Author: Amy Lancaster
Tuesday 5 November 2019 – three all-new BMW Motorrad models have made their hotly-anticipated debut at the internationally-significant ‘EICMA 2019’ motor show in Milan.
CHASE NEW HORIZONS: S 1000 XR.
The new S 1000 XR combines athleticism and long-distance performance in perfect form – radically lighter, faster, and more versatile than before. Combining the powerful qualities and versatility of the BMW adventure range with exceptional sports performance, this dynamic fusion creates an energetic yet versatile riding experience.
Derived from the S 1000 RR superbike engine, the inline-four packs a strong mid-range punch, producing an extremely linear torque curve for better rideability. With four riding modes as standard, a 6.5-inch TFT display and full connectivity, the new S 1000 XR delivers cutting-edge technology, comfort, and performance.
THE DYNAMIC ROADSTER: F 900 R.
Launched as the enhanced successor to the F 800 R, the latest model is the new sports roadster on the block, offering precise, dynamic and authentic riding pleasure.
With greater emphasis on sports styling and aggressive design, plus substantial torque and 105 hp of linear power, the F 900 R boasts the capability to tackle everyday riding for sports riders and newcomers alike.
Setting a technological benchmark in the middle-weight segment, the all-new F 900 R is available with a host of high-quality equipment including; Adaptive Cornering Light, Dynamic ESA, Riding Modes Pro, Shift Assistant Pro and Keyless Ride.
HIGHER, FASTER, FURTHER: F 900 XR.
The new F 900 XR is an adrenaline rush in touring form. Demonstrating completely unique performance, ‘XR’ stands for an uncompromising mix of sportiness and touring capability. Mastering the Adventure Sport segment’s key qualities, the XR offers unrivalled riding dynamics with comfortable GS-like ergonomics.
The 895 cc parallel-twin engine produces a high-level of torque and, paired with a new underslung exhaust system, produces a resonant twin-cylinder rumble.
Also available in an A2-licence variant, the F 900 XR is poised to bring the best of the sports, adventure and touring segments together in an exciting new motorcycle.
To sign up for further updates on these new models ahead of the official launch, please complete the enquiry form on this page or call our sales team on 01772 767300.
It’s great to get special treatment. Which is why we’re offering you and a guest the chance to feast your eyes on our first electric – way before it hits our showrooms in March 2020.
Get your first glimpse of the exciting new MINI Electric on 17 November. Our Preston MINI Centre will be hosting this exciting event for both Preston and Blackburn customers.
And, if you’re blown away, you’ be able to pre-order your very own MINI Electric there and then.
In fact, we’re so confident you’ll love it, we’ve made it the first car to come with a Feel Good Guarantee.
Ready to feel MINI Electric? Then register today by clicking HERE.
We look forward to seeing you!
Join us on Sunday 27th October 2019 at 10am for our ever anticipated annual Bowker MINI Halloween Drive Out! All MINI owners, family and friends are welcome.
We will be meeting at Bowker Blackburn MINI at 10am and the final destination will be Samlesbury Hall where breakfast sandwiches will be waiting for us from 11.30am with compliments of Bowker MINI. We will also be awarding prizes for the best Halloween fancy dress and best dressed car!
As a part of the Bowker MINI Drive Out, you will be able to participate in Samlesbury Hall’s very own GHOST TOUR free of charge, taking place at 2pm.
Our popular drive outs regularly attract over 50 MINIs. They are great fun so register your attendance today!
We very much hope you can come. Please RSVP via email: alicia.james@bowkermotorgroup.com or by calling 01772 767335.
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
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.
Bowker BMW on the docks in Preston has been awarded BMW Sales Retailer of the Year 2017, beating more than 150 other BMW Centres across the UK.
The award recognises Bowker Preston for exceptional sales performance.
The award for BMW Sales Retailer of the Year was presented at a glittering ceremony in London hosted by television presenter Claudia Winkleman.
Tom Fox, Bowker BMW Preston managing director said: “We are delighted to receive this national award. It reflects our sales team’s blend of commitment and enterprise. But above all, we work hard to focus on our customers’ needs in all we do. So we are especially grateful for their support of Bowker throughout this award-winning year and beyond.”
The Preston victory makes it back-to-back years of national award-winning recognition for Bowker Motor Group.
As well as picking up BMW Sales Retailer of the Year, last year, Bowker BMW in Blackburn was crowned BMW UK Aftersales Retailer of the Year. The award recognised the retailer’s consistent aftersales performance across a wide selection of criteria including parts retailing; sales achievement; and customer satisfaction.
Also last year, Bowker Preston opened a new 30-ramp aftersales facility in Preston. The Bowker Aftersales Centre is the largest of its kind in north west of England.
