Month: September 2019
Andrew Holden, who works at Bowker BMW and MINI in Blackburn, has been honoured as the best Motability specialist in the country.
The award recognised Andrew as the best from over 18,000 motability specialists in the country. It acknowledges consistently high standards of service and support to customers of the Motability Car Scheme throughout 2018.
What is Motability?
The Motability Scheme is the UK’s leading car scheme for disabled people. It provides affordable, convenient, worry-free motoring to over 600,000 disabled customers and their families.
Andrew joined Bowker over five years ago, but has over 15 years experience in the role at dealerships throughout East Lancashire. Last year, Andrew was commended as one of the top two Motability specialists in the country.
Andrew said:
“I was commended last year. And that was a proud achievement. So to go one better this year has been a wonderful surprise. I work hard to help our motability customers enjoy the very best options that the scheme has to offer.
“In many cases we see time and time again how a car transforms our customers’ quality of life. So it’s a particularly rewarding part of the motoring retail industry. And I’m proud to be a part of it.”
The Motability Scheme Dealer Awards
The Motability Scheme Dealer Awards programme rewards best practice and ensures customers receive exemplary customer service across the nationwide car dealer network.
With prizes available across nine categories, the awards are judged on how a dealer delivers the Scheme to customers, and is assessed by customer feedback and reviews of their Motability Scheme performance.
Richard Povey, dealer development manager – Dealer Relations at Motability Operations Ltd, said:
“We are extremely proud of the achievements all our winners, including Andrew at Bowker BMW and MINI, have achieved. It’s great to see the high level of service delivered by our dealer network and we are pleased to present the latest 2019 Dealer Awards. The annual Awards allow us to thank dealers for providing consistently positive customer service, highlighting those who are doing it well and encouraging others to do the same.
“It is a testament to the outstanding standard, professional approach, and expert knowledge of Andrew at Bowker BMW and MINI that he has been recognised as a winning specialist – congratulations to him for his well-deserved 2019 Dealer Award.”
Live Magazines Paul Agnew was intrigued by the new PHEV MINI Countryman. We sent him out in our demonstrator model for a MINI PHEV Adventure. Here is how he got on.
AGILITY ELECTRIFIED.
The MINI is a motoring icon – loved by the world over with a panache, presence and personality all of its own. A car with a place in history guaranteed.
But this little beauty is not living in the past – far from it.
Say hello to the MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) now available at Bowker.
That’s right, the not-so-little PHEV MINI Countryman that is already proving a massive hit with the discerning drivers of 2019 who want a little bit of everything when they get behind the wheel; not least some fun.
Powered by both a combustion engine and an electric motor, it offers “the spirit of an explorer with technology at its heart”, according to those whose job it is to market and sell.
And after test driving the MINI Countryman Cooper S E ALL4 (yes, four-wheel-drive) from Bowker on Preston Docklands, it’s hard to disagree.
The PHEV MINI Countryman is a friend from the moment you meet up. The bond is immediate.
Perhaps it’s the famous badge or the instantly recognisable round central dial – now surrounded by an LED light ring that responds to how you are driving and houses a 6.5” colour screen and displays all in-car infotainment.
Or maybe it’s just the way it looks and the ease in which you settle in … everything just seems very right.
And so quiet. Once the keyless ignition has been activated you’d be hard pushed to hear any engine noise at all. Steering is light, vision excellent and road handling safe and sound.
As for performance, the big-hearted PHEV MINI Countryman packs quite a punch, racing from 0-60 mph is 6.8 secs. That’s down to a combined 221 brake horsepower on offer when the 1.5-litre petrol engine and rear-mounted electric motor work together. Sending power to just the rear wheels, the electric motor also gives it four-wheel-drive status. And then there’s the renowned 6-speed BMW gearbox
Who says sustainable motoring can’t be exciting?
The high-tech lithium-ion battery provides an all-electric ‘range’ (mpg in old money) of up to 26 miles, enough to cover the daily commute of most drivers. Kept at its optimum temperature by an advanced cooling system, the battery excels in both output and service life.
With the PHEV MINI Countryman there is the extra advantage of reducing the official CO2 emissions figure to just 49g/km, making the car a much sought after option for company-car drivers keen to reduce their tax.
