Lancashire-based automotive retailer Bowker Motor Group has opened three vehicle preparation centres in Blackburn and Preston, expanding its capacity to deliver vehicles across multiple brands.
In Blackburn, the group has launched a 1,500 square metre vehicle preparation centre located at Greenbank Business Park, in a facility previously occupied by Renown Gears. The site includes 18 workshop bays and serves Bowker BMW and MINI dealerships in Blackburn.
Meanwhile, in Preston, two new vehicle preparation centres have opened adjacent to Bowker’s existing aftersales centre on the Docklands. The combined 1,200 square metre facility features 22 workshop bays and supports Bowker BMW, MINI, and Porsche in Preston.
The Preston site hosts the North West’s first high-voltage battery repair hub, enhancing Bowker’s ability to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) repair services. In addition to serving its own customers, the facility has the capacity to support the high-voltage battery repair needs of other Porsche network partners.
Both the Blackburn and Preston centres will also offer wheel repair services to both private and trade customers.
Jonathan Rogan, aftersales director at Bowker Motor Group, said: “The new centres are an important development for us. They enhance our ability to prepare vehicles to the highest standards before they reach our customers. Having preparation facilities closer to our centres increases our capacity and speeds up the process even more.”
Rogan added: “The repair facilities are another important part of our aftersales offer. Strategically, we want to be at the heart of the new EV repair needs of the region. The new high-voltage battery repair hub is the first in the North West. We’re very proud of that.”
The facilities include new paint booths that deliver a factory-grade painted finish, and powder coating facilities for finishing metal parts.
The centres also feature diamond-cut wheel lathes and machinery. Vehicle photo booths have been added to capture high-quality, detailed images of vehicles, for marketing and sales purposes.
In addition, fast EV chargers have been installed to significantly reduce charging times, demonstrating Bowker’s leadership in supporting the transition to electric mobility.
The centres are further equipped with the BMW Group’s latest remote diagnostic equipment, enabling vehicle diagnostics, repairs, and software updates. This technology ensures that BMW vehicles are maintained with the most advanced technology available, preserving their performance, reliability, and resale value.
Rogan said: “The new centres serve as a specialised hub for the thorough inspection and preparation of vehicles, reflecting Bowker Motor Group’s commitment to quality service. Whether it’s the convenience of remote diagnostics or the latest paint booth or diamond lathe machinery, these tools are essential for keeping a BMW, MINI or Porsche running smoothly and preserving its value.”
These centres handle a wide range of tasks, including inspections, repairs, and detailed cleaning, ensuring vehicles are presented in pristine condition to customers.
