Bowker to expand Preston operation

Bowker Motor Group has revealed more expansion plans with the purchase of land adjacent to its docklands BMW and MINI centres in Preston.

The site will become the home of the recently-acquired BMW Motorrad operation currently trading as Southport Superbikes.

Bowker Motor Group chief executive Paul Bowker said: “Combining the two sites was an irresistible opportunity. Thousands of people pass the entrance to Preston Docks every day. We are planning to build a new motorcycle dealership that will be worthy of such a prestigious location.

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.

In August 2013 Bowker announced a new two-phased development of its Preston centre. The first phase of the refurbished BMW showroom was completed in November in time for the launch of the all-electric BMW i3 in November 2013. 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.

In June, Bowker BMW opened its new expanded and refurbished centre in Preston after an investment of over £1.5 million delivered additional showroom capacity to accommodate 16 more cars and 34 in total. Bowker BMW in Preston is now one of the most advanced BMW centres in the country. And the investment also created a further five new jobs.