- New Porsche Centre Johor Bahru brings latest “Destination Porsche” corporate architecture in Malaysia
- Showroom also doubles as gathering space, bringing the Porsche community together in a convenient location with emphasis on brand experience
- The state-of-the-art facility pioneers ‘4S’ Porsche Centre in the Asia Pacific region, integrating Sales, Service and Spare parts with Body & Paint.
- Malaysia’s first Porsche Classic Partner also accelerates passion for Porsche classic cars with full-body restorations now available
- Porsche Malaysia also launches the thrilling Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, with pure racing DNA and a mid-engine concept that offers maximum driving pleasure
Johor Bahru – Porsche Malaysia, represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance, celebrates the official opening of Porsche Centre Johor Bahru on 1 December 2022, with state-of-the-art features that set it apart from the brand’s other retail sites in the country.
With an investment of over RM28 million, the new Porsche Centre Johor Bahru is located at Danga Bay – a premier waterfront in the capital city of Malaysia’s “Jewel of the South”. The 5,412-square metre, three-storey facility introduces the brand’s latest “Destination Porsche” corporate architecture concept, characterised by a strong emphasis on brand experience, with the aim of creating a gathering space for like-minded Porsche enthusiasts whilst appealing to new customers.
“It has been quite a year for our partnership with Porsche in Malaysia, with the first locally assembled Cayenne rolling out of our plant in Kedah earlier this year, and now the addition of the first 4S Porsche Centre in Malaysia in Johor Bahru. We have seen positive growth for the Porsche brand in Malaysia, and the setup of this new dealership forms part of our plan to provide world-class standards of customer experience, for both Porsche and Sime Darby Motors,” said Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson, Sime Darby Berhad Group Chief Executive Officer.
Hannes Ruoff, Chief Executive Officer of Porsche Asia Pacific reflected similar positivity at the launch. “The launch of the locally assembled Cayenne is a testament to our belief in the potential of the ASEAN region and underscores the great relationship we share with our partners here with Sime Darby. We are delighted to introduce an elevated brand experience to Porsche fans through this state-of-the-art facility, while enhancing the Porsche ownership experience with an expansion of services offered and individualisation options.”
Launch of the new “Destination Porsche” corporate architecture in Malaysia
Reflecting the pioneering spirit of Porsche through constant improvement and innovation, the exterior façade at the new Porsche Centre Johor Bahru creates a luxurious and welcoming impression for visitors. The façade is also designed to allow visibility into the inspiring new interior from the outside.
Inside, a clear focus on customer-centric brand experiences is seen, reflecting the latest “Destination Porsche” architectural concept with modular areas that can be flexibly integrated and adapted.
The modules within Porsche Centre Johor Bahru include new model Highlight display, E-Performance, Porsche Classic, the Fitting Lounge, Delivery Bay, and Certified Pre-Owned cars. The new lounge area provides a conducive social space for customers to consult with knowledgeable and highly trained Porsche staff, whilst also giving the Porsche community a cosy environment for gatherings.
Canonical to the dynamic Porsche brand experience, the new Porsche Centre Johor Bahru offers e-sports racing simulators for sports car enthusiasts to hone their driving skills while igniting their fascination for the brand. Visitors can experience the adrenaline rush of virtual motor racing, engage in a friendly time attack with friends, and even gear up for the real racetrack, all from the comfort of the new showroom, as well as other Porsche Centres nationwide.
“With the opening of this new showroom, we aim to provide an elevated brand experience while fulfilling the desires of sports car fans in the Southern region of Malaysia. With our focus to grow beyond the traditional dealership, we strive to provide high standards of quality, experience, and customer service,” said Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance.
Innovation and sustainability integrated within modern architecture
The new dealership architecture features a full-length light well, allowing as much natural light as possible to enter the building. This minimises light fittings and reduces electricity consumption.
To demonstrate commitment to the future of mobility, the new Porsche Centre Johor Bahru is also well-equipped with 175 kW high performance Direct Current (DC) charging points and 22 kW Alternating Current (AC) charging points. These are available exclusively for use to all Porsche Taycan owners by Sime Darby Auto Performance.
