The founding history of AWT Bavaria in Ukraine is quite exceptional. In 1996, the company AWT Handels Gesellschaft mbH Vienna (Austria) opened its office in Kyiv, establishing AWT Bavaria. At that time, AWT Handels Gesellschaft mbH Vienna was a trading house of Bank Austria Creditanstalt, which had experience working in emerging markets.
The year 1997 marked the birth of AWT Bavaria, a significant event that would shape the future of the automotive market in Ukraine. AWT Bavaria was granted the prestigious status of exclusive official importer for BMW Group in Ukraine, as well as the general importer for the brands Rover, Land Rover, and Neoplan. This marked the beginning of AWT Bavaria's journey toward excellence and laid the foundation for its future success.
The beginning of 2002 marked a new milestone for AWT Bavaria with the introduction of BMW motorcycles to the Ukrainian market, igniting a passion for two-wheeled adventures among Ukrainians.
That same year, in the fall, the iconic MINI brand made its debut in Ukraine, quickly becoming a symbol of urban chic and style thanks to its distinctive design and exceptional performance.
In 2003, a significant event marked a new phase in the company's activities: AWT Bavaria opened a new BMW showroom in the heart of the capital, in the luxurious Mandarin Plaza complex on Baseina Street. This showroom quickly became a magnet for automotive enthusiasts
In 2004, AWT Bavaria strengthened its position in the luxury car market by acquiring the exclusive right to represent the prestigious Rolls-Royce brand in Ukraine. This partnership marked a new chapter of luxury, sophistication, and elegance for Ukrainian car enthusiasts. That same year, the BMW showroom in Mandarin Plaza launched the first BMW Premium Club in Ukraine and Eastern Europe, modeled after the BMW Club in Munich. This venue became a place for relaxation and interaction for all true aficionados of BMW's perfect technologies, dynamics, and style.
A new phase in AWT Bavaria's activities was marked in July 2006 with the signing of a contract with ALPINA (ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH + Co. KG), the manufacturer of exclusive vehicles. The company became the official ALPINA dealer in Ukraine, allowing high-performance luxury cars to hit Ukrainian roads and further enhancing AVT Bavaria’s reputation for excellence.
In the same year, AWT Bavaria expanded its presence by opening a branch in Zaporizhzhia and a BMW dealership in Dnipro, providing customers in the region with access to world-class automotive experiences and services.
The year 2007 was remarkable for AWT Bavaria.
In September 2007, in line with corporate standards, the company opened the first MINI dealership in Ukraine, located in Kyiv. This modern facility, designed in the classic MINI style, offered customers a glimpse into the world of urban mobility and style. It showcased a new level of vehicle presentation and innovation from the iconic brand, immersing each visitor in the vibrant and distinctive world of MINI, capturing the emotions and spirit inherent in this sophisticated and always original car, and captivating MINI enthusiasts across the country.
In November 2007, AWT Bavaria opened a new state-of-the-art BMW showroom in Kyiv, situated in the prestigious business center "Parus" at 2 Mechnikova Street. This facility reflected the exclusivity and premium nature of the BMW brand and engaged customers emotionally with the world of BMW products through the BMW Consulting Lounge. The BMW Premium Club continued to be a gathering place for BMW fans to connect with like-minded individuals and true enthusiasts of uncompromising engineering, innovative technology, and unparalleled style.
Additionally, December 2007 saw the historic opening of the first and only official Rolls-Royce showroom in Ukraine, located in Kyiv. This showroom became the 19th Rolls-Royce Motor Cars dealership in continental Europe. The event underscored the significance of the Eastern European region for the continued successful development of Rolls-Royce. Admirers of royal quality and unmatched luxury now had access to a level of service worthy of the most discerning clients.
But AWT Bavaria does not rest on its laurels and continues its expansion. In December 2008, the company proudly opened the doors of a new BMW and BMW Motorrad center in Kyiv, located at 13/10 Novokostyantynivska Street. Here, visitors can experience the BMW brand, which worldwide represents high quality and boasts an impeccable reputation. In addition to a spacious showroom, the center offers enthusiasts the most powerful service center. This specialized service ensures that the unique dynamic character of BMW cars and motorcycles is preserved for many years.
In the fall of 2009, AWT Bavaria introduced a new motorcycle brand to enthusiasts of off-road riding in Ukraine—Husqvarna, a brand closely associated with prestigious racing competitions. Fans of the brand remained devoted to Husqvarna motorcycles until 2013, when BMW Group ended its collaboration with the brand to focus on the premium motorcycle segment.
In April 2010, AWT Bavaria opened the world's first specialized BMW M/Individual showroom in Kyiv, located at 13/10 Novokostyantynivska Street. This showroom features exceptional sports cars for urban use created by BMW M, a division of BMW Group. Now, Kyiv boasts a small world of BMW M/Individual for all enthusiasts of innovation in motorsport.
In 2011, a significant event occurred: AWT Bavaria, which had already established a reputation as a reliable representative of premium cars, raised the bar for luxury vehicles in Ukraine. The company became the official dealer of British cars from Aston Martin and opened an exclusive showroom for these legendary cars in the heart of Kyiv, in the Leonardo Business Center. This prestigious showroom became a destination for discerning clients seeking unparalleled elegance, unique style, and thrilling driving experiences for years to come.