Economy, of course, is one of the big attractions.
In terms of fuel ‘consumption’; suffice to say that the ‘range’ is a very impressive 134.5mpg (average) and a full battery charge at home (roughly taking about two hours) will set you back less than 5p!
Whilst driving you can switch between electric and petrol power as you feel fit (there’s even a speedier sports option too) and the transition is smooth and fully automated with no interruptions.
The PHEV MINI Countryman is blessed with an array of helpful and entertaining features including Sat Nav, real time traffic information and hundreds of radio stations (DAB) and music options. What the manufacturers call ‘Connected Services’ include: a concierge phone-line service, online search, weather information, Apple CarPlay®, rear parking distance control, bluetooth connectivity, chargeable battery during driving … the list goes on.
So, who fits the driver profile?
Anyone and everyone.
There are clear advantages for the business user and an obvious appeal for those seeking a nippy, smart-looking, easy-to-park and great-around-town car, while it offers a practical solution for families too with ample room inside.
Safety levels are excellent. It achieved the full five-star score in Euro NCAP crash tests and from an array of available extras you can choose a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and lane-keep assist.
Eight airbags come as standard, in addition to the compulsory anti-lock brakes and stability control. Also standard are autonomous emergency braking and a bonnet that pops up slightly in a pedestrian collision to help cushion the impact.
It is crystal clear that the choice of hybrid cars is likely to increase in the coming years. Indeed, BMW Group plans for 25% of all its models sold by 2025 to be electrified in some way.
The PHEV MINI Countryman has got in early and made a big impact. In the weeks before and after launch, dealers across the land struggled to meet demand. It’s easy to see why.
To book your 48 hour test drive in the MINI Countryman Cooper S E ALL4, please contact the team at Bowker MINI.
Content courtesy of Live Magazines – www.live-magazines.co.uk
Nobody knows the ins and outs of your MINI like we do at Bowker. A Genuine MINI MOT from Bowker means you’ll receive a first class and professional service for just £46.85. Along with guaranteed quality, at Bowker Blackburn or Preston you’ll receive added extras that you simply won’t find elsewhere:
- No extra hidden charges
- A post-test wash and vacuum
- Your car will only be worked on by MINI Trained Technicians using Genuine MINI Parts
- Complimentary vehicle health check
- Complimentary recall checks and quality enhancements
- Free local collection and delivery or courtesy car to keep you mobile
- Complimentary wi-fi
- Customer lounge with complimentary refreshments
Unsure about when your MINI needs an MOT? Click here and enter your vehicle’s make and registration number.
For more information or to make a booking, please call Preston on 01772 761234 or Blackburn on 01254 274333. Alternatively, you can book online 24/7 using the links below:
At Bowker MINI we have made a promise to check our prices against all popular tyre retailers such as Kwik-Fit, to ensure we get you the best deal possible. Purchasing tyres can be a confusing and expensive task, but our trained service advisors are on hand to walk you through the options available.
You will also receive a Tyre Safety Check, which assesses the condition of all other tyres on your vehicle, ensuring they are roadworthy.
If you would like more information on your next set of tyres or tyre replacement, please do not hesitate to contact Bowker Blackburn on 01254 274333 or Bowker Preston on 01772 761234. Alternatively, please complete the contact form on this page, and a member of the service team will be in touch.
A LIFETIME OF SHOWROOM SHINE.
PROTECT YOUR PAINTWORK AND INTERIOR FOR LIFE.
BENEFITS:
Maintains a high-gloss showroom finish, wash after wash
Guards your paintwork and interior
Protects the future resale value of your MINI
Enhances safety and visibility in wet driving conditions
Achieves British Standard EN ISO 2812-5:2007
Provides a transferable Lifetime Guarantee for paint, leather and fabrics*
The products that form the MINI Protect X system shield your paintwork from environmental pollutants, while providing a spectacular high-gloss finish. MINI Protect X also guards your vehicle’s interior, ensuring that seat fabrics and carpets resist staining, and that leather remains soft and supple.
The take-home car care kit which is also supplied with MINI Protect X contains a selection of cleaning items that will help you maintain your car’s flawless appearance.
