Category: All Brands

MARCH edition.

Welcome to Pit Stop. Your one-stop destination for all the latest news, reviews, and exclusives within the world of Porsche, BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad & INEOS Grenadier.

Macan sets new standards: the first all-electric SUV from Porsche.

Ten years after its launch, the Porsche Macan is heading into its second model generation, now in all-electric form.

Through its progressive, timeless design, characteristic Porsche performance, long-distance range and high everyday practicality, the new Macan 4 and the new Macan Turbo aim to completely fulfil the requirements of Porsche customers choosing an SUV.

“We are taking the Macan to a completely new level – with exceptional E-Performance, the new Driver Experience, and a very impressive design,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG

Will Jayan’s Porsche Partnership Propel Him to Karting Glory?

A young Prestonian prodigy is making waves in the world of motorsport. Meet Jayan Prakash. The recently turned eight-year-old kart racing sensation whose passion for speed and will to win have catapulted him into the UK karting spotlight.

His recent triumphs on the track have not only captivated spectators but also caught the attention of Porsche Centre Preston. So much so that the prestige car retailer has agreed to an exciting new partnership that promises to elevate Jayan’s racing career to even greater heights.

Jayan’s journey from the streets of Cottam to karting glory began aged just five years old at the local recreational karting track in Euxton. It wasn’t long before he displayed his special talent; he would regularly win when racing against much older children and adults.

Say hello to the first EVER, all-new MINI Cooper to be produced at MINI Plant Oxford.

Monday 11 March saw the start of production for the new, fifth generation MINI Cooper at the home of MINI, Plant Oxford.

Associates at MINI Plant Oxford were joined by Head of MINI, Stefanie Wurst for a special on-site event in which the first three-door model was driven off the production line by Charlie Cooper, grandson of the legendary John Cooper, whose heritage inspired the Cooper moniker.

The new MINI Cooper is the latest generation to be built in the UK. Since the launch of the first modern MINI in 2001, over 4.4 million MINIs have been produced in Britain – including 150,000 MINI Electric models which were built between 2019 and 2023.

Announced last month, the new MINI Cooper arrives as the third member of the new MINI family, joining the MINI Cooper Electric and the new MINI Countryman. Available in two model variants: the MINI Cooper C and performance-enhanced MINI Cooper S, the latest three-door merges traditional brand values with innovative, future orientated technology.

The model’s exterior silhouette features clear surfaces, short overhangs, and a short bonnet which combined with a contrasting long wheelbase, achieves the typical MINI proportions. Moving inside, the interior is minimalistic, with the entire cockpit focussed on just three elements: a revolutionary circular OLED display, the new Vescin steering wheel and the toggle bar.

BMW NAMED FLEET MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR FOR THE SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR AT FLEET NEWS AWARDS 2024.

BMW has continued its impressive run at the coveted Fleet News Awards, securing the Fleet Manufacturer of the Year title for the sixth consecutive year in 2024. This achievement is particularly significant as the award is voted for by Fleet News readers, who are certified fleet decision-makers, reflecting the brand’s strong reputation across the wider sector.

The award ceremony was held on the 13th of March at Grosvenor House in London, where the achievements of the fleet industry were celebrated in style. In addition to the Manufacturer of the Year accolade, BMW also triumphed in individual vehicle categories. The BMW i4 claimed the Best Premium Car title, acknowledging its leading position in the premium electric vehicle market and its appeal to corporate customers and company car drivers.

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february edition.

Welcome to Pit Stop. Your one-stop destination for all the latest news, reviews, and exclusives within the world of Porsche, BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad & INEOS Grenadier.

The NEW PORSCHE TAYCAN: improved in almost every discipline.

The new Taycan models have more power, more range, accelerate quicker and charge faster with greater stability.

They feature an even more extensive standard equipment list and come with the latest generation of the Porsche Driver Experience with an improved display and control concept.

All three body variants will feature the numerous modifications from the date of launch – the Taycan sports sedan, the versatile Taycan Cross Turismo, which is available with an off-road package, and the sporting-yet-practical Taycan Sport Turismo. In each case, four powertrain options are available, with rear- and all-wheel drive variants. The revised versions will arrive at Porsche Centre Preston from the spring of 2024.

BOWKER MINI SCOOP SECOND NATIONAL MARKETING ACCOLADE.

The Bowker Marketing team have won a national award for the second time in just three years.

Our Bowker MINI centres in Blackburn and Preston beat off competition from more than 130 other UK centres to win the Marketing category at the MINI UK Retailer Awards.

Judges commented on Bowker MINI’s year, saying that: “exciting and comprehensive marketing activities covering events, content creation and local relevance meant Bowker edged ahead of the competition to win the award.”

Winners on the night were selected across a range of categories, including sales, marketing, financial services, and used cars, at the awards ceremony awards in Manchester hosted by writer and comedian Katherine Ryan.

Bowker MINI group marketing manager Amy Lancaster-Hall said: “It’s a proud achievement to win the national marketing award – but to win it twice is special for the whole team. The last time we won, we were in lockdown, and the celebration was a virtual one. It goes without saying that it was much more fun to celebrate in person.

“We have a small team compared with some larger dealer groups. But what we may lack in numbers, we make up for in hard work and creativity. This award is a credit to each and every one of them.”

The all-new BMW X2 and the first-ever BMW iX2.

The BMW X2 is the car that first introduced the vehicle concept of a Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) for the premium compact segment. And now the even more distinctive, even sportier and even more forward-looking second generation is taking to the stage. Significantly larger dimensions and a pronounced coupé silhouette clearly showcase in its exterior design the development leap taken by the new BMW X2. The progressive character of the new model is also evident in the fully electric BMW iX2 variant, as well as in a large spread of systems enabling automated driving and parking, and in the innovative digital services laid on by the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9.

The NEw MINI Countryman LAUncH EVENT.

YOU'RE INVITED!

Are you ready for an adventure-filled day of family fun? Join us on Saturday 9 March for the launch of the all-new MINI Countryman in the stunning surroundings of Brockholes Nature Reserve.

The MINI Countryman will take centre stage on the iconic floating Visitor Village. Explore its new design, spacious interior, and new technology up close. Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate adventure companion!

In true MINI spirit, we promise fun for all the family! Test your skills and embark on fun-filled games and challenges designed to bring out the competitive spirit in all ages. From interactive activities to exciting competitions, the fun never stops!

Fuel your adventure with complimentary hot, cold, and soft drinks, alongside edible treats that will satisfy every craving. Why not grab a snack and enjoy a moment sat by the lakeside?

Don’t miss out on a day packed with adventure and excitement with the all-new MINI Countryman! We hope to see you there!

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january edition.

Welcome to Pit Stop. Your one-stop destination for all the latest news, reviews, and exclusives within the world of Porsche, BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad & INEOS Grenadier.

Breaking records with the Porsche 911

Porsche has officially written its name in the clouds.

Supported by an international team from the Porsche car’s home, as well as Chile and the US, racing driver Romain Dumas has broken a world record by taking a Porsche 911 to the highest altitude ever reached by a vehicle with a combustion engine.

Watch as he battles freezing temperatures and extreme weather at over 22,000 feet to scale the west ridge of the Ojos del Salado volcano in Chile.

The BMW i7 & The Women Who Made It

BMW UK are proud to partner with British Vogue on the Forces for Change Initiative for a fourth year. Forces for Change celebrates the people, organisations, and ideas that are pushing for a more progressive future.

Combining luxury with serious advances in electrification, the new BMW i7 has been hailed as the marque’s masterpiece. For the team of women who created it, it signifies a moment of revolution behind the scenes too.

Grenadier Grand Prix

What happens when seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton gets behind the wheel of the INEOS Grenadier with our Founder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Get your popcorn ready and turn up the volume.

Nice to Meet You Again!

Traditional MINI DNA meets future-oriented technology. It’s time to welcome an electrifying new generation of MINI driving excitement – and you could be among the first to get your hands on the wheel.

Completely re-engineered from the ground up, these innovation-packed models retain the rich heritage and responsive go-kart handling you expect from a MINI, while bringing through next-level digital technology and a fresh new design language.

Inside, you’ll meet the world-first, 240mm circular OLED display, a touch- and voice-operated screen that connects you to your MINI like never before. Through it, you can control up to seven immersive new MINI Experience Modes – made to enhance every journey and give you a truly personal in-car experience.

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Bowker Motor Group is proud to be a longstanding pillar of the Lancashire Community for the past 39 years. For Lancashire Day 2023, we honour our legacy and invite you to join us as we celebrate our homegrown excellence, people, partners, and all those who fuel our community and Lancastrian spirit.

Our Lancashire legacy.

Bowker was established in 1919 when William Bowker used his war gratuity to buy the first vehicle. He began making local deliveries in Lancashire earning a reputation for a pioneering spirit and an innovative approach to industry’s needs. It wasn’t long before he’d assembled one of the largest fleets in the area.

The Company diversified its activities in 1984 with the acquisition of Clock Garage in Accrington – the BMW retailer for East Lancashire. Today the franchise portfolio includes BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad, Porsche and INEOS Grenadier, with Centres in Preston and Blackburn.

At Bowker Motor Group, we believe in the transformative power of corporate social responsibility, viewing it as an integral part of our identity. Guided by a strong sense of purpose, we strive to make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve and the environment we operate in.

connecting communities.

Our commitment begins at the heart of Lancashire. We actively engage with local communities, businesses, organisations, and charities which foster education, health, and overall well-being. Through active participation in community events, Bowker Motor Group aims to uplift the lives of those around us. See a list of our partners below and click their name to discover more about them.

OUR VALUES.

Our values extend beyond external endeavors to internal initiatives focused on the well-being of our employees. We prioritise creating a positive and inclusive workplace, providing opportunities for growth, and supporting initiatives that enhance the work-life balance of our team members.

CONNECT

Appreciate the needs of customers and each other. Build trust and relationships that last a generation.

UNITE

Create a positive and supportive work environment where we collaborate together. Play your part and make things happen.

GROW

Develop new skills and knowledge. Take the lead and realise the personal and professional growth that your endeavours deserve.

PROTECT

Nurture sustainability, well-being and social value. Combine them to create a valuable legacy. Future generations are depending on us.

Iconic Brands, Endless Possibilities.

As we navigate the roads of Lancashire, our commitment to corporate social responsibility remains unwavering. Bowker Motor Group is not just about providing exceptional vehicles; it’s about driving a future where success is shared, communities thrive, and people prosper.

Enter to win a 24 hour test drive in the BMW iX3 and a luxury night stay for two at the blissful Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall.

Whether you are a sole trader looking for a car that works for your business or you manage a fleet of fewer than 50 company cars, the BMW & MINI Business Partnership has been designed specifically for you.

Complete the form below for your entry our draw.

Bowker BMW, BMW iX3 & Ribby Hall Spa Hotel Competition Entry Terms and Conditions.

The prize is an overnight luxury spa break with breakfast and Aqua Thermal Journey for two people at The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall with use of a BMW iX3. Dates are subject to availability. The prize is valid until the end of 2022. All additional costs incurred at Ribby Hall, including drinks and refreshments, are at the winner’s expense. Once booked, the date cannot be exchanged, nor any equivalent cash value refunded.

The loan of the BMW iX3 is subject to the following conditions:

– Mileage must not exceed 250 miles in total
– The age of the driver must be between 25 and 70 years old
– Any speeding, traffic offences or parking fines will be the responsibility of the Prize Winner
– Smoking is not permitted in the vehicle
– For insurance purposes, the Prize Winner must not have 6 or more points on their licence or have been disqualified from driving in the last three years
– The vehicle must be returned to Bowker in the condition in which it was collected
– Vehicle to be collected from and returned to either Bowker Preston or Bowker Blackburn
– Model subject to availability
– No cash alternative

Bowker Motor Group, WH Bowker and Ribby Hall employees and family members are excluded from entering. Competition closes Thursday 31 March and the winner will be announced on Friday 1 April 2022. The winner will be contacted by Email.