ANNAPOLIS, Md., May 18, 2026 – BMW of Annapolis, part of Houston-based Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: GPI), will celebrate the grand opening of its newly renovated dealership, unveiling a premium, hospitality-driven environment designed to elevate the BMW customer experience.
The project includes a comprehensive interior renovation, an upgraded and fully enclosed service drive, refreshed exterior façade colors, new landscaping, and customer-focused improvements throughout the 17,022-square-foot facility. The renovated dealership reflects BMW’s broader Retail.Next vision, a brand-wide initiative to overhaul dealerships for better customer experience, with Annapolis representing one of only four of BMW’s exclusive Lighthouse locations. With fewer vehicles on display, elevated product presentation, high-end furnishings, lounge-like seating, and a five-star hospitality mindset, the new BMW of Annapolis environment creates a more open, flexible, and refined customer experience centered around comfort, brand immersion, operational efficiency, and long-term adaptability.
“BMW customers expect a dealership experience that feels as elevated as the vehicles themselves,” said Steve Daly, General Manager of BMW of Annapolis. “This renovation gives our guests a more comfortable, intuitive, and personalized experience from the moment they arrive, whether they are shopping for a new vehicle, meeting with a service advisor, or simply enjoying the lounge while their BMW is being serviced.”
Grand opening activities will take place from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 at BMW of Annapolis, located at 31 Old Mill Bottom Road, Annapolis. The event will feature food, drinks, entertainment, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and remarks from Group 1 and BMW representatives.
The renovated showroom was designed to create a seamless customer journey from arrival to product discovery, consultation, service, and delivery. Key features include multiple sales consultation areas throughout the showroom, six private breakout consultation rooms with sliding doors, a dedicated new vehicle delivery area, and a central customer walkway that positions BMW vehicles as the focal point of the experience.
A dedicated retail boutique offers BMW-branded apparel and customer parts, while expanded lounge spaces across sales and service departments use accent rugs, pendant lighting, curated furniture, and elevated finishes to create a more premium hospitality environment.
One of the project’s most significant upgrades is the expanded, enclosed service drive, which can accommodate up to six vehicles and is fully HVAC-conditioned for year-round customer comfort. Service writer podiums located adjacent to the service drive support up to seven service advisors, helping create a more efficient and personal arrival experience for service customers.
“BMW of Annapolis reflects the kind of long-term investment Group 1 is making in our dealerships, our customers, and the communities we serve,” said Daryl Kenningham, President and CEO of Group 1 Automotive. “This facility brings together a premium brand environment, greater operational flexibility, and the kind of customer-focused experience that helps our local teams deliver more every day.”
The dealership also includes EV charging infrastructure throughout the site to support vehicle servicing and customer use, as well as energy-efficient LED lighting, durable low-maintenance materials, and building improvements designed for long-term adaptability.
In Group 1’s tradition of giving back, BMW of Annapolis will make a $10,000 donation to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation during the grand opening event. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding watershed. The organization’s mission, often expressed as “Save the Bay,” connects directly to the Annapolis community and the region’s environmental identity.
EVENT DETAILS
Tuesday, May 19
Ribbon Cutting: 7:30 p.m.
Main Event: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
BMW of Annapolis
31 Old Mill Bottom Road
Annapolis, MD 21409
About Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Group 1 owns and operates 253 automotive dealerships, 313 franchises, and 32 collision centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 36 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships and omni-channel platform, the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. (Group 1 Automotive)