So you can rest assured that beneath its showroom finish, your MINI and its future resale value stays protected.
But the benefits don’t stop there. You will also be given a take-home car care kit which contains a host of items including shampoo, wheel cleaner, interior care cloths and glass cleaner – everything you will need to maintain your MINI.
For more information, or to make a booking, call Bowker Blackburn on 01254 274333 or Bowker Preston on 01772 761234. Alternatively, complete the enquiry form and we’ll call you back.
* There is an administration fee to pay to transfer the Lifetime Guarantee
the trip is booked but is your mini ready?
Whether it’s a winter skiing holiday through the French Alps or a good old fashioned summer road trip to the beautiful British seaside, you may need that little bit of extra space. Bowker MINI have put together the perfect package to give you all the extra space you need for weekend activities!
Purchase a Genuine MINI Roof Box 320 with Bars for just £540 with free fitting and a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty*.
With a capacity of 320 litres, the Roof Box has room for everything that can’t be left behind – e.g. up to five pairs of skis up to 180cm long, or beach gear. It can be opened from both sides and, thanks to the 6-way locking system, only opens itself without a fuss for the true owner. Dimensions are 1913/638/402mm (L/W/H) and the Roof Box is available in silver metallic or black metallic.
For more information, call Bowker Blackburn on 01254 274333 or Bowker Preston on 01772 761234. Alternatively, complete the enquiry form and we’ll call you back.
*Subject to vehicle specifications. Offer only applies to vehicles with roof bar preparation. Price quoted is based on an F60 MINI.
At Bowker BMW we have made a promise to check our prices against all popular tyre retailers such as Kwik-Fit to ensure we get you the best deal possible. Purchasing tyres can be a confusing and expensive task, but our trained service advisors are on hand to walk you through the options available.
You will also receive a Tyre Safety Check, which assesses the condition of all other tyres on your vehicle, ensuring they are roadworthy.
If you would like more information on your next set of tyres or tyre replacement, please do not hesitate to contact Bowker Blackburn on 01254 274444 or Bowker Preston on 01772 769976. Alternatively, please complete the contact form on this page, and a member of the service team will be in touch.
From £60.00 + Free Fitting
The Travel & Comfort system allows you to attach a number of useful accessories to the back of the front seats using a base carrier, which mounts securely between the headrest spars. From a coat hanger to keep your jacket crease-free to a tablet holder to entertain rear passengers, all of the Travel & Comfort system accessories can be easily fitted using the automatic locking system and removed when not in use.
For more information on the Travel and Comfort System, please complete the form on this page. Alternatively, please call Bowker Blackburn on 01254 274444 or Bowker Preston on 01772 769976.
From £685 + Free Fitting
Bowker BMW have the perfect package to give your BMW that added edge while adding all the extra space you need for weekend activities and to pack more in!
Our Genuine BMW Roof Box and Bars are priced from £685 with free fitting and a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty*.
Each carefully considered design fits on all BMW roof bars, has a two-sided safety locking system and is easy to install. The roof boxes have also been tested to BMW safety standards.
- Designed to fit on all BMW roof bars
- Black with titanium silver side finishers
- Available in 320, 420 and 520 litres
- Two-sided safety locking system
- Easy to use and install
- Tested to BMW safety standards
- 2 year unlimited mileage warranty
For more information, please complete the enquiry form on this page and we’ll call you back. Alternatively, please contact Bowker Blackburn on 01254 274444 or Bowker Preston on 01772 769976.
*Subject to vehicle specifications. Offer only applies to vehicles with roof bar preparation. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Monthly Rentals from £599 + VAT. (Plus £7,188 Initial Rental)
BMW X models allow you to explore a world of possibilities. With a clear seating position, intelligent BMW xDrive four-wheel drive system and incredibly efficient engines, a BMW X model is at home in every environment.
Below are our compelling BMW X Range offers, designed for businesses running fleets of less than 50 cars. All quotes can be tailored to specific mileage profiles.
