1:25 pm, September 14, 2012
PORSCHE’S state-of-the-art new showroom on the South Coast has been officially opened, with the company’s UK managing director hailing it as ‘the right development in the right location at the right time’.
The Portsmouth development, which is one of the largest Porsche centres in the UK, demonstrates a major investment in the business and the south Hampshire region.
It’s in a high-profile location, clearly visible from the busy M27 which runs across the northern edge of the city.
The two-storey centre offers a 26-car showroom with an innovative roof-top parking area, an eight ramp workshop and an MOT bay.
A focal point is a spiral staircase leading to the first-floor display area. The customer specification lounge – in which visitors can personalise their cars and explore a variety of equipment options using the latest digital software – is a further key feature.
The new centre, which occupies nearly two acres, offers a comprehensive suite of Porsche services including new and pre-owned Porsche Approved car sales, servicing, parts, a service loan fleet and a full range of Porsche demonstrator vehicles.
Visitors can also benefit from access to a ‘Direct Dialogue’ bay, a dedicated area where a car can receive immediate, on-the-spot diagnosis by a Porsche-trained technician before any necessary work is undertaken.
Absolutely right
Porsche UK managing director Chris Craft clearly has high hopes for the new showroom. It’s Porsche’s 36th centre in the UK and plans are in the pipeline for another three, although the company won’t reveal the locations of the next sites.
Craft told Car Dealer at last night’s launch, attended by around 750 people: ‘There’s always been an opportunity here and if it hadn’t been for the recession, we might have made it happen sooner.
‘It’s a great development, absolutely right for the area and the location is fantastic, right next to the motorway.
‘The timing’s absolutely right as the products come through as well. I’m delighted that we can look after our customers better in this area and hopefully find a few new ones as well.’
