What we reported

Construction to build a BMW dealership off the northbound frontage road at 5501 S. I-35, Austin, began in spring 2017, according to Charlotte, North Carolina-based Hendrick Automotive Group. The project is slated for completion in the spring and will feature new and preowned BMW vehicles. A separate proposed Ford car dealership in the west Oak Hill area has nearby residents and homeowners associations up in arms over the effect it could have on the atmosphere, traffic flow and future development of the area.

The latest

The BMW facility is still undergoing construction, said Tom Ditzig, executive general manager for BMW of South Austin and Audi South Austin. The aim of the dealership, Ditzig said, is to fill the need in South Austin for BMW vehicle sales and automotive repair services. The team behind the Ford dealership, Stantec Consulting Services, is in the midst of the site-planning phase with the city of Austin. The Oak Hill Association of Neighborhoods plans to pass a resolution opposing the dealership later this year, board members said.

What’s next

At 100,000 square feet, Ditzig said the dealership is the largest BMW facility without a parking garage in the United States. Set to open in March, the dealership feature a sales department for new and used vehicles, loaner options for when a vehicle is in the shop, 50 service bays, and a customer lounge area with refreshments and Wi-Fi. Once a site plan and necessary permits are approved by the city of Austin, the Ford dealership can begin construction. This story is one update from The January Issue. View the full list of Top 10 stories to follow in 2018 here.