This image captured from the website of BMW Korea Co. shows the company’s driving center on Yeongjong Island in Incheon, west of Seoul. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Korea Bizwire) — BMW Korea Co.’s driving center has attracted over 1.5 million visitors since opening a decade ago, amid the company’s continued efforts to offer unique driving experiences despite it recording annual losses, according to company officials Friday.
According to BMW Korea, the company has invested 90 billion won (US$67.5 million) to establish and operate the BMW Driving Center on Yeongjong Island in Incheon, west of Seoul, since 2014.
Since opening, the cumulative number of visitors has reached over 1,528,000, with 25 percent accounting for family groups, according to the company.
This facility is BMW Group’s first in Asia and third globally, following centers in Germany and the United States. It is one of the largest automotive cultural complexes, spanning nearly 300,000 square meters.
The driving center features both driving tracks and customer engagement areas. Over the decade, it has evolved to include car culture exhibitions, interactive experiences, educational programs for children and an eco-friendly sports park.
BMW Korea has suffered losses annually from operating the facility, with the company recording losses of as much as 10 billion won. The company, however, plans to continue with operating the driving center.
“Despite the accumulating losses each year, countless number of people visit here to learn about responsible car driving culture. We plan to continue with operating the center, focusing on contributing to the spreading of safe driving culture experiences,” a BMW Korea official said.
(Yonhap)