Business Contract Hire Offers
| Model | Initial Rental | Monthly Rentals | Annual Mileage | Excess Mileage Charge | Payment Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X7 xDrive 40d M Sport AUTO | £8,748.00 | £729.00 | 6,000 | 25.58p | 12 + 23 |
| BMW XM xDrive 50e PHEV AUTO | £7,188.00 | £599.00 | 6,000 | 38.23p | 12 + 23 |
Bowker Blackburn Limited and Bowker Preston Limited are credit brokers.
Business users only. Price excludes VAT at 20%. Prices shown are for a 24 month Business Contract Hire agreement. Applies for new vehicles ordered between 03/04/2024 and 01/07/2024 and registered by 30/09/2024 (subject to availability). At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle. Excess mileage, vehicle condition and other charges may be payable. Available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. The amount of VAT you can reclaim depends on your business VAT status. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. Hire provided by BMW Group Corporate Finance, a trading name of Alphabet (GB) Limited, Alphabet House, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. Bowker Blackburn Limited and Bowker Preston Limited introduce customers to a selected panel of lenders, which includes BMW Financial Services. We receive a fixed commission for introducing you to BMW Financial Services calculated by reference to the vehicle or as a percentage of the amount you borrow. We do not have any discretion to vary the interest rate or APR you pay under your finance agreement. An introduction from us does not amount to independent financial advice.
^Test drives subject to applicant status and availability.
The electric car is set to go far …
We’re talking about the future of motoring here and, as usual, BMW leads the way.
The wonderful BMW i3 is a gem; whether you’re trying to eco-nomise, be eco-friendlier or simply fancy owning a very clever machine.
For many motorists the electric car remains a mystery and for those who always err towards the tried and tested, it could even be seen as a trip into the unknown.
Well, it’s time to put minds at rest; so, hop in and enjoy the ride.
FACT. An electric car saves you money. The BMW i3 costs considerably less to run than comparable petrol/diesel vehicles. Based on 10k miles per annum, we’re talking around £1.5k a year.
FACT. Cheaper to maintain too … electric motors have fewer than 20 moving parts and the engine helps by applying the braking system automatically and significantly whenever your foot leaves the accelerator. This all makes for lower maintenance costs against a fossil fuel vehicle.
FACT. There are tax and other financial advantages too with a UK Government grant (individuals) and tax benefits (businesses) for anyone investing in cars of the electric variety. Potential savings of up to £3,500 per vehicle.
FACT. Numerous environmental plusses. Always a considerate manufacturer, BMW has been in the top 20 global most sustainable corporations in the world since 2013. The BMW i3 uses renewable energy in a factory specifically built for this vehicle. The carbon fibre in the car is produced with 100% renewable energy and 25% of the thermoplastics have been replaced with recycled thermoplastics and renewable raw materials.
The extensive use of kenaf in the interior also reduces the weight of the BMW i3. Kenaf is harvested from mallow plants which convert CO2 into oxygen at an above-average rate. The natural seat coverings are breathable and help regulate the temperature between the driver and the seat.
So, if you’re serious about reducing your carbon footprint, the BMW i3 produces half of the CO2 of the cleanest non-electric car on the market.
But what about the drive itself and those niggling issues about so-called ‘range anxiety’? Questions like: Is it difficult to charge? Where do I find a charging point? Will I be stuck if there’s a traffic hold-up? Will the performance fall short of what I’m used to?
First off, the BMW i3’s all-electric motor delivers an astonishingly high level of torque, giving rapid acceleration from 0-62 mph in around 7seconds (In fact, it offers the fastest 0-30 mph performance in the entire BMW range!). Not just response either; an ultra-smooth ride and an engine so quiet it’s almost silent.
A remote ‘app’ enables ultimate access to the car from your smartphone. You can even set the app to charge your vehicle and pre-condition the interior temperature before your next journey, to maximise battery efficiency.
As for charging….
Let’s assume that you are a driver with a 20-miles-per-day need. Such demand will use up just 13% of battery and require that you charge only once per week.
A full charge takes about 6 hours from a home charge point (80% of BMW drivers only ever charge at home) with a public rapid charge taking under an hour.
If you need a top-up when out and about, there are already more than 5,000 charging locations and 17, 000 charging points in the UK.
