Former Sandia BMW, Sandia MINI, and Sandia BMW Motorcycles continue serving New Mexico customers under their new Albuquerque names

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In a strategic move to unify its extensive network of dealerships, Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Houston-based automotive retailer with dealerships across the U.S. and U.K., this week announced that Sandia BMW, Sandia MINI, and Sandia BMW Motorcycles have been renamed BMW of Albuquerque, MINI of Albuquerque, and BMW Motorcycles of Albuquerque, effective November 3, 2026, as part of the company’s nationwide brand alignment initiative.

The three dealerships share one Albuquerque location and are among a growing number of U.S. dealerships aligned under the initiative, giving customers a clearer connection to Group 1’s scale, resources, and operational standards while preserving the local team, BMW and MINI expertise, and customer relationships that have served New Mexico drivers and riders.

Backed by the scale, resources, and expertise of an international automotive retailer, Group 1 Automotive remains focused on delivering the personalized service and community connections that define the local dealership experience. Learn more at Group1Auto.com.

Better Customer Experience

The transition from Sandia BMW, Sandia MINI, and Sandia BMW Motorcycles to their new Albuquerque names is part of a broader effort to create a more consistent customer experience across Group 1’s U.S. retail network. In keeping with BMW Group’s dealer naming standards, each dealership operates under its manufacturer’s name while remaining wholly part of the Group 1 network. The rebrand does not represent a change in ownership, staffing, product offerings, or day-to-day operations.

Group 1 Automotive has owned and operated the dealerships since July 2019. The new names formally connect the location to Group 1’s national platform, giving local customers the benefit of a familiar Albuquerque team supported by the resources, technology, and operational discipline of a larger automotive group. Each name now points to the city the dealership serves, alongside Group 1 Toyota Albuquerque, Lexus of Albuquerque, and Land Rover Albuquerque.

“Albuquerque knows this team, and that does not change on November 3,” said Barry Bolio, General Manager of BMW of Albuquerque, MINI of Albuquerque, and BMW Motorcycles of Albuquerque. “While our name is changing, our commitment to our customers is not. The familiar faces in our sales and service departments will continue to deliver the same level of care and expertise our community has come to expect.”

BMW of Albuquerque, MINI of Albuquerque, and BMW Motorcycles of Albuquerque continue to serve customers from their existing location at 6001 Pan American Freeway NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, supporting drivers and riders throughout Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and surrounding central New Mexico communities with new BMW and MINI vehicles, pre-owned vehicles, BMW motorcycles, service, parts, and maintenance support.

The dealerships remain focused on the same local relationships that defined Sandia BMW, Sandia MINI, and Sandia BMW Motorcycles, while gaining a clearer connection to Group 1’s broader retail network. Customers can expect continuity in the sales and service experience, along with the added benefit of a unified Group 1 brand that makes locations easier to recognize, find, and trust across markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Sandia BMW, Sandia MINI, and Sandia BMW Motorcycles change their names?

Sandia BMW became BMW of Albuquerque, Sandia MINI became MINI of Albuquerque, and Sandia BMW Motorcycles became BMW Motorcycles of Albuquerque on November 3, 2026 as part of Group 1 Automotive’s nationwide brand alignment initiative. In keeping with BMW Group’s dealer naming standards, the new names follow each manufacturer’s convention while the dealerships remain part of the Group 1 network, continuing to serve customers in Albuquerque and the surrounding central New Mexico communities. As part of the Group 1 network of 256 dealerships offering 38 vehicle brands, the dealerships connect customers to new and pre-owned sales, financing, service, parts, and collision support, with a consistent experience from transparent pricing to online scheduling at every Group 1 store.

How does dealership or manufacturer financing compare to a bank loan?

Manufacturer-affiliated lenders sometimes offer promotional rates or lease programs that banks do not, while banks and credit unions may offer competitive rates for well-qualified borrowers. Dealerships typically work with multiple lenders and can compare offers in one place. Reviewing the annual percentage rate, term, and total cost across options helps identify the best fit.

What should first-time motorcycle buyers know before visiting a dealership?

A motorcycle endorsement on a driver’s license is generally required to ride on public roads, and an entry-level rider course can help new riders prepare for it. Seat height, weight, and riding position matter as much as engine size, so sitting on several models helps narrow the choice. Budgeting for protective gear, insurance, and routine service alongside the purchase price gives a more accurate picture of total cost.

What are the benefits of a certified pre-owned vehicle?

Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles generally undergo a multi-point factory inspection and reconditioning process and include limited warranty coverage beyond a standard used vehicle. Benefits may also include roadside assistance and a vehicle history report, with specific coverage varying by program and model year.

About Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

Group 1 owns and operates 256 automotive dealerships, 319 franchises, and 33 collision centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 38 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 contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. Learn more at Group1Auto.com.

Media Contact
Kimberly Barta, Head of Marketing, Brand and Communications
kbarta@group1auto.com  |  503-539-0756

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SOURCE Group 1 Automotive, Inc.