GAME-CHANGING dealership ATL Automotive sheared the ribbons to officially open five showrooms during the course of 2017 — the last of which was its US$15-million state-of-the-art facility dubbed ATL Autobahn on Saturday, December 9.

ATL Autobahn, the dealership’s arm responsible for BMW and MINI marquees, is nestled on a five-acre plot on Lady Musgrave Road in St Andrew.

“Whatever industry we’re in, the premise remains the same — to be the absolute best! We believe in Jamaica and its future, and we believe that by continuing to invest in our facilities and our team, the standard continues to rise. Jamaica and its people deserve it,” Adam Stewart, CEO of Sandals Resorts International and ATL group of companies, told Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine.

The facility boasts a 10-car BMW showroom plus a hand-over bay; a four-car MINI display area, which also includes a hand-over bay; and Jamaica’s first-ever M lounge for discerning clients. The back-of-house area has an eight-ramp service area, wheel alignment bay, and viewing window for customers. It also will house a regional training room for BMW/MINI employees across the Caribbean.

“Apart from being the first-ever MINI showroom in Jamaica, the facility has been created with a raft of incredible features all designed with a specific purpose in mind; whether that be to enhance the experience, drive efficiency or create a comfortable working environment for the 60 highly trained automotive professionals that will work there,” said Stewart.

The structure is outfitted with solar panelling which will supply 75 per cent of the facility’s daily electric use; its window tint removes 90 per cent of the UV rays while maintaining a light and airy feel.

ATL Autobahn is part of a US$50-million investment on the prime-location property which will also boast a hotel. That project has a December 2018 completion date.

In 2015, ATL Automotive acquired regional dealership rights to BMW and MINI. The brands were previously being managed by Stewart’s Automotive Group (no relations).

The other showrooms opened by ATL Automotive during 2017 were: BMW and Porsche in Montego Bay; Porsche dealership in New Kingston; and its Honda dealership on Hagley Park Road in St Andrew which received a facelift.

In addition to BMW, MINI, Honda and Porsche, ATL Auto is the authorised dealer for Volkswagen and Kia.

— Brian Bonitto