Our region is well covered – you can even leave the i3 charging while doing the weekly shop (Booths supermarkets have recently installed charging points on some of their car parks).
Oh, forgot to mention that a charge will see you motoring ‘free from anxiety’ for around 176 miles on the eco setting. Apart from holidays or a particularly long business trip, how many of us do more than that a day?
Driving the BMW i3 – attractive styling, quirky features (the doors open a bit like a James Bond car), responsive handling and surprising speed off the mark – is a delight.
But my view (while hopefully accurate and well considered) is one thing; this is a car you really need to experience for yourself.
So, go on and try it – a single test drive will not only alleviate your concerns but also leave you wanting more.
Why not be part of the future, now?
A Lancashire golfer has become the first competitor from the county to represent the UK at the final of world’s largest amateur golf competition in over 25 years.
Over 100,000 golfers had competed in earlier rounds of the the BMW Golf Cup globally. But, Elaine Hough, from Newton, was one of only 109 team players to take part in the World Final in George, South Africa earlier this month.
Elaine was invited to take part in the tournament by Bowker BMW in Preston. She then qualified to represent the UK thanks to successive victories at Pleasington, Royal Birkdale, and St Andrews.
For Bowker BMW Tom Fox said: “Our annual golfing events are amongst the most popular and well supported. For Elaine, no shortage of skill and determination has delivered a wonderful sporting experience that will no doubt stay with her forever.
“It’s an incredible achievement. Elaine’s performances throughout the competition have been outstanding. And the dealership is proud that one of our customers has represented the Bowker BMW Centre on such a prestigious global stage.”
In the final, Elaine’s three-person UK team were the highest placed European country, finishing 5th overall with 272 points. Thailand defended the title they won last year in Dubai (UAE) with 328 points, ahead of team Malaysia (305) and team China (290).
The BMW Golf Cup World Final was contested on Montagu and Outeniqua golf courses, designed by golfing legend Gary Player.
From September 2018, all cars must have been homologated under the new WLTP (Worldwide Hamonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) test cycle which is designed to better replicate real life driving conditions.
BMW Group has now published revised fuel economy and emissions data for its entire range of vehicles in accordance with the new test procedure (WLTP). This means the full range of BMW and MINI vehicles sold in the UK is now fully compliant with the new test regime well ahead of the deadline.
The new testing procedure of WLTP is based on an approximation of the test conditions to real-world circumstances, which means that the values determined will also have a greater relevance to reality. Among the changes this involves are redefined, significantly stricter test conditions and higher speeds together with a substantially longer test duration (30 instead of 20 minutes).
To obtain a more precise determination of CO2 emissions, the new test procedure includes not only standard equipment – as was previously the case – but also all optional equipment of a vehicle. This produces two values for each type of vehicle: the lowest and highest possible standard consumption value according to aerodynamics, weight and rolling resistance.
Thanks to WLTP, you will be able to better assess a vehicle’s consumption and CO2 emissions in the future. In the case of a specific vehicle configuration, the individual standard value will be indicated directly.
Despite the more stringent test requirements, the BMW range has increased on average by just 8g/km while the MINI average increase is just 5g/km.* BMW’s market-leading electric and plug-in hybrid range performed particularly well with the top-selling BMW 530e Saloon increasing by just 3 grams to 49g/km.
Customers can have confidence that the full range of BMW Group vehicles is compliant with the new testing requirements and offers a more compelling value proposition than ever. Buyers can also be sure that the figures supplied for all our vehicles are future-proof providing certainty in terms of future cost.
Award-winning Lancashire luxury restaurant and hotel, Northcote, has taken delivery of a new hybrid electric BMW from Bowker Motor Group.
The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer PHEV will be put to work between the four-red-AA-star, 26-bedroom Northcote hotel in Langho featuring the Michelin star Northcote restaurant; and Café Northcote at Blackburn Cathedral.
And there may even be match day duties for Northcote at the Rovers which runs the corporate hospitality at Blackburn Rovers football stadium.
Craig Bancroft, Northcote managing director, said: “We are delighted with the arrival of the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer which is already hard at work throughout Lancashire transporting guests as they arrive and leave or use local amenities.
