The History of BMW Canada

BMW Canada Inc. was formed in January 1986 to support BMW customer’s better, bringing services closer to many local enthusiasts through a stronger presence and structured organization. BMW Canada Inc. took over business activities of two importers, BMW Distributors Western Company in Vancouver, B.C. and BMW Distributors Eastern Canada Ltd., Whitby, Ontario.

In 1992, BMW divided Canada organizationally into three regions corresponding to the main concentrations of population to support the retailer organization better in providing high levels of sales and aftersales performance. In addition to the Whitby-based headquarters, BMW introduced regional offices in Montreal, Que., and Vancouver, B.C., with Ontario being served from Whitby.

To support its overall efforts of continued service improvement and anticipating the changing need of customers, BMW Canada established BMW Financial Services, offering first leasing products in 1994, followed by retail financing in 1995. Expansion of parts distribution business resulted in new facilities opening in Richmond, BC, and Whitby, Ontario.

In 2008, BMW Group Canada sales amounted to 28,149 resulting in the 17th consecutive year of increasing sales, unmatched in the Canadian automotive industry. Sales of BMW Motorrad products peaked at 1,627 in 2007. The consistent growth has paved the way for plans to relocate the headquarters of BMW Group Canada from Whitby to Richmond Hill, Ontario in 2009.

A total network of 40 BMW automobile retail centres, 19 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 25 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.