Bowker Blackburn Dedicates Refurbished BMW Centre Re-opening to Amateur Rugby Unsung Heroes.
Three Blackburn Rugby Club volunteer coaches have officially reopened the newly-refurbished Bowker BMW Centre on Trident Way in Blackburn.
Martin Gaffey, Nick Koncsol and Chris Ham have coached Blackburn Rugby Club Mini rugby teams for a combined total of more than 20 years. In that time, Martin and Nick have both taken teams through from the Minis all the way to Colts (Under 19s) winning four Lancashire County trophies along the way.
And the three coaches were VIPs for the day – officially re-opening Bowker BMW in Blackburn after a £1 million refurbishment.
For Bowker Blackburn, Chris Eccles said: “We enjoy a great relationship with Blackburn Rugby Club, and have done for several years. We wanted to acknowledge the wonderful work volunteers do to make such a difference to the lives of young rugby players in Blackburn. So we dedicated our re-opening celebration to them. And we were delighted they could be our VIPs for the day.”
The celebration on Saturday April 28th and Sunday April 29th included prosecco and craft beer from Burnley brewer Moorhouses; a bouncy castle; car wash supporting Child Action NW; prize draws for stays at the new 1823 Spinning Block Hotel and Storrs Hall Hotel; and a display of classic and rare BMWs and a Hog Roast.
Local Lancashire contractors JK Beardsworth and Speakmans delivered the million pound refurbishment. The enhancements have transformed the customer experience with a new open plan design; upgraded customer spaces with free wifi; and, a mezzanine administration area.
The main showroom concourse now has electric powered bays that mean customers can experience the full range of interactive digital features available in the latest BMW models. There are even ipads alongside each car with access to interactive information.
For Blackburn Rugby Club Tony White said: “It was lovely to be part of Bowker BMW celebrations, and enjoy the VIP hospitality in the dealership over the weekend. Coaching young rugby players is a labour of love but very rewarding.
“Thanks to the hard work of volunteer coaches, many of our senior players started out in Mini Rugby. Martin and Nick are great examples. Three of their players have represented Lancashire and one has represented the North of England. Their experience working with U9 and U11 players is outstanding for the community.
“And Chris Ham is a coach and the groundsman – looking after four of the best pitches in the North West of England. Our coaches don’t expect any sort of public acknowledgement. But we enjoy it when it comes along!”
Bowker BMW on Trident Park in Blackburn has been crowned BMW UK Aftersales Retailer of the Year.
Bowker beat more than 150 other BMW retailers throughout the UK. The Aftersales Retailer of the Year award recognises the retailer’s consistent aftersales performance across a wide selection of criteria including parts retailing; sales achievement; and customer satisfaction.
The win was announced at the BMW UK Retailer Awards in Barcelona on 27 January 2017. The event hosted by TV’s Gethin Jones in front of hundreds of invited guests from throughout Europe; the new official launch of the BMW 5 Series.
The award was presented by BMW UK aftersales director Richard Price.
Bowker Blackburn managing director Chris Eccles, who collected the award in person, said: “The Aftersales Retailer of the Year is one of the most sought after awards amongst BMW centres in the UK. It covers everything from customer feedback through to important commercial performance indicators.
“Not only have we reached a high standard; but we’ve delivered consistently throughout the year. This is a wonderful compliment to our staff who have worked so hard. We are especially grateful to them and to all our customers; customers who chose to share such positive feedback about their experiences here at Bowker.”
Bowker Blackburn is one of the most awarded BMW centres in the country: In 2014 the centre won the BMW Retailer of the Year Award for Corporate Sales. And, business development manager Richard Cowell was acknowledged as Local Hero by BMW UK.
In 2013, managing director, Chris Eccles became the first person in history to hold the Dealer Principal of the Year title in both the Motor Trader Awards and AM awards simultaneously.
In the same year Chris was confirmed as one of three national Managers of the Year in the annual BMW Excellence in Sales competition. And corporate account manager Paul Bamford was announced as BMW Leasing Star of the Year for best customer service to the leasing industry.
Also in 2013, BMW Corporate Finance has placed the team first for local business sales for the fourth year in a row.
An executive at Bowker BMW and MINI on Trident Park in Blackburn has been honoured as the best Motability specialist in the country.
45 year-old Andrew Holden from Oswaldtwistle received the award at a presentation at the Bowker BMW centre in May.
The award recognised Andrew as the best from over 18,000 motability specialists in the country and acknowledges consistently high standards of service and support to customers of the Motability Car Scheme throughout 2018.
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 specialist 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 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.”
Burnley FC in the Community has marked the fundraising success of a Lancashire car dealership boss with a player appearance and signed shirt presentation.
