Whitby, Ontario – After a record breaking year in 2000, Canadian BMW Retailers are currently undertaking a $70 million dollar expansion of BMW showrooms and service facilities in anticipation of higher sales and a larger product portfolio in the upcoming years. The expansion will close to double the current showroom, service and warehouse space of several BMW Canada retailers, while introducing new initiatives such as integrated customer consultation bays and a consistent BMW Corporate Image Standard.
"While the Internet is becoming an increasingly important element in the car buying and research process," explains Don Neville, Business Retailer Development Manager at BMW Canada. "BMW recognises that people will always need and appreciate a spacious and appealing showroom where they can interact with the vehicles in person. Our Retailers are voicing their commitment to the Canadian market and the BMW brand through a massive investment in their communities."
While some retailers are conducting renovations, 12 of BMW Canada's 32 retailers will be housed in entirely new buildings. Five retailers have already completed their new facilities. A further seven are still in the planning phase or undergoing construction, which is expected to continue throughout 2001. The construction of the free-standing buildings will now mean that virtually all BMW retailers will have BMW exclusive showrooms and staff. An additional twenty-eight percent of BMW Canada's dealers also underwent significant renovations in order to increase their showroom capacity and/or to meet the BMW Corporate Image Standard.