Spread the love

Following 14 months of construction work, Ocean Automotive have held the official curtain raiser on their state-of-the-art new Poole Audi premises in Old Wareham Road in Poole, which at 65,000 sq feet and 4 acres, is now the UK’s largest Audi Centre and one of the biggest in Europe.

At the press launch 200 invited guests enjoyed a selection of canapé and hors d’oeuvre creations from Michelin-star chef Russell Brown. Next came a fascinating talk and ‘Question and Answer’ session with Allan McNish, three times winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race with Audi, and with an enviable string of other motor racing successes to his name too. There followed a live performance by vocalist and West End star Beverley Knight MBE.

DKellyBKnightMcNishDavid Kelly, Managing Director of Poole Audi, explained to guests that since opening Poole Audi in 2000, with 27 staff, the firm has grown so that it employs 110 now, in response to increasing business. He said that he was delighted with the way in which Poole Audi has achieved very high levels of customer service in that time.

Talking of the firm’s move to its new centre, which opens to the public on 1st August, he added, “We are bringing together a unique team in a new environment more suited to the 21st Century. This is a very special place to do business.”

Mark Laming, Head of Business and a director of Poole Audi, told guests that the firm’s customer base now amounts to over 12,000 people in the Poole area. Talking of his excitement and positive outlook for the new centre, relative to his own role, he said that he felt as if he had “Won Oscars” due to being involved.

Speaking about the rapid growth of the business Laming said, “The secret of our success is belief in the firm’s staff, who genuinely care about their customers”. He added that staff retention rates are very high.

Poole Audi has been operating in the Dorset town since 2000, consistently expanding and with the firm’s original premises undergoing major refurbishment in 2006. Six years later the decision was taken to move to an all-new base to cater for continued growth in demand in the future.

The new showroom can accommodate and display 24 new Audis, and the new Centre also incorporates three hand-over bays for car-buying customers, two HD display configuration rooms and two MoT zones with full valet and SMART repair facilities.

The new dealership features a spacious, light and airy service workshop with 24 ramps (with a technician for each ramp), and much high-tech equipment, including the latest diagnostic tools, a stand-alone geometry ramp and ‘automatic’ MoT test machines.

The on-site facilities include three climate-controlled drop-off and pick-up bays, so that all service, MoT and sales operations can take place under cover. In addition, a top class fully-equipped gym, a spa and relaxation lounges are provided, with complimentary refreshments being provided.

DaveeyBoyKelly

Got a spare 30 seconds?

 Help us to provide you with better market insight by completing a very short survey. It is anonymous and only takes 30 seconds. You will get free access to the quarterly results.

Thinking of the switch to electric?

Need help in finding the right electric vehicle for you? Compare driving range, battery capacity, charging time, price, and features to find the perfect EV for you.