Burnley FC players James Tarkowski and Matt Lowton presented Bowker Motor Group managing director Chris Eccles with the signed shirt.
Chris personally raised £390 for Burnley FC in the Community when he completed this year’s Asda Foundation Burnley 10K running race. It was the highest individual sum raised from over 40 running the 10K .
The management team at Bowker Motor Group raised a group total of over £1,000 despite eleventh hour injuries to two of the Bowker team. The remaining five – representing Bowker BMW, MINI and Aftersales – all completed the course.
For Burnley FC in the Community, Marketing and Events Officer, Sinead Kennedy-Peers said: “The signed Burnley FC Shirt prize was a fun incentive to encourage our runners. We wanted to say thank you to everyone who was training so hard and running through the pain barrier for Burnley FC in the Community.
“Congratulations to Chris and his team at Bowker. We know how hard they all worked in training and raising money on our behalf. And we really appreciate it.”
The sixth annual Burnley 10K race took place on Sunday July 15th, beginning and finishing in Towneley Park, outside Towneley Hall in Burnley.
Bowker Motor Group enlisted the help of Jamie Kennedy at Burnley-based Fitness Experience with some assistance with training and nutrition. All the competitors were monitored using a digital smartphone app and offered tailored advice in the build up to the race.
Bowker Blackburn managing director Chris Eccles said: “A big thank you for this gift. We all loved being part of the 10K challenge. And I am grateful to all the friends, colleagues and customers who supported our efforts.”
Earlier this year Bowker Motor Group became official vehicle supplier of Burnley FC in the Community; sourcing a fleet of four vehicles. Bowker Motor Group also sponsored the charity’s annual fundraising dinner in April.
BE ONE OF THE FIRST IN LINE.
PRE-ORDER NOW > http://bit.ly/MINIElectricPreOrder
MINI has today unveiled the new MINI Electric at the Oxford plant, the home of the brand where the very first Mini was built 60 years ago. After 15,000 potential customers already expressed an interest in the car, the official order books are opened today. Manufacturing will begin in late 2019, with first deliveries in the spring of 2020 and exports headed around the world. Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production – and previous plant director of Oxford – Oliver Zipse said, “We are entering an era in which electric cars will become a normal choice for our customers. The MINI Electric will kick off our new model offensive for fully electric vehicles. By 2023, two years ahead of schedule, we will have 25 electrified models on the market. More than half of them will be fully electric”.
The MINI Electric will be fully integrated into the production process at Oxford, running down the same lines as all the conventional models.
“This plant builds 1000 cars per day, with a new MINI coming off the line every 67 seconds, so the integration gives excellent production flexibility and allows supplies of the new model to be adjusted according to demand,” explained Plant
Oxford managing director, Peter Weber, “This is such a proud moment for every single one of our team.”
Instantly recognisable as a three-door MINI Hatch, the MINI Electric blends the timeless appeal of the design and go-kart handling with the latest in cutting-edge, zero-emissions powertrain technology and in-car connectivity. It drives just as a MINI should with performance close to that of the hot hatch MINI Cooper S, accelerating from zero to 62 mph in 7.3 seconds.
David George, director of MINI in the UK said, “Now our customers can have everything they love about MINI, but with all the advantages of an electric car – lower environmental impact and running costs and they never have to visit a petrol station again”.
Priced to be widely affordable, many customers are expected to lease the new car and rates will start below £300 per month. The on-the-road list price is from £24,400 after the government’s Plug-In Car Grant has been applied.
Research published today by What Car? magazine and supported by MINI showed that more than 1.5 million UK households which are perfectly suited to running an electric car, are not yet doing so. They have off street parking to allow easy at-home recharging and more than one car in the household, one of which never does more than 100 miles in a day. MINI’s own data shows that the average distance driven each day is 26 miles.
“We believe the new MINI Electric could be a tipping point for those who have been thinking about choosing an electric car, to take that step now,” added George. “We aim to introduce a whole new group of drivers in the UK to the fun and cost savings of electric driving, in a way only MINI can”.
Secretary of State for business, Greg Clark, welcomed the news, “Our automotive industry has long been a source of national pride, and the unique collaboration between Government and industry through our Industrial Strategy has helped put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacture of zero emission vehicles with one in five electric cars in Europe now built in the UK.
“The production of the electric MINI in the UK will play a key role in accelerating the adoption of cleaner, greener vehicles and I am delighted this modern British icon will be manufactured in Oxford”.
The original Mini, designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, was born out of the Suez crisis oil shortage and the demand for affordable motoring. The first cars rolled off the line at Oxford in the summer of 1959 and so began a global success story which has spanned six decades. As the world faces new environmental, social and economic challenges, MINI has chosen the moment to launch its first fully electric model.