and the optional open-pore carbon fibre trim element with M Performance inscription give the M Performance Pro steering wheel an especially attractive visual appearance.
In addition, BMW offers the M Performance steering wheel with race display and carbon fibre trim as standard. With an integrated function display in the upper steering wheel rim, the driver always has a perfect view of information such as section and lap times, longitudinal and transverse acceleration. The functions are intuitively controlled by menu buttons integrated in the thumb recesses of the steering wheel.
In addition to the race display there is also a gear shift indicator: two bi-colour LED light strips on the right and left that run towards each other.
The BMW Performance range for the interior is rounded off with the M Performance Interior Kit Carbon, featuring trim elements for the twin-clutch transmission gear selector level, centre console and handbrake handle and the M Performance interior trim finishers with their especially attractive blend of Alcantara and carbon fibre.
For more information please contact Bowker Preston on 01772 769976 or Bowker Blackburn on 01254 274444.
†Test drive subject to availability and driver eligibility.
As MINI continues to celebrate its 60th anniversary, the brand has achieved a new feat as the ten millionth MINI produced globally since 1959 rolled off the assembly line.
The landmark car – a MINI 60 Years Anniversary Edition – was built on July 24th 2019 at MINI Plant Oxford and will take pride of place in today’s special event at Oxford.
To celebrate the brand’s 60th anniversary, MINI has been on the hunt for 60 owners of 60 cars, one from each year of production – with 60 personal stories from across the decades. Shared across the MINI digital channels throughout the year, the stories from owners around the UK shows the love they have for their cars and the important part they have played in so many people’s lives.
Today, MINI has bought together these cars at Plant Oxford for a special birthday gathering, before heading to the International MINI Meeting in Bristol, an annual festival for MINI fans globally. The cars will be led by 621 AOK – the very first Mini built – with the 10 millionth MINI bringing up the rear.
Launched in 1959 and designed by Alec Issigonis, the classic Mini revolutionised the automotive world and was produced at Oxford until 1968, before moving to Longbridge, near Birmingham, where it continued to be built until October 2000. Between 1959 and 2000 more than 5.3 classic Minis were built.
Since the brand’s rebirth in 2001 under BMW ownership, sales around the world have gone from strength to strength. Last year nearly 400,000 MINIs were sold in 110 countries across the globe.
Three UK plants have a part to play in MINIs production today – Hams Hall near Birmingham makes engines, Swindon produces the body pressings and sub-assemblies for MINI, and this all comes together at the Oxford manufacturing plant with body shell production, paint and final assembly.
Daily output at Oxford has grown from around 300 cars a day in 2001 to around 1,000 today. The 4,500 strong workforce at Oxford produce one new MINI every 67 seconds.
Since 2000, over £2 billion has been invested by BMW Group in its UK manufacturing sites and, at Oxford this has included an extension to the plants body shop and new facilities in the paint shop and final assembly areas. In November 2019 the MINI Electric will begin production at Oxford and mark the beginning of a new era for the brand.
Peter Weber, managing director, MINI Plant Oxford and Swindon, said “As we celebrate 60 years of our iconic brand and look towards an electric future, I would like to thank everyone who has made MINI such a global success, from my team here to the loyal customers and fans around the world. To see the 10 millionth MINI roll of the production line here at Oxford was a moment of great pride for the whole team, a number of whom have relatives who were here building the very first Minis in 1959. This is a wonderful chapter in the MINI story and proof of the passion that our customers have for this very special British car.”
Just as Alec Issigonis’ first car did in 1959, MINI has continued to push the boundaries, whilst keeping creative use of space, driving fun, style and individualisation at its core.
Models built at Oxford today include the three and five door MINI Hatch and MINI Clubman. Around 80 per cent of MINIs built in Oxford are exported. The Convertible and Countryman models are built in The Netherlands.
Lancashire-based Bowker Motor Group has appointed Preston-based Warden Construction Limited to build the new 43,000 square feet Porsche Centre in the city.
Demolition began on site at Watery Lane in July and has now been completed. Construction work is due to commence with the new Porsche Centre opening in Spring 2019.
Warden Construction Limited was founded in 1954 and specialises in construction, refurbishment, development and maintenance solutions across a whole range of sectors. The company recently built the AFC Fylde stadium complex at Mill Farm in Wesham.
Bowker Motor Group chief executive, Paul Bowker, said: “Congratulations to Warden Construction. We are looking forward to working with them as the Porsche Centre Preston takes shape.
“Wherever possible, we prefer to work with Lancashire companies. Bowker Motor Group’s strategy to work with the world’s most prestigious automotive brands unlocks exciting opportunities for other local businesses too. That’s why we spoke to a selection highly-regarded Lancashire construction companies before we appointed Warden.
“Warden faced some stiff competition to win the business. But there was a good fit with our respective project teams: not least with their experience; and, their passion to deliver a remarkable new building on a landmark site for Preston.”
The multi-million pound investment in the new Porsche Centre Preston will create over 30 jobs. Preston will be the 40th Porsche Centre in the UK network.
For Warden, managing director Richard Kenworthy said: “Everyone at Warden is delighted to be working with Bowker Motor Group on such a prestigious retail development. It’s an area of Preston that many of us have driven past all our lives. That’s why we are proud to be part of a construction project which will transform the area.”
The designs for the new Porsche Centre Preston were prepared by Preston-based architects Cassidy and Ashton.
The building design features a 35-car showroom and a 13-bay workshop. There are also two customer handover bays; two direct dialogue bays which enable service advisors to demonstrate scope of technical work from every perspective; and, also EV charging points.
Porsche Cars GB Limited confirmed its decision to appoint Bowker Motor Group to operate its new Lancashire Centre in September 2017.
Bowker Motor Group has celebrated the start of installation of the steel which will form the main structure for the new Porsche Centre Preston.
The structure will give motorists passing the site on Watery Lane in Preston their first indication of the scale of the new 43,000 square feet Porsche Centre in the city. The building which is scheduled to open in Spring 2019.
Bowker Motor Group chief executive, Paul Bowker, said: “The steel structure gives the whole project a sense of reality. The computer images our designers generated during the planning stage give a great indication of how the whole area will be regenerated. But raising the steel structure is a proud moment and the first visible step in the transformation.”
Preston-based Warden Construction Limited were confirmed as the project’s main building contractors last month. And the designs for the new Porsche Centre Preston were prepared by Preston-based architects Cassidy and Ashton.
Paul adds: “It’s a great moment for the city too. The project showcases the skills of many local businesses and individuals. We hope Prestonians will be proud that so many involved in the project come from the city.”
When it opens, the building will feature a 35-car showroom and a 13-bay workshop. There are also two customer handover bays; two direct dialogue bays which enable service advisors to demonstrate scope of technical work from every perspective; and, also EV charging points with DC charge.