Demonstrating its commitment to innovation and sustainability, in 2016 AWT Bavaria made history by becoming the first official importer of BMW i Performance electric and hybrid vehicles in Ukraine. This initiative marked a significant step towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future for the country’s automotive market. The combination of electric motors, high-performance lithium-ion batteries, and intelligent energy management delivers exhilarating driving experiences and breathtaking acceleration, ushering BMW enthusiasts into a new era.
In 2017, AWT Bavaria reaffirmed its commitment to premium customer service by opening the largest BMW importer-dealer center in Eastern Europe, located on Boryspil Highway in the village of Hora, Kyiv Oblast. Constructed to the latest BMW standards, this event marked a new stage in the company's development in the Ukrainian automotive market and a significant step towards a bright future.
That same year, AWT Bavaria took another important step by relocating and opening a separate Rolls-Royce showroom in the village of Hora, Kyiv Oblast. This decision marked a significant moment in the company's history and brought numerous benefits to our esteemed clients. The new Rolls-Royce showroom offers a range of additional advantages, providing all services in one place, making the process of purchasing and servicing Rolls-Royce vehicles more convenient and enjoyable while ensuring a high level of service.
Shortly after the opening of the conceptual center on Boryspil Highway, in 2018, the fully renovated dealership on Vatslava Havel Boulevard, 4, and the exclusive state-of-the-art BMW Motorrad showroom reopened its doors. The renovation of the dealership in Kyiv demonstrates our dedication and loyalty to our clients, and our excellent brand portfolio and adherence to high standards ensure AWT Bavaria's strong position in Ukraine.
Under the leadership of Oleksandr Tymofeyev, a seasoned expert in the automotive industry, the legendary brands represented by AWT Bavaria confidently hold a leading position in Ukraine’s automotive sector. Thanks to Oleksandr Tymofeyev's strong management, AWT Bavaria has achieved unprecedented success over 20 years in promoting premium automotive brands in the Ukrainian market and enhancing customer service standards. This is confirmed by a range of prestigious awards from the German BMW Group, national accolades, and recognition from leaders in the Ukrainian automotive market. The acknowledgment of the company's high performance and leadership within the global BMW Group dealership community highlights Oleksandr Tymofeyev's contribution to the development of this world-renowned brand.
In 2018, Oleksandr Tymofeyev became Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the AWT Bavaria Group, passing the management to Erik Berning – a strong leader with Western European experience, values, and a new vision for the development of the company and the business as a whole. As a result, AWT Bavaria evolved into a leading family-owned company that continues to support the growth of the global brands it represents. Under Erik Berning's leadership, AWT Bavaria continues to strengthen its position by implementing new standards of quality and innovation, providing clients with the highest level of service, and maintaining the high standards set by his predecessor. This allows the company not only to retain its leadership but also, through Erik Berning's effective management and innovative approach, to actively develop, adapt to current market demands, and meet client expectations, leading AWT Bavaria to new achievements.
The highlight of 2020 was the opening of the largest and most unique BMW Premium Selection certified pre-owned car showroom on the 13th kilometer of Boryspil Highway, impressing with its scale, innovation, and exclusivity. The showroom meets the highest quality standards, BMW's corporate standards, and premium class manufacturer requirements. AWT Bavaria ensures customer satisfaction not only with new cars but also with pre-owned vehicles, providing an excellent ownership experience for BMW enthusiasts.
Another significant event of 2020 was the opening of an exclusive Aston Martin showroom in the village of Hora, Kyiv region, built according to the latest corporate standards of the legendary British brand. This allows our clients to fully enjoy the exclusivity and sophistication of the brand. The opening of the separate Aston Martin showroom confirms our commitment to quality, comfort, and exclusivity, demonstrating our dedication to creating a premium customer experience that meets the discerning tastes of Aston Martin owners.
2024 is exceptional again. AWT Bavaria becomes the official distributor of British automotive company INEOS Automotive Limited in Ukraine. In June 2024, INEOS vehicles officially start sales, offering class-leading off-road capabilities, combining durability and reliability with modern comfort and sophistication.
Expanding the dealership network is one of our strategic directions. Currently, there are 15 authorized BMW dealers in Ukraine who have passed certification and auditing according to BMW Group standards.
Founded in 1997, AWT Bavaria shows remarkable growth. Starting with 20 employees and approximately 50 vehicle sales in the first year, by 2024, the company has grown to over 400 employees and more than 4000 vehicles sold.
AWT Bavaria continually improves its operations annually, receiving prestigious national awards and recognition from BMW as one of the leading companies in Central and Eastern Europe.
Today, AWT Bavaria is a leader in the premium and luxury car segment in Ukraine, representing BMW Group, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, ALPINA, and INEOS.
We not only sell cars, motorcycles, spare parts, and accessories but also develop retail automotive software for Ukraine and beyond.
From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading importer and dealer, AWT Bavaria remains committed to excellence and innovation, continuously reaching new heights in the Ukrainian automotive industry.