Johannesburg can now boast of having the world’s largest Porsche centre, with the ribbon being cut on May 25th this year. If this does not put the most populous city in Africa on the world map, then nothing will. One of the most respected and awe-inspiring sports car manufacturers has gone all out with a $14.3 million centre that covers a total area of 18,700 square meters. This is no production facility, but a destination for the scores of Porsche fanatics and prospective customers to experience all that Porsche has to offer, coffee shop included, under one roof.
There has been good growth of Porsche loyalists in South Africa and Johannesburg does seem apt for such a state of the art facility. The Porsche Design Driver’s Selection outlet will give a first hand account of the retail experience. A clear view of the body shop and pre-delivery section is a great addition. LSM Distributors, the ones responsible for the project have clearly indicated the operational requirements as the main priority for the immensity of the centre.
The facility is not only for Porsche purists. There is ample space segregated for organizational activities as well. It houses a training centre with premier audio-visual facilities with a 72-seater auditorium for training programs, car launches, press conferences, and Porsche club gatherings. This will be the main distribution channel for spare parts to the Porsche dealership network in and around South Africa courtesy the huge warehouse with the complete Porsche inventory. They really do mean everything under one roof.
This is a clear indication of the growth of brand Porsche away from Europe and the Americas. Closer home, the interesting response for the Cayenne and the 911 to some extent should also put India on some of their expansion plans. Even though there is no concrete evidence for any moves this side of the globe, the introduction of a good range for the Indian buyer to choose from does show that Porsche have taken India seriously.
You must be wondering, Johannesburg? It surprised me too. But then the Porsche Panamera was spotted there, still in its testing stage since it is expected to be launched at the Geneva Motor Show next year. So Johannesburg it is.
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