BMW Opens $30 Million Dealership in Minneapolis

BMW invested $30 million in a new, state-of-the-art dealership located just outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The investment adds to the $2 billion spent by the BMW dealer network in the USA over the last ten years.

The 223,000 square foot multi-level facility is big enough to park 500 vehicles indoors, house 80 work bays and even a 12-seat movie theater. Currently, a total of 100 people are employed at the new dealership. "Minneapolis is a young, vibrant, dynamic place with a diverse and modern business mix. BMW of Minnetonka reflects the city's energy and is a perfect fit for BMW's future growth plans in the U.S," said Jim O'Donnell, president of BMW of North America, LLC.

During the grand opening celebration on April 21st, Peter Hasselquist, dealer principal, commented: "Our Center was designed to provide our customers and guests with the ultimate sales, service and parts experience. We expect the dealership to perform well and increase BMW's presence in the region." BMW of Minnetonka is equipped with an escalator, surround sound system, automatic climate control, driving simulators, and a custom-built Business Center with computers, printers, and fax machines.

Even in 2009, during one of America's worst recessions, BMW Center owners invested $340 million to update and expand their sales and service areas. All of them recognized the need to provide not only superior levels of customer service, but also on improving their facilities to exceed the needs of today's customers. Nationwide, BMW dealerships employ 20,000 people giving BMW a considerable impact in local communities.

The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 336 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 94 MINI passenger car dealers, and 31 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.