ATLANTA - This week, BMW and Manheim partnered to open Manheim Greer, a state-of-the-art BMW company car distribution and processing center, which is located on 12.4 acres on the BMW Spartanburg assembly plant. The more than 20,000 sq.-ft. facility is exclusively dedicated to focus on the delivery, reconditioning and redistribution of BMW's company car fleet.

Inaugural sales were conducted on June 21.

"This move represents a groundbreaking advance in the long-standing relationship between BMW of North America, BMW Financial Services and Manheim," said Sandy Schwartz, president of Manheim. "We consider BMW an innovator, as they are always willing to explore and test new products and technology."

The facility is equipped for wash and detailing, and certified inspectors use Manheim's AutoGrade InSight electronic condition reporting tool to perform a thorough inspection of all vehicles. Automated photographic vehicle images are taken and posted online at OVE.com and offered via real-time Simulcast or online event sales at BMW/Manheim sales locations.

Vehicles will be securely held onsite until ready for transport pickup. Mechanical work will be performed at the BMW Performance Center, located minutes away from the facility. Employees for both companies are onsite to help manage the process.

"This new facility leverages Manheim's technologies while increasing operational efficiencies for us," said Josef Kerscher, president of BMW Manufacturing Co. "This allows a simpler, faster and better experience for our associates and dealers."

In May 2009, BMW and Manheim opened a similar company car distribution and processing center in New Jersey, close to BMW of North America's Corporate Headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, N.J. Approximately 3,000 vehicles a year are remarketed out of the New Jersey facility. BMW and Manheim anticipate close to 6,000 vehicles a year for the Spartanburg/Greer location.

Both the South Carolina and New Jersey facilities demonstrate a more customer-oriented approach by providing more vehicles in one location; resulting in quicker turn-around time throughout the entire return, documentation and pick-up process. "This Manheim and BMW partnership really makes the transaction seamless for both associates and dealers," Schwartz concluded.