new MINI dealer...

SARAFIL · 12-29-2006, 09:58 PM

So for about a year and a half now, it has been "official" that our dealer was in preliminary stages to get a Mini franchise. It was all a matter of a) when Mini would have available inventory to add another dealer, b) when we could get necessary approval, and c) when we could have the building built.

What was expected to take a few months turned into a much longer period of time... construction was delayed so that our new BMW building could be built, and then when they got ready to proceed with zoning and planning board approvals, some of the neighbors made a stink and delayed it even further.

Last month they finally got official approval to start construction, and start they did! I was surprised to look at the site on Tuesday morning and see the foundation had been put in. I was even more shocked this morning to pull into the lot after a day out and to find that the steel was up! After all the delays, it's amazing to see things coming along so quickly.

If all goes as planned, we'll be open for business in April. It promises to be one of the most exciting MINI facilities in the country! (read: a "big black box" with lots of different bright colors inside)

FC · 12-29-2006, 10:32 PM

Cool.

Good for us too since I hear Herb Chambers Mini is brutal. It may be 3 or so years before we decide to get a new MCS to replace the 330i as a 3rd car, but if we do, it's nice to have you guys as an option.

We may have to go check out the place next spring and test drive the new MCS.

Sharp11 · 12-30-2006, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SARAFIL

So for about a year and a half now, it has been "official" that our dealer was in preliminary stages to get a Mini franchise. It was all a matter of a) when Mini would have available inventory to add another dealer, b) when we could get necessary approval, and c) when we could have the building built.

What was expected to take a few months turned into a much longer period of time... construction was delayed so that our new BMW building could be built, and then when they got ready to proceed with zoning and planning board approvals, some of the neighbors made a stink and delayed it even further.

Last month they finally got official approval to start construction, and start they did! I was surprised to look at the site on Tuesday morning and see the foundation had been put in. I was even more shocked this morning to pull into the lot after a day out and to find that the steel was up! After all the delays, it's amazing to see things coming along so quickly.

If all goes as planned, we'll be open for business in April. It promises to be one of the most exciting MINI facilities in the country! (read: a "big black box" with lots of different bright colors inside)

Nice, good luck. I was just out this evening with a friend who has a CooperS convertible - the thing is really nice!!

Ed

SCA · 12-30-2006, 01:13 PM

Nice....I wish our local BMW center would get a MINI. I know they have tried. The closest one to Knoxville is: MINI of Nashville, Century BMW (Greenville, SC), Global Imports or Hank Aaron in Atlanta. All 3 - 3.5 hours from here. BTW, All of those dealers are owned by Sonic Automotive.

12-29-2006, 09:58 PM	#1
SARAFIL I like BMWs Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: X5 M50 / M550 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 5,789	new MINI dealer... So for about a year and a half now, it has been "official" that our dealer was in preliminary stages to get a Mini franchise. It was all a matter of a) when Mini would have available inventory to add another dealer, b) when we could get necessary approval, and c) when we could have the building built. What was expected to take a few months turned into a much longer period of time... construction was delayed so that our new BMW building could be built, and then when they got ready to proceed with zoning and planning board approvals, some of the neighbors made a stink and delayed it even further. Last month they finally got official approval to start construction, and start they did! I was surprised to look at the site on Tuesday morning and see the foundation had been put in. I was even more shocked this morning to pull into the lot after a day out and to find that the steel was up! After all the delays, it's amazing to see things coming along so quickly. If all goes as planned, we'll be open for business in April. It promises to be one of the most exciting MINI facilities in the country! (read: a "big black box" with lots of different bright colors inside) __________________ 2020 X5 M50i -- Alpine White / Coffee Leather 2020 M550i -- Carbon Black / Beige Leather

12-30-2006, 01:13 PM	#4
SCA Jaded Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 9,048	Nice....I wish our local BMW center would get a MINI. I know they have tried. The closest one to Knoxville is: MINI of Nashville, Century BMW (Greenville, SC), Global Imports or Hank Aaron in Atlanta. All 3 - 3.5 hours from here. BTW, All of those dealers are owned by Sonic Automotive. Last edited by SCA; 12-30-2006 at 03:48 PM.

12-29-2006, 10:32 PM	#2
FC Solving problems Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4 Location: Metro Boston Posts: 25,264	Cool. Good for us too since I hear Herb Chambers Mini is brutal. It may be 3 or so years before we decide to get a new MCS to replace the 330i as a 3rd car, but if we do, it's nice to have you guys as an option. We may have to go check out the place next spring and test drive the new MCS.