“The electric hybrid engine is good news for the environment. But, above all, the agreement represents the best of two Lancashire businesses working together and continues the close working relationship between Bowker and Northcote.”
The arrival of the new hybrid BMW maintains Northcote’s focus on sustainability which was recognised in 2015 with the award of Three Star Sustainability Champion status. Northcote has two publicly-available electric car charging points. And has previously driven two all-electric BMW i3’s.
For Bowker Motor Group, Chris Eccles said: “Northcote and Bowker Motor Group share many of the same customers. But we also share many of the same business values too. Working together in partnership like this can only benefit all parties.”
Seven members of the management team at Bowker Motor Group are in training to take part in this year’s Asda Foundation Burnley 10K.
Bowker BMW, MINI and aftersales on the Blackburn site will all be represented.
Now in its sixth year, the Burnley 10K race begins and finishes in Towneley Park, outside Towneley Hall in Burnley, on Sunday July 15th.
Bowker Blackburn managing director Chris Eccles, who is also taking part, said: “Everyone in the management team decided to enter together. We work hard. So we wanted an opportunity to team build and de-stress a little!
“We have a good mix of enthusiasts and novices. And what we lack in ability we make up for in spirit! We’re organising joint training events and encouraging each other with some healthy online banter. It’s a great event and we can’t wait to get started on the day.”
Bowker Motor Group has enlisted the help of Jamie Kennedy at Burnley-based Fitness Experience with some assistance with training and nutrition. All the competitors will be monitored using a digital smartphone app and offered tailored advice in the build up to the race.
Chris added: “We’ll take any help we can get! Many of our staff live in Burnley so it means a lot to support a local community event. We just hope we do everyone proud.”
Earlier this year Bowker Motor Group became official vehicle supplier of Burnley FC in the Community (BFCitC); sourcing a fleet of four vehicles. Bowker Motor Group also sponsored the charity’s annual fundraising dinner in April.
Bowker 10K fundraising page can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/teams/Bowker10kRunners
Do you claim a car allowance? Whatever your budget and lifestyle, Bowker can help choose the best option for you, writes Victoria Bamber.
Affordable, luxurious, stylish, practical, whatever your preference, it’s likely Bowker Preston has the perfect BMW model for you.
Located on Preston Docks, Bowker Preston BMW offer the very latest and greatest in innovative car design. Providing a range of models and bespoke finance packages to suit all requirements, the convenient location and established family-run business gives Lancashire drivers a wide range of BMW models in the heart of the city. The Bowker customer journey begins here.
Using a high level of skill, experience and expertise; the award-winning team at Bowker offer friendly, helpful and professional advice in a relaxed setting. With no pressure to purchase; product specialists are available to talk through all the models and accessories available, helping make the right choice to meet each individual’s needs and requirements. Bowker also encourages all potential customers to take advantage of a test drive in their choice of BMW as they want everyone to feel happy in their buying process.
“Car showrooms can be intimidating places,” explains Paul Crowhurst, corporate sales manager at Bowker Preston BMW. “As well as being incredibly exciting, we understand that buying a car can be highly pressurised and nerve wracking. At Bowker BMW, we aim to make the experience as enjoyable, stress-free and memorable as possible. Whatever model of BMW you are considering, we can guarantee the highest level of service and satisfaction.”
As well as a vast range of approved used and new BMW models to browse, Bowker also offer finance plans to suit both business and retail needs. Taking into account a customer’s lifestyle, as well as their budget and specifications, the team tailor packages as required and provide additional products such as the Bowker Service Plan which lets you spread the discounted cost of your servicing for up to three years, by paying monthly by direct debit, in the same way you would pay your household bills.
When the time comes for your BMW to require a service, you can wait in the comfort of the customer lounge, take advantage of the free local collection and delivery service or stay on the move with a courtesy car.
Once the team at Bowker BMW have helped select the perfect car and talked carefully through the finance packages – ensuring the range of benefits are detailed before purchase – Bowker BMW’s specialist finance team will then monitor the agreement throughout its duration to ensure everyone has the best possible vehicle for their budget. All Bowker customers are also welcome to visit at any time for an individual finance health check; a reassuring prospect for all buyers.