Simultaneous with the official launch of the Porsche Taycan, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) also officially launched its flagship Porsche Centre Ara Damansara. This latest facility is the third state-of-the-art Porsche dealership under SDAP; the other two are located in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Coincidentally, the launches also mark the SDAP’s 10th anniversary as the authorised importer of Porsche vehicles and parts in Malaysia.
With over RM15 million invested in this new facility, SDAP aims to deliver a best-in-class retail experience for Porsche customers and fans. This Porsche Centre has a total built-up area of 12,102 square meters, making it the largest 3S Porsche Centre within a single facility in the markets under Porsche Asia Pacific.
“Sime Darby Auto Performance has been a key business partner in the region and we are looking forward to jointly grow our customer base and excitement. We are very committed to Malaysia and we believe this latest addition to the dealer network marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Porsche, not just in Malaysia but also within the Asia Pacific region. Derived from the idea to share the joy for our brand and products, we are excited to see the new digital, lifestyle and experiential elements built into the dealership, which will deliver an immersive customer experience,” said Arthur Willmann, CEO of Porsche Asia Pacific.
The Ara Damansara facility is spread over five levels with 8,000 square meters of working space on two showroom floors, two service and workshop floors and the importer’s office and training area. The showroom located on the ground and first floors can accommodate up to 26 display cars.
Additionally, Porsche customers and fans can get Porsche Tequipment accessories and the latest Porsche Driver’s Selection merchandise from the dedicated “shop-in-shop” area.
Meanwhile, the workshop area on the second and third floors has 21 operational service bays, including facilities for engine and electrified powertrains. The workshop is equipped with repair and maintenance equipment, including frameless telescopic hydraulic lifts that are unique to Porsche Centre Ara Damansara, to help increase productivity and mobility of the certified technicians.
Meanwhile, the workshop area on the second and third floors has 21 operational service bays, including facilities for engine and electrified powertrains. The workshop is equipped with repair and maintenance equipment, including frameless telescopic hydraulic lifts that are unique to Porsche Centre Ara Damansara, to help increase productivity and mobility of the certified technicians.
Further, the Aftersales reception area is also larger, consisting of four air-conditioned dialogue bays for pre-service inspection in better comfort.
Another unique area within the Porsche Centre is the Motorsports Zone. This zone is the first of its kind in Malaysia, and also globally. The Motorsports Zone showcases both classic and modern Porsche racing cars, as a tribute to the brand’s strong motorsport heritage.
Near the racing cars display are the racing simulators. These simulators can potentially be used by customers and guests to take a virtual spin on a variety of circuits for entertainment or as training to improve themselves for the next Porsche Open Track Day. Personal coaching with a trained instructor is available for sports car customers to provide them a digitally authentic driving experience in the Racing Experience Centre. This also helps to cultivate and professionalise the growth of virtual motor racing within the region and further develop it into an exciting spectator sport.
“A central part of the new concept is to create a unique brand experience and a gathering place for our Porsche community, appealing to existing and new customers. The customer journey begins with a coffee in the newly designed lounge area where fans of the brand can connect. In our experiential Motorsports Zone, we invite the whole family to test esports simulators or watch live screenings of races, such as FIA Formula E, Le Mans, Porsche Carrera Cup and even virtual racing,” added Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance.
Ready For Electric Mobility
With the launch of the all-electric Taycan sports car, SDAP has prepared the Porsche Centres in Malaysia with high performance DC (Direct Current) chargers to cater to the electric era. These DC chargers are the first to be installed in Malaysia and are by no means a small investment. This system is also the fastest in the country and can bring the Taycan to a full charge within 36 minutes (under optimal conditions) with its maximum output of 175 kW.
To be fully prepared for the new breed of electrified Porsche sports cars, Porsche Centre Ara Damansara is also equipped with high-voltage battery repair capabilities.
“The automotive industry has proved its resilience during these challenging times. Despite the circumstances, we remain committed to drive the development of Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV), which include Electric Vehicles (EV) as we head into a new era of connected mobility. This is in line with our efforts to further reduce our carbon footprint as announced in the National Automotive Policy 2020. The introduction of these high-performance chargers offered by Sime Darby Auto Performance is a welcome step in developing the electromobility ecosystem in the country which then facilitates the required transformation and integration of the local automotive industry with regional and global networks within the increasingly competitive environment. Furthermore, the decision to establish the largest Porsche Centre of the Asia Pacific region in Kuala Lumpur, signifies the strong confidence towards Malaysia by one of the world’s leading premium auto brands,“ said Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
The Porsche Centre Ara Damansara is located within the Sime Darby Motors City complex. Its address is 6, Jalan PJU 1A/7, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
For more information, visit the Porsche Centre Ara Damansara dealer website: https://bit.ly/PorscheCentreAraDamansara.
Keyword: Flagship Porsche Centre Ara Damansara Officially Launched
