10/01/2014 (press release: CambridgePRGroup) // BALTIMORE // BMW of Catonsville
Despite the fact that most of its Sports Activity Vehicles are built stateside in Spartanburg, S.C., BMW still manufactures the majority of its cars in Germany, where it first earned its reputation for impeccable engineering and design. Following the opening of the luxury automaker’s new Vehicle Distribution Center at the Port of Baltimore last month, Maryland BMW customers should now benefit from faster fulfillments of their imported-vehicle orders, while local dealerships should be able to keep their inventories better stocked according to demand.
BMW has been exporting its models to the Port of Baltimore since 2010, but its new Vehicle Distribution Center will receive an increase in shipments, with about 166,000 vehicles expected through 2016. The port facility also features enhanced processing capabilities like vehicle inspection, programming, maintenance, repairs and accessory installation. According to the Baltimore Sun, BMW’s larger presence will create 200 jobs locally, including 40 new employees for vehicle processing and 160 new workers on the docks or in related fields at the port.
“We’re thrilled about the opening of BMW’s Vehicle Distribution Center because it lets our customers get behind the wheel of their ideal BMW vehicle as quickly as possible, whether they’re placing a custom-spec order or choosing from our extensive inventory coming from the Port of Baltimore,” said Michael Maloney, general manager of BMW of Catonsville, a Baltimore BMW dealer. “Not to mention, BMW’s strong presence is bringing more jobs and money into the local economy, which will hopefully benefit from the distribution facility for years to come.”
Among the vehicles on display at the Sept. 18 opening of the Vehicle Distribution Center was the all-new BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which is being shipped to the Port of Baltimore from its plant in Leipzig, Germany. Customers can price out their preferred styling and features by visiting the i8’s newly launched Build Your Own configurator at www.bmwusa.com, choosing from the futuristic car’s four trims — including Mega World, Tera World, Giga World and Pure Impulse World — as well as a selection of bold alloy wheels and exclusive exterior colors. Regardless of configuration, all BMW i8 models are set in motion by a 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder engine and an all-electric motor, which combine to produce a total system output of 357 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.
About BMW of Catonsville:
A trusted Baltimore Country BMW dealership, BMW of Catonsville has served Maryland driving enthusiasts for years with a high level of sales and service that matches the BMW name. The dealership’s diverse inventory of new and used BMWs ensures an easier vehicle search for customers, and their parts and service department are renowned for their expertise and professionalism. Visit BMW of Catonsville online at www.bmwofcatonsville.com, call them at 410-744-2000 or stop by their dealership in person at 6700 Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BMWofCatonsville.
