In the parking bay of Capital Towers, a cognac-metallic Panamera 4S and a Carrara-marble-white 911 Carrera stand regally, their wheels adjusted perfectly for the best display of their badges. The two attention-grabbing cars flank an attractive display board that announces their individual features.
These and two other Porsches play ushers, directing media-persons to the Porsche Centre, which takes up a 2,800 sq.ft space in the busy commercial complex in Teynampet. Those accustomed to driving past the complex would have noticed two Porsches peeping out of the huge windows that overlook Anna Salai, but the showroom's formal launch took place last week.
The showroom, with its minimalist design, and the event, devoid of any celebrity presence, did not invade into the glory of the Porsches. The only star was a second generation Cayenne — the lone Porsche within the showroom.
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For a long time, the discussion — initiated by Ashish Chordia, director, Porsche India, Mohamed Rahman, after-sales director, Porsche Middle-East & Africa and Rajiv Jeyabalan S., managing director, Porsche Centre, Chennai — hovered around the Cayenne.
The new Cayenne has had an unprecedented success and the demand outstrips the supply. Worldwide, the machine has attracted 74,000 orders against a supply of around 40,000. As a result, a customer has to wait for 500 days after booking a Cayenne. Compare this with a lead time of 60 to 90 days for the other Porsches!
The Porsche Centre is not just about Cayenne. It is meant to showcase the entire Porsche range. Three Porsches can be accommodated within the showroom, which includes a glassed room for transacting a deal in peace. The rest of the Porsches will be parked in a prominent bay just outside the showroom.
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A 4,000 sq.ft. after-sales station, to come up in the vicinity, will complement the Porsche Centre.