Pendragon has opened its new 11,200 square metre “destination Porsche” centre in Nottingham.
The new location was officially opened this week by Krishan Bodhani, Porsche Cars GB chief executive.
Bodhani said: “This grand opening is another important milestone for our Porsche brand representation in the UK.
“This is only the second brand-new purpose-built ‘destination Porsche’ centre under our new corporate architecture concept.
“Destination Porsche is designed to enhance the customer experience and to further strengthen enthusiasm for our sports cars.
“This is what we call ‘customer centricity’ and it’s our highest priority – to put the customer in the centre of our activities.”
In a nod to the Porsche roots in motorsport, a ‘racing line’ guides customers through the centre, with a double-height glazed ceiling including a large skylight that illuminates up to 12 new and pre-owned cars.
Customers can also access a lounge with virtual reality capabilities to configure vehicles and display design options in 3D. These are supported by private vehicle handover bays for new-car collection.
Expert staff in the centre include hosts for welcoming visitors, and Porsche Pro colleagues support the sales team in describing details of the various functions in the cars.
In a nod to the German origins of Porsche, separate ‘Porscheplatz’ and ‘Werk 1’ hospitality areas are located among the display cars.
Local roasters supply the coffee beans for the baristas in the café area, as part of a regional partnership programme.
Direct dialogue bays
Meanwhile the number of colleagues in the Porsche Centre Nottingham team has risen by 11 bringing the total up to 51, both front of house and behind the scenes.
The workshop offers 12 workshop bays including MoT test facilities, with diagnosis prior to service appointments possible via two fully digitised direct dialogue bays with automated vehicle health check equipment.
The direct dialogue bays are designed to allow a 1:1 walkaround of a car guided by the technician.
In this way, customers can be briefed on the condition of brake pads, wheels and tyres, bodywork, and receive a diagnostic check which helps prepare a scope of work ahead of any repairs being undertaken.
These are supported by a fast lane facility that uses bodywork cameras and automatic tyre tread analysis technology that extends the capability to a fully digital service process.
Outside there are two Porsche Turbochargers offering high power DC charging for electric cars, which are available for use by customers and the public during centre opening hours.