The convenient location of the facility provides a seamless electric driving experience, as charging stations at Porsche dealerships nationwide connect to a larger high-performance charging network that Porsche has created in partnership with Shell. With a combined footprint of these high-performance chargers, Porsche enables emission-free, long-distance journeys across the entire country with minimal charging downtime.
Pioneering 4S facility with new body and paint service
Porsche Centre Johor Bahru is the first ‘4S’ Porsche Centre in Malaysia, where Sales, Service and Spare parts supplies are integrated with Porsche-certified Body & Paint, capable of high-quality paint restoration and bodywork repairs. With the use of advanced reconstructive repair techniques and materials, the effects of time and wear can be minimised or restored to showroom condition.
Featuring nine service bays, the Porsche Centre Johor Bahru service workshop is equipped with the latest technology and tools, highly certified and skilled technicians, and uses genuine Porsche parts for maintenance and repair services.
High quality standards are assured throughout the body and paint work process. Formulated by Porsche AG, only water-based paint is used at the body and paint workshop, which minimises impact to the environment and improves working conditions for body and paint technicians.
Equipped with ventilation and filtration systems specifically designed to reduce airborne particles, the custom-made spray booths are set at an ideal temperature to ensure optimal painting conditions. During the drying process, the environmentally friendly infrared heaters increase the air temperatures to 65°C for durable results as per Porsche AG’s standards.
“After sales service is one of our key priorities in maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction with Porsche owners in Malaysia. With the facility well-equipped to fulfil our customers’ need, they can continue to bask in the fascination of driving a Porsche, while we care for their dream sports car. We are proud to introduce Malaysia’s first certified Porsche Classic Partner to breathe new life into these classics to ensure that these legends will remain on the road for a long time,” Mr. Christopher Hunter continued.
Malaysia’s first Certified Porsche Classic Partner
From specialist’ knowledge to advice on maintenance, repair, and restoration, Porsche Centre Johor Bahru is also the first Porsche Classic Partner in Malaysia. Being a Porsche Classic Partner brings with it a host of benefits and new opportunities including technical support, use of genuine Porsche spare parts, direct access and interaction with Porsche AG Classic and special procurement process for classic vehicle parts that are no longer available.
Upon arrival at the facility, a Porsche Classic flag proudly welcomes visitors and owners of classic Porsche cars. Within the showroom, Porsche Classic is represented by a Classic Module, displaying a heritage model from the iconic German sports car brand to inform or enhance the heritage-themed brand experience for customers and fans alike.
Porsche enthusiasts can enjoy the full range of services from Porsche Classic awaiting them at Porsche Centre Johor Bahru. Certified trainers and technicians by Porsche AG are on hand to offer personalised service to classic Porsche owners providing the best maintenance options, or a factory-approved restoration service for their beloved classic sports car.
Designed for maximum driving pleasure, the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS with racing DNA
The new flagship model in the 718 family, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS made its national premiere at the official opening of Porsche Centre Johor Bahru, in conjunction with the launch of the new dealership. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS is an uncompromising driver’s car designed to thrill with its lightweight construction, extremely agile chassis set-up, sophisticated aerodynamics, and stratospheric soundtrack.
The naturally aspirated flat-six engine, revving as high as 9,000 rpm, forms the centrepiece of a sports car that has been designed for maximum driving pleasure. Among the striking features of the new, top-of-the-range 718 are the process air intakes behind the driver and passenger windows. The new air intakes improve airflow and create a thrilling intake noise right next to the occupants’ ears.
In typical RS style, lightweight construction is a defining element of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The two-seater weighs only 1,415 kilograms with a full fuel tank. The new fixed rear wing, its swan-neck attachment and aluminium wing supports are a distinctive element of the exterior design. Together with other aerodynamic upgrades, the GT4 RS generates approximately 25 per cent more downforce than the GT4 when in Performance mode.
Whether it is being driven on narrow, winding roads or closed racetracks, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the king of the compact mid-engine range. Prices start from RM 1,550,000, interested customers are encouraged to visit our nearest Porsche Centre to find out more about the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, or visit https://dealer.porsche.com/my/malaysia/en-GB/718-cayman-gt4-rs for more information.
