BALTIMORE (Map, News) - There are many reasons — in these days of plummeting auto sales — why luxury car maker BMW AG enjoyed a comfortable 16.6 percent increase in overall sales from last November.

The figures, reported by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, represent the loyalty that many BMW owners pledge to the automaker, said Marc Cohen, vice president and general manager of BMW of Towson, MINI of Towson and BMW of Bel Air. Even in the United States, where car sales are lagging, BMW posted a 4.2 percent sales increase, according to the automaker.

“BMW has probably one of the brightest years ahead,” said Cohen, discussing the many features in the new cars.

BMW loyalists are eagerly awaiting the 2008 line with a host of improvements and extra features. And the BMW dealers also are taking their dealerships to the next level, offering customers more perks than ever.

That's not easy when your automaker already offers free maintenance and other money-saving programs. But one of the many extras Cohen offers is a highly upgraded customer area, complete with granite counters, high-end showcases, free WIFI and more. For those who think they know that customer lounge, think again. For the seventh time in 10 years, the lounge has undergone a major renovation.

“We want to keep making the area more friendly and upscale,” said Cohen. “We are constantly tweaking it so it always feels new.”

Much like the cars the automaker presents. Here are a few of the many extras in the 2008 line:

» Diesel vehicles. Forget the smelly, noisy diesel engines of years ago. These engines are smooth and safe for the environment. BMW has offered diesels in Europe for 25 years, and they are thought of as sporty, clean and efficient.

» BMW 1 Series. The new 1 Series, which is modeled on the legendary BMW 2002 of 1968, will be available as a coupe and convertible. In addition to premium design, the automaker said the 1 Series features rear-wheel-drive dynamics, agile handling, powerful six-cylinder engines and seating for four.

» BMW 5 Series. The new sedan and wagon models have inline, six-cylinder engines, which are more economical and emit lower levels of carbon dioxide, according to BMW.

At a glance

BMW of Towson/MINI of Towson

700 Kenilworth Drive

Towson

866-858-4996

www.bmwtowson.com

BMW of Bel Air

1705 Conowingo Road

Bel Air

443-640-1111

www.bmwtowson.com

Comments from Examiner Readers

12:41 AM MST on Tue., May. 6, 2008 re: "Vintage Triumphs roll on"

Examiner Reader said:
It is refreshing to see that their are motorcyclist out there that are as passionate about their bikes as the Harley Davidson nation. And heck, I think it is great that they are passionate about their bikes too! I am a motorcyclist and I love to ride. I do ride a Honda VTX1300R. It is my second Honda and I also have owned a Kawasaki (KLR250). I have always loved the styling of the old Triumph's and from what I have seen of the new bikes, the Tiger, Bonneville, Speed Tiples and others they are really incredible looking and performing bikes. Much like Harley, from what I understand, they have worked out a lot of the old bugaboos that came with the bikes in the past. Again, I think it is great that everybody has their own personal prefernce but when it comes down to it I love to ride. I can't fathom the comments that I have heard like, "If I can't ride a (blank) I won't ride anything." Hondas, Triumphs, Victory, Harley, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Norton... I love 'em all! John Mozuk

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10:15 PM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

IN THE KNOW said:
This place is going to be sold to Marine-Max or so it goes around the Harbor

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3:41 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
The new location looks very nice....The service is still luke warm at best, and the charges are out of line for the east coast

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3:35 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
You should check with yacht owners that have gone to other yards due to poor service and overpriced labor! I tell every one up and down the ICW to avoid this place at all cost. You do your readership a great diservice when you write such crap!

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10:36 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Never Again said:
This fluff piece is a buncha hooey. They have a really bad reputation.....have had it for years.... They are arrogant from the top down..... Tidewater Yacht Service Tidewater Yacht Service.....

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7:03 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
This yard is a rip off. You store your boat there for the winter and then they remeasure it after you have paid them and charge you more a coupla months later.

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9:16 PM MST on Tue., Nov. 27, 2007 re: "Dealer ensures cycles 'fit' the customers"

Examiner Reader said:
I was fortunate enough to meet these guys last weekend and let me tell you one thing, Jon and Shawn are a class act in both customer service and up front honesty. Very few business men who can fit this mold. Keep up the great work guys. Looking forward in building my dream bike soon. Thanks for all your advice! Big Daddy Dog Route 40 Bikers' Paradise USA

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