OPC's

[toppstuff]

Guys and Gals

Had cause to drop round an OPC the other day. It got me thinking about the recent and considerable expense that PCGB have spent on these steel and glass cathedrals.

Is it really worth it? I know the goal is to increase sales and movement from other brands, but I'd be interested in hearing about the thinking behind the design and image of these places.

It really is like walking into a waiting room on an imperial starship is'nt it? All the suited drones, porsche pins on their lapels, and a cold and hi-tec , hermetically sealed environment.

Half expected Lord Vader himself to serve me on walking up to the service reception.

Some kiddies were trying to enjoy themselves on a pedal car but, really, it felt like trying to force a laugh in a laboratory..

The people are nice and the service fine, don't get me wrong, but this seems to be the case inspite of their environment, not because of it..

The architecture and style lack humour, warmth or wit. Other than for the people and the service they provide, I do not feel compelled to return.

Why can't the OPC's be a little, I don't know, "warmer" ?? Who designed them, and what were they thinking?

Anyone have any insites?

[johnp68]

Someone German?

[agent006]

Is it not intended to match the percieved attitude of the cars. Well made for the job and just gets on and does it in a very clinical efficient way.

Also, have you noticed the removal of the dealer names. They're all Porsche Centre Whatevertown. I smell someone copying merc's trick to get around the new EU dealer laws.

[peterpeter]

Know what you mean, but its not just Porsche dealerships.
We have new VW and BMW dealerships nearby and they are exactly the same.


Incidentally, which dealer was it??
and what experience have you had with different dealers.

I have a couple I use and a couple I avoid like the plague.

[toppstuff]

peterpeter said:

Know what you mean, but its not just Porsche dealerships. We have new VW and BMW dealerships nearby and they are exactly the same. Incidentally, which dealer was it?? and what experience have you had with different dealers. I have a couple I use and a couple I avoid like the plague.

Head west down the M4, twixt Reading and Bristol

Service is fine ( if expensive) . Its just that I have an enthusiasm for good buildings and take interest in how environments can say something about a business, as well as affect the people who work within them.

IMO, these OPC's are just ugly, clinical and soulless places. They have no colour, no passion.

A Porsche should inspire some passion I think. The architecture of the OPC's seems designed to impress other brand drivers to switch ( those attracted to the key fob rather than the car, if you know what i mean) ..

Still, the independents must be well chuffed ! Leaves them to offer warmer, more friendly surroundings.

[dazren]

It's all part of a worldwide corporate image. This is also backed up by dropping the traditional dealership names and naming the them by their location/area, eg Porsche Silverstone.

BTW the Bristol OPC (Dick Lovett)will be moving from it's current central Bristol location to a purpose built new image style building being built next door to the BMW garage at Cribbs causeway (close to the M5).

DAZ

[GregE240]

dazren said:

It's all part of a worldwide corporate image. This is also backed up by dropping the traditional dealership names and naming the them by their location/area, eg Porsche Silverstone. DAZ

Fab example Darren, I guess "Porsche Centre Towcester" wasn't emotional enough

Its like calling OPC Reading OPC London.

[Melv]

GregE240 said:

dazren said: It's all part of a worldwide corporate image. This is also backed up by dropping the traditional dealership names and naming the them by their location/area, eg Porsche Silverstone. DAZ Fab example Darren, I guess "Porsche Centre Towcester" wasn't emotional enough Its like calling OPC Reading OPC London.

Tis a great shame. No sense of history. The AFN name has disappeared. Archie Frazer-Nash being a veteran racing driver and car builder from the '20's and '30's of chain driven vehicles. AFN were the first to import Porsche 356's and were fundamental in setting up Castle Coombe circuit.

It's the reason for this history that I bought a Porsche and not a TVR....

Melv

[domster]

I thought it was called AFN because they "Add a F**ing Nought" to the amount they invoice you.

[buster]

domster said:

I thought it was called AFN because they "Add a F**ing Nought" to the amount they invoice you.

Excellent!


...that said mine is due for service next month!

[rubystone]

Porsche Centre Dagenham - now that's a thought