Audi temple open for business

Audi Australia officially opened its new headquarters and marquee dealership on the southern edges of the Sydney CBD last night.

Claimed to be the largest Audi dealership in the world, the new Audi 'Lighthouse' debuts the company's 'Terminal' style of dealership. In the case of the Zetland premise, it also is home for Audi Australia's corporate headquarters.

The glittering event was hosted by Audi Australia's managing director, Joerg Hofmann, and Audi AG Board of Management member, Peter Schwarzenbauer. Schwarzenbauer is the global head of sales and marketing for the German brand.

"The Audi Lighthouse terminal development in Sydney is part of a major investment campaign by AUDI AG. We will expand our product range to 40 models by 2015 on our course to become the most successful premium brand worldwide," Schwarzenbauer said.

Both Schwarzenbauer and Hofmann described the new complex as a beacon for the brand in Australia. Though confident the Lighthouse would positively impact the local image of Audi and its sales, Schwarzenbauer said it would take the company three to four years before it could judge whether the $50m invested in the new operation was a success.

Audi Australia overcame a number of planning impediments to get the Lighthouse into play. Local boss Hofmann personally pushed the project through ascending levels of Audi bean counters and once fiscal approvals were gained, then took on the local government red tape. Local pollies were conspicuous in their absence at last night's formal ribbon cutting.

"The investment in Australia by our parent company, AUDI AG, is representative of our outstanding achievements and is a clear message of support for our successful year-on-year record growth," local boss Hofmann said.

"Significantly, it also demonstrates the company's long term commitment to this country and our confidence that our brand will continue to grow in this economic climate," Hofmann added.

The Audi Lighthouse comprises eight levels and includes new and used car showrooms, a full service centre, café and conferencing facilities and Audi's corporate offices. The building is the new home of Audi Centre Sydney, which is now wholly owned by Audi Australia.

Space for more than 25 new cars, 70 used vehicles and parking for another 96 customer and company cars are incorporated. An entire floor of the building is devoted to the service centre. Ramps allow vehicle access to every floor.

The Lighthouse and Audi Centre Sydney will become benchmarks for Audi's dealer operations Down Under.

"A key part of Audi's strategic growth plan in Australia requires investment by the dealer network in facility upgrades," Hofmann explained.

"The total investment in new and upgraded facilities committed by our dealer partners in Australia will equal $150 million by 2010. We also saw the need for our own investment in the brand -- the Lighthouse -- to ensure the infrastructure was right for our planned long term growth," said Hofmann.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi