Bowker BMW on the docks in Preston has opened its new expanded and refurbished dealership after an investment of over £1.5 million.
The two-phase development, announced last August, has delivered additional showroom capacity to accommodate 16 more cars and 34 in total. The investment has also created a further five new jobs.
The dealership refurbishment and extension was built by Preston contractors JK Beardsworth. It is the first BMW dealership in the North West to feature modern customer lounge areas instead of traditional desks. The showroom has been transformed with slate tiles and extensive use of American Walnut with modern leather seating in the customer areas. Six large flat screen televisions within the dealership maintain the modern retailing theme.
Managing director Tom Fox said,
“We have a wonderful location here on the Docks in Preston. And now we have one of the most advanced BMW dealerships in the country. The new dealership will help us provide an unequalled retail experience for our customers.
“The new expansion coincides with a rush of new models. BMW’s first all-electric car, The i3, in particular is available for Lancashire drivers exclusively here in Preston. When you have some of the most technologically-advanced production cars on the planet, you need a dealership that matches it.”
The first phase of the refurbished showroom was completed in time for the launch of the all-electric BMW i3 in November. Bowker is one of only 46 sales Agents that supply and support BMW i – BMW’s revolutionary new sub-brand featuring electric drive systems and premium mobility services.
Last year, Bowker unveiled a new £600,000 extension to the MINI showroom on the same site. The extension increased the showroom capacity from three to eight cars creating three new jobs.
In October 2012, Bowker Motor Group opened its first non-franchise Bowker dealership in Osbaldeston near Blackburn on the A59 with an investment of over £750,000. The new dealership on the site formerly occupied by Bay Horse Saab is called ‘Bowker Ribble Valley’ and created 10 new jobs. And in March this year Bowker opened Lancashire’s first Maserati dealership in Osbaldeston too.
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