BMW is taking sustainability to a 'whole new level'

BMW is taking sustainability to a 'whole new level' 

BMW is taking sustainability to a “whole new level.”

That’s according to BMW AG Board Chair Oliver Zipse who said his company is also outlining benchmarks on how the entire company is approaching its environmental standards.

“This focus is anchored in all our departments – from administration and purchasing to development and production through to distribution,” Zipse said.

Hendrick Automotive Group shares those values, building facilities and practices that reflect the brand’s sustainability efforts throughout each department. The company’s goal is to align with the brand’s focus on electrification, recycling and resource usage reduction.

“We are committed to BMW as a partner and their sustainability efforts,” said Gene Cocchi, Hendrick Automotive Group vice president of real estate. “Our commitment to continuous improvement drives us to constantly learn more about sustainability measures, and how we find new ways to apply them on a daily basis. We want to be a positive example.”

Let’s take a look at those primary areas of focus:

Electrification

Hendrick Automotive Group’s eight BMW franchise locations offer a wide variety of new and pre-owned electric vehicle (EV) options, highlighted by the latest all-electric i4 and iX models. Made with environmentally friendly materials and efficiencies, these models reflect BMW’s future vehicle architecture, starting with a new environmentally conscious manufacturing process that employs sources of green energy for production.

For example, the Dingolfing and Munich factories utilize water as a power source, while the Leipzig facility leans on wind for its energy needs and the BMW San Luis Potosi factory in Mexico focuses on solar capture and processing bolster production. Among those facilities, BMW is growing its lineup of electrified vehicles, including two of its primary model options.


The i4 is BMW’s all electric, four-door Gran Coupe that offers the amenities and experience its traditional mid-sized vehicles the brand has been known to create. With two model variants, the BMW I4 M50 produces 400 kW/544 horsepower while the BMW i4 eDrive 40 creates 250 kW/345 horsepower, with each carrying forward the brand’s commitment to both the driving experience and environmental sustainability.

The iX all-electric SUV affords customers luxury and environmental consciousness, with two versions currently available. The BMW iX xDrive50 features two electric motors – one for each axle – producing 370 kW/500 horsepower, while the BMW iX xDrive 40 outputs at more than 240kW/300 horsepower. One of the brand’s more technologically advanced vehicles also focuses on family practicality, driver safety and overall luxury. They highlight our dealerships inventory of BMW electric vehicles.

HENDRICK AUTOMOTIVE GROUP BMW ELECTRIC VEHICLE INVENTORY

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Recycle

Hendrick Automotive Group dealerships focus on recycling, as teammates and customers have multiple receptacle areas around each facility to maximize disposal of recyclable waste that amass on a daily basis.

Part of the process includes partnering with a waste and recycling company that removes metals, fluids and other materials in an efficient, environmentally conscious manner. Not only do they assist in further reducing each facility’s carbon footprint, the company makes sure waste products receive proper removal.

To highlight the effectiveness, Hendrick Automotive Group recycled more than 31,700,000 pounds of waste in 2021 alone. The volume recycled prevented the emission of 44,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.


Additionally, our dealerships recycled approximately 5,910.000 pounds of cardboard, 1,782,000 gallons of engine oil, 934,000 pounds of used oil filters, 345,900 of used tires and 281,800 gallons of water.

When adding up every day actions, companies can make a significant impact on recycling waste products.

Resource Reduction

Hendrick Automotive Group has also deployed the use of high-speed door systems developed by Rytek in their facilities. This automated door has successfully minimized HVAC usage in dealership spaces most impacted by harsher weather conditions, while maintaining a comfortable environment for both employees and customers.

Another initiative throughout our BMW dealerships – and company as a whole – has been the installation of LED lighting in both interior and exterior areas. These high-performing systems improve efficiency while reducing the waste of bulb-replacement. Dealerships also have areas of natural lighting to reduce the need for additional fixtures and unnecessary use.

The company is also using local plants in landscaping to minimize irrigation and excessive energy needs where available. The planning also includes the reduction of mowing areas, to limit unnecessary maintenance.

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If you are interested in purchasing an all-electric BMW, you can check out our inventory here.