Our history

In 1994, Michael Horst Schmidt founded Automobile Bavaria, marking the inception of the first BMW importer for Romania.

 

This entrepreneurial venture laid the groundwork for a remarkable journey in the automotive industry. As the years unfolded, Schmidt’s vision and dedication propelled Automobile Bavaria to unprecedented heights. In 2006, the company expanded its footprint with the acquisition of BMW dealerships in the Munich, Germany area, further solidifying its position as a key player in the European automotive market.

 

This pivotal moment in history underscored Schmidt’s commitment to excellence and innovation, shaping the legacy of Automobile Bavaria for generations to come.

Timeline of Significant Events

1994
Foundation

In Bucharest, Romania, Michael Schmidt laid the foundation for "Automobile Bavaria" as the exclusive BMW importer of the country. The first location in Automobile Bavaria Brasov was opened, establishing the company as a leading BMW dealer in the country.

1997
Opening of a location

Another milestone was reached with the opening of a location in Bucuresti-Otopeni, offering a wide range of BMW service and sales options.

1999
New dealership

The expansion continued with the establishment of a new BMW dealership in Constanta.

2001
Expansion

Another achievement: a new BMW dealership opened its doors in Cluj.

2003
New service center

The expansion strategy was reinforced with the establishment of a new BMW service center in Tg Mures.

2004
Notable year

A notable year, in which a new location in Sibiu was established as a significant BMW dealer. Simultaneously, MHS Truck Service was launched to provide high-quality service in Cluj.

2005
Expansion continued

The expansion continued with the opening of another BMW dealership in Timisoara.

2005
Another peak

The impressive development reached another peak with the opening of a magnificent BMW dealership in Bucuresti-Baneasa, which henceforth served as the central main location.

2005
MHS expanded in Germany

The Michael Schmidt Group expanded its operations to Germany by acquiring Autohaus Schmidt in Wolfratshausen.

2007
MHS Truck and Bus

The establishment of MHS Truck & Bus in collaboration with MAN and NEOPLAN marked an important step. Additionally, MHS Truck Service locations were opened in Brasov and Bucharest to provide first-class service.

2007
New partner

The network of Automobile Bavaria was expanded with a new BMW partner location in Bucuresti-Militari.

2009
Rolls-Royce workshop

A Rolls-Royce workshop was opened in Bucuresti-Baneasa to provide customers with first-class service. Automobile Bavaria Craiova was also appointed as a BMW service center.

2009
Autohaus Michael Schmidt

Additionally, Autohaus Michael Schmidt began representing the BMW brand in the "Tölzer Land" region with service and used cars.

2009
Collaboration with the Gh. Hagi Academy

Collaboration with the Gh. Hagi Academy was initiated and later expanded in 2021 with FCV Farul Constanta. Today, we support FCV Farul by providing them with a MAN bus for their team.

2010
Significant milestone

The establishment of Schmidt Premium Cars marked a significant milestone. Simultaneously, the locations in Starnberg and Germering were acquired from BMW-Autohaus Schorsch Meier (by Autohaus Michael Schmidt).

2010
Michael Schmidt Foundation

The Michael Schmidt Foundation was founded by Michael Schmidt to preserve Transylvanian-Saxon culture in Romania and to support projects promoting German-language education and cultural and humanitarian projects.

2011
Autohaus Michael Schmidt in Baierbrunn

Autohaus Michael Schmidt in Baierbrunn and the Rolls-Royce location in Munich marked a significant milestone. Schmidt Premium Cars GmbH operated the dealership in Nymphenburger Straße, presenting the latest vehicle models in the prestigious "Nymphenburger Höfe" on 250 m².

2011
Cultural project

As part of a significant cultural project, the restoration of the organ in the church of Crit, a historic site in Romania, was completed. This restoration was a significant cultural project that helped preserve the musical heritage and historical significance of the region.

2013
Haferland Week Festival

The first edition of the Haferland Week Festival celebrated the cultural diversity of the region, while the "Deutsch hat Klasse" scholarship program was launched, supporting young German teachers in Sibiu and promoting education.

2013
MHS Truck Service

MHS Truck Service opened a branch in Bacau.

2014
BMW in Arad

Automobile Bavaria Arad was appointed as a BMW service center.

2014
Opening of Casa Kraus

The opening of Casa Kraus in Crit (Deutsch-Kreuz), Transylvania, marked a historic moment. The building, a former rectory, was rebuilt according to the original designs and now serves as a hotel.

2015
Beginning of MHS Automotive

MHS Automotive was founded in Parndorf, Austria. MHS Parndorf was appointed as the official MAN importer for Romania. Additionally, Michael Schmidt was awarded the Cross of Merit on Ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his promotion of German-Romanian relations and the preservation of the cultural heritage of the German minority in Romania. The award was presented by Ambassador Werner Hans Lauk on February 18, 2015, in Bucharest.

2016
Appointed as a VW service center

MHS-Motors was appointed as a VW service center in Baia Mare. In the same year, the first "Christmas Truck" from Germany arrived with food and clothing for the people in the Saxon villages in Transylvania. This humanitarian action was carried out by the Michael Schmidt Foundation in collaboration with the German foundation "Die Johanniter e.V." and the Tabaluga // Peter Maffay Foundation.

2019
"Global Dealer of the Year"

Schmidt Premium Cars in Munich was awarded the prestigious "Global Dealer of the Year" award by Rolls-Royce. This recognition honored outstanding sales performance after analyzing the performance of 133 trading partners worldwide for the year 2018.

2020
New location in Bacau

Automobile Bavaria opened a new location in Bacau and launched the Used Car Sale Center at Autohaus Michael Schmidt in Geretsried.
 Additionally, MHS Truck Service was launched in Oradea.

2020
"Regional Dealer of the Year"

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Munich was named Regional Dealer of the Year for 2019 in the UK, Southern & Western Europe, Russia, and the CIS.

2021
Rolls-Royce service partner

Schmidt Premium Cars opened in Vienna as a Rolls-Royce service partner and used car dealer.

2022
BMW Motorad

The sale and service of BMW motorcycles were introduced in Vienna.

2022
Once again "Regional Dealer of the Year"

Schmidt Premium Cars in Munich was once again named the Regional Dealer of the Year for Southern and Western Europe, Russia, and the CIS for 2021 by Rolls-Royce.

2022
New addition - INEOS Grenadier

Automobile Bavaria signed a contract for the import of INEOS Grenadier. Schmidt Premium Cars was selected as the dealer for INEOS Grenadier in Austria and Bavaria.

2022
New sport partnership

MHS Truck & Bus entered into a partnership with the women's handball club HC Dunarea Braila.

2023
"Global & Regional Bespoke Dealer 2022"

Schmidt Premium Cars was awarded as "Global & Regional Bespoke Dealer 2022" along with Rolls-Royce Munich.

2023
New Workshop in Bucharest Baneasa

Automobile Bavaria acquired the workshop in Bucharest as part of its expansion plan.

2023
Automobile Bavaria acquired X-Cars

Automobile Bavaria acquired X-Cars in Targu Mures, while another location in Klagenfurt, Austria, for BMW motorcycles and service is operated under the leadership of Schmidt Premium Cars.

2024
Autohaus Frauenschuh

Schmidt Premium Cars has acquired the prestigious Autohaus Frauenschuh in Salzburg, Austria. Premium used car brands are offered there, along with comprehensive services. In addition to the sale and service of BMW motorcycles, the dealership also offers Honda vehicles, as well as sales and service for cars and motorcycles of this brand.