When it comes to the upkeep of your car, servicing plays a vital role. Make sure you’re signed up to a servicing programme you can trust, writes Emma Brereton.

The region’s largest state-of-the-art BMW and MINI Aftersales Centre has just opened on Preston Docklands. The new Bowker Aftersales Centre is situated next to the existing Bowker BMW and MINI centres on a 6.5 acre site on Watery Lane in Preston.

This new development is yet another commitment to providing the very best aftersales care to customers. High levels of customer service extend far beyond the purchase of your vehicle and this is reflected with a current customer rating of 4.7/5.

In a break with traditional opening ceremonies, the family-owned motor group has dedicated the Bowker Aftersales Centre opening to its apprentices.

Bowker Motor Group aftersales director Jonathan Rogan said: “We’ve dedicated the Aftersales Centre opening to our Preston apprentices. It’s a simple gesture to recognise the important role they – and all our staff – play in the future of the business.

“With such a massive investment, it would be easy to focus on the bricks, mortar and equipment. But this will transform the way we all work in the future. And our apprentices are a big part of that.”

For customers, the impact of the new Aftersales Centre cannot be underestimated. It is the size of a football pitch and with 30 ramps, car servicing times are now even shorter and servicing capacity has tripled. This means that customers can enjoy even more flexibility and convenience including 24/7 online service booking, while-you-wait servicing, drop-and-go, free local collection and delivery, courtesy cars, wash and vacuum with all work, complimentary wi-fi and a customer lounge with complete with refreshments.

Jonathan continued: “We want our customers to know they are in safe hands, especially when that car leaves the forecourt. The investment Bowker has made is centred around this feeling. A car is a big purchase so make sure you spend your money with a company who appreciates the custom and looks after you once you’ve taken delivery.”

The seven-figure investment in the new Aftersales Centre offers the latest servicing technology including machines which measure tyre tread instantly and wheel alignment in just 90 seconds. And that’s a first for the North West.

“The new facility has a simple focus on creating an even better aftersales experience for our customers,” explains Jonathan. “We can now combine our usual friendly advice with same-day servicing. Furthermore, the increase in capacity means appointments aren’t always necessary. We know our customers lead busy lives so we hope this additional flexibility will make a big difference.”

The opening of the new Aftersales Centre has coincided with national recognition for

Bowker Motor Group’s exceptional performance in aftersales customer satisfaction.

“It’s an amazing site,” says Jonathan. “With 30 ramps, two dedicated MOT lanes and a new laser wheel alignment machine, we are proud to say our car servicing times have reduced and servicing capacity has tripled. This is a huge achievement in itself and we know the new centre will help us to deliver continued excellent customer service.”

Bowker Apprentice Ceara Holmes is one of the six apprentices. She said;

“It’s incredible to see the massive changes here in such a short time. It’s fun to be part of it. I think everyone is enjoying working in the new Aftersales Centre. There’s much more space, and some of the equipment is the most advanced in the country.

“I am lucky to work somewhere where there is so much to learn and for a company who believes in its apprentices so much.”

“The developments in technology are really exciting. We can’t wait for customers old and new to see our fabulous new Centre.” Jonathan adds.

Their BMW and MINI centres on Trident Park in Blackburn and on the docks in Preston have recently finished first and second respectively out of more than 40 similar sized centres in the North. The accolade is awarded by BMW UK and is driven by customer feedback over a six-month period.

Credit: Live Magazines

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