Bavaria BMW SETS A HIGH STANDARD By Fay Fletcher
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ome people take their life’s passion and turn it into a hobby. Other people take their life’s passion and create a successful Edmonton business that greatly enhances the community, the lives of the employees and the lives of their customers. Klaus Maier, president of Bavaria BMW, falls into the latter category. “I’ve always, from a young age, loved BMW cars, and have always found the automotive industry to be fascinating,” reminisces Maier. “I first started in the automotive industry by acquiring and buying a gas station and repair shop in 1988. Shortly after that, I bought into, as a partner, a BMW dealership in Edmonton, and eventually went on to buy out my partners. As my business grew, Bavaria has moved two times and is now located in our new state-of-the-art dealership on 189 street and Stony Plain Road.” Coincidentally, 1988 – the year Maier became the proud owner of his own gas and repair shop – was the same year Bavaria BMW opened for business. The BMW brand is the most recognized brand in the world. It stands out because of the high level of engineering and design. BMW cars are virtually perfectly balanced, 50/50, making it a much better handling vehicle than most other manufacturers. Bavaria BMW keeps between 250 – 350 cars on the lot, depending on the time of year. The lot features new and preowned vehicles, including Maier’s favourite, the M class. “I love the M class vehicles due to their high performance and
handling,” he smiles. “I have owned many BMWs over the years and I keep coming back to the M class. They are fun to drive.” In addition to the many fine vehicles at Bavaria BMW, you will also find a staff of 72, all ready to offer you outstanding customer service. The employee group includes long-term employees Joyce Tiffinger, secretary treasurer, and David Cruikshank, a technician; both have 22 years of service at the dealership. Bavaria BMW staff are always cheerful, and it’s not just because of the wonderful incentives each member enjoys, such as the “Drive Your Own Brand” program, where the staff get to drive a new BMW for a year at an extremely low payment. The sales team is informative, helpful and they don’t apply any pressure so that your experience at Bavaria BMW is a great one. “What makes us different from the rest of the BMW dealerships is that we strive to have a friendly and inviting atmosphere,” says Maier. “A lot of luxury automobile manufacturers sometimes make customers feel uncomfortable, and we strive to always make our customers feel at home, every day, every time, without fail, with no exceptions. “My advice is to take your time and make sure you know the history of the vehicle, and do your research before you decide to purchase a used vehicle,” Maier continues. “Ultimately, if you buy it from a BMW dealership, the warranties are usually
Bavaria BMW | 25 Years | 1
“People love to wear the brand, but most of all they are impressed with the quality of the merchandise.” ~ Klaus Maier twice as long if it is a BMW certified unit. It helps to safeguard the consumer if there is a problem. They can always return to the dealership for help, whereas if you buy it privately, you are on your own.” BMW aficionados are delighted with the online BMW Lifestyle shop. The BMW Lifestyle shop carries clothing for golf, motorsports and yachting along with accessories such as wallets, sunglasses, key pendants and pens. BMW Lifestyle also features two BMW bicycles – a cruise bike and a racer. A selection of luggage and items for kids (including pedal cars) round out the selection to ensure everyone can enjoy a piece of BMW merchandise. The BMW Lifestyle shop is also where you’ll find genuine BMW car accessories, such as M Logo ABS valve stem caps, floor liners, licence plate frames, and more. “People love to wear the brand, but most of all they are impressed with the quality of the merchandise,” confirms Maier.
Klaus Maier, president of Bavaria BMW
BMW has another item for their many fans: scaled miniature cars. “The sheer demand of the customers wanting them for their offices and homes as collectors prompted the launch of these products,” Maier explains. Currently, the lineup of miniature cars includes several models – even the coveted BMW 507 convertible from 1956.
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BavariaBMW Ad August-01-13 6:26:02 PM
Congratulations
Bavaria BMW on 25 years!
Congratulates Bavaria BMW on their
25th Anniversary
11330 154 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5M 1X7 Ph: 780-451-4757 • info@modernautobody.ca www.modernautobody.ca Bavaria BMW | 25 Years | 2
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would like to Congratulate Bavaria BMW on 25 years of success!
BMW bikes from the lifestyle shop
These unique products are just one more way BMW takes care of their clients, but for the good folks at Bavaria, it’s all in a day’s work. “Our goal is to provide high customer satisfaction and quick and prompt service. We strive to always meet our customer’s expectations by caring for our customers and most of all, exceeding their expectations.” This sentiment extends from the moment you start thinking about owning a BMW to the aftercare services provided at Bavaria BMW. From a hassle-free shopping experience to their
phenomenal rates on new and preowned vehicles to the warranty and maintenance on tires and rims, you are taken care of every step of the way – and beyond. “Our goal is to always provide a warm environment for our customers, so that when they walk into our dealership, they always feel like an invited guest in our home, every day, every time, without fail, with no exceptions,” says Gerry Lorente, general sales manager. Maier concludes, “Great leaders show accountability, a positive attitude, are mentors, committed, listen, show respect, are full of energy, admit when they are wrong and are risk takers.” And that is why, under Maier’s leadership, Bavaria BMW is the leading company it is today.
Clear Choice Auto Is Edmonton’s leading 3M Certified Installers Servicing Edmonton for over 15 years, we continue to provide our customers with industry’s best automotive restyling and protection care products. - Window Tinting - 3M Paint Protection - New Car Protection - Detailing -
Bavaria BMW 18925 Stony Plain Road Edmonton, AB T5S 2Y4 Tel.: 780-484-0000 • Fax: 780-484-9412 Toll Free: 1-800-488-2860 bavaria.bmw.ca • info@bavariabmw.ca
Bavaria BMW | 25 Years | 3
“The Choice is Clear!” 780-484-3388 www.clearchoiceauto.ca 17812-107 Avenue
BMW Financial Services
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CONGRATULATIONS, CONGRATULATIONS, Bavaria BMW!
BAVARIA BMW!
Happy anniversary, Klaus and team! Wishing you many more years of success as you celebrate your 25th year in business.
BMW FINANCIAL SERVICES. ©2013 BMW Financial Services Canada. “BMW” and the BMW logo are registered trademarks of BMW AG, used under licence by BMW Canada Inc. Reproduction of these materials, in whole or in part, is not permitted without prior written consent of BMW Canada Inc.
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