The new Arnold Clark BMW/MINI flagship store is set to open in autumn 2022.
The new Arnold Clark BMW/MINI flagship store is set to open in autumn 2022.
Harry Fairbairn branches are to be rebranded as Arnold Clark following a decision to unite the brand across all franchises. The Arnold Clark Group acquired Harry Fairbairn in 2006, adding BMW and MINI to their franchise portfolio.
Harry Fairbairn was originally a small cycling and motorbike business when it launched in 1952, with its first BMW dealership opening in Irvine in 1971. The newly relaunched MINI franchise joined the business in 2001. Today there are nine BMW/MINI branches across the Arnold Clark Group with locations in Glasgow, Dumfries, Inverness, Irvine and Kirkcaldy.
Arnold Clark Chief Executive and Group Managing Director Eddie Hawthorne said: ‘Harry Fairbairn joined the Arnold Clark Group 16 years ago, adding their BMW and MINI knowledge and expertise. With the digital journey becoming increasingly important, uniting our franchises under a single name allows us to give our customers the best possible experience across every space. Arnold Clark is a national brand and one that people can trust, so as we move to the future, it helps our customers understand the diverse range of franchises we have to offer, particularly in the premium market.’
Arnold Clark is set to open a new showpiece BMW/MINI showroom in Glasgow’s Hillington Park later in 2022. The nine-acre site, located close to Arnold Clark’s flagship Renault/Dacia/Alpine branch and Head Office, will house a 5,600m2, two-storey branch with 45 prestige BMW and MINI vehicles on display across the two levels. A further 150 Approved Used vehicles will be on show in the branch’s outdoor forecourt. There will also be a 28-bay workshop which will specialise in servicing BMW’s motorsport-inspired M range.
Callum Rankin, Arnold Clark BMW and MINI Franchise Manager, said: ‘We’ve been delighted to offer specialist service to our BMW and MINI customers for more than 16 years. Our expert sales employees and technicians have the knowledge and experience to offer advice and service of the highest level. For our existing customers, nothing is changing other than the name above the door. Arnold Clark has worked closely with BMW and MINI for a number of years, and as we enter this new era, we’ll continue to deliver a premium experience. The re-brand will allow us to provide customers with complete transparency and simplicity by better aligning our physical and digital channels. We are building a new state-of-the-art BMW and MINI showroom in Glasgow, opening this Autumn, that will bring both brands and servicing into one building with the very latest BMW and MINI technology.’
