[Merv B]

Press release from BMW which I thought you may be interested in.


BMW MAKES BUYING EASIER WITH NEW EBAY STORE
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BMW is first car maker to sell direct via eBay UK
BMW will start selling parts and accessories direct to owners for the first time, thanks to a new partnership with eBay, the leading online retailer. 'BMW Direct', now live on eBay.co.uk, will satisfy the growing demand from motor enthusiasts for purchasing original parts online.
Previously, BMW owners wanting to pick up Genuine Parts have had to place their order via one of the many dealerships. With its new store on eBay, as well as merchandise BMW fans will be able to buy genuine BMW parts and accessories such as brake discs and car care products direct from the carmaker.
This is BMW's first venture into e-commerce and will allow the carmaker to reach those customers not accustomed to visiting a BMW dealer regularly.
BMW, the first carmaker to open a store on eBay UK, joins over 100 other well-known fashion and home brands already selling new and fixed price goods direct to their customers via eBay's UK site. Motor parts and accessories is one of the most popular categories among eBay's 96 million active users worldwide.
All items sold through BMW Direct are offered from stock with free postage and packaging and are covered by a full two year BMW warranty. BMW UK will handle the shop front of BMW Direct with the processing of orders being handled by BMW Park Lane in London.
Carl Sanderson, General Manager Aftersales Development, said: "As a premium car manufacturer, we are always interested in understanding customer preferences when it comes to buying products. We recognise that there are customers who wish to buy BMW products but do not necessarily want to travel to a BMW dealer to make a purchase.
"As such we see eBay as the perfect solution for them. By embracing this modern retailing approach, we believe we can engage with and satisfy a number of additional customers through what is a new retail channel for BMW."
Angus McCarey, UK Retail Director of eBay, said: "eBay UK is home to over 100 leading brands who realise the added value an eBay shop brings, whether they are already selling online or not. There are over 600,000 searches for BMW every month on eBay and BMW will now be able to access this existing, yet untapped customer base, while increasing its reach to the millions of other consumers who buy and sell on the site."
To see what is on offer at BMW Direct visit http://goo.gl/gyQQf
Ends
The BMW Group
With its three brands - BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce - the BMW Group is one of the world's most successful premium manufacturers of cars and motorcycles. It operates internationally with 24 production sites in 13 countries and a global sales network with representation in more than 140 countries.
During the financial year 2010, the BMW Group sold 1.46 million cars and more than 110,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for 2010 was euro 4.8 billion on revenues amounting to euro 60.5 billion. At 31 December 2010, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 95,500 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last six years.

[rjs]

I've bought a couple of bits from there - seems quick enough & free postage as well.

Item was sent from BMW Park Lane

[ibanezking]

cool

[Fox530]

I saw this. Thought it looked good until I realised they simply charge full list on everything I checked - ie the same price you get at your local dealer before haggling.

A missed opportunity.