CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 8, 2012  – Three Hendrick Automotive Group dealerships won “Center of Excellence” awards this month from BMW of North America. Hendrick BMW in Charlotte earned the highest score of any BMW dealership across the United States, and East Bay BMW in Pleasanton, Calif., was the only dealership to receive the prestigious award for a tenth time. 

Performance BMW in Chapel Hill, N.C., also received the award, presented to just 31 of 338 BMW dealerships nationally. 

The “Center of Excellence” award is the highest honor BMW bestows upon its dealerships and recognizes high customer satisfaction, outstanding brand representation, operational excellence and profitability. 

Hendrick BMW’s award was its eighth consecutive.  The dealership, at 6950 East Independence Boulevard, is currently being renovated to offer state-of-the-art equipment and premium amenities, including a business center, upscale customer lounge, children’s play area and an accessory and lifestyle boutique. Hendrick BMW employs 180 people and soon will become one of the first certified "M" centers, which will offer service for BMW’s specially modified higher trim models. 

“We are dedicated to providing a world-class experience to our associates who, in turn, deliver a world-class experience to our guests,” said John Desmond, Market Area Vice President for Hendrick Automotive Group and General Manager of Hendrick BMW. “This recognition means so much to every associate at Hendrick BMW. The ‘Center of Excellence’ criteria are what we strive to achieve every day.”

The East Bay BMW dealership, at 4350 Rosewood Drive, first earned the “Center of Excellence” award in 2002 and now has earned that title more than any other dealership. East Bay BMW employs 126 staff and features 36 service bays, loaner vehicles, free Wi-Fi, and courtesy shuttles for its customers. 

“All of us at East Bay BMW are once again honored for having been recognized as a ‘Center Of Excellence,’” said Donna Gebers, General Manager of East Bay BMW. “It is truly a tribute to all of our great employees here who commit themselves every day to provide exceptional performance and an outstanding customer experience. To have earned it 10 years now is just amazing.” 

Performance BMW earned the “Center of Excellence” award for the second time. Performance BMW, located at 1806 Fordham Boulevard, employs 270 staff at its AutoMall location. Purchased in 1985, it’s one of Hendrick Automotive Group’s first stores. It features a 20,000-square-foot showroom with a client lounge, children’s play area, a technology lounge for clients with free Wi-Fi, a free beverage bar and 28 service bays.  

"Our Performance BMW Hendrick team is tremendously proud of being recognized nationally for our 2011 business performance, and for our passionate care of our customer experience,” said Gerald Ramoin, General Manager of Performance BMW. “This is a testament to the staff here at Performance. It’s truly a team effort.” 

For more information on the BMW “Center of Excellence” awards, please visit. www.bmwgroup.com.