Rural dealer is BMW’s best for 2011

BMW Group Australia has named Central West Prestige in Orange, New South Wales, as its 2011 Dealer of the Year.

The award recognises “outstanding service delivery throughout the past year” and is open to all dealerships in the German brand’s retail network across Australia.

In accepting the award at a gala dinner recently, dealer principal Tim Leahey noted the significance of a regional dealership taking top honours.

“Being a smaller rural dealership makes this honour even more special, and to have the hard work and commitment of my team recognised in this way above all of our peers is very rewarding indeed,” he said.

The dealership also picked up a second award for 2011 Rural DOTY.

Central West Prestige has represented BMW for the past 12 years, while the Leahey family has been in business in Orange for more than a century.

BMW Group Australia managing director Phil Horton said the company was “extremely proud to honour the hard work and commitment of our dealers in this country”.

“We consistently strive to ensure that every aspect of owning a BMW is as enjoyable as the drive itself,” he said.

BMW says its annual awards celebrate and reward “exemplary customer service, professionalism and all-round performance” within its dealer network.

The 2010 DOTY award announced last year went to New South Wales dealership Trivett Classic, while the 2010 Rural DOTY was Toowoomba BMW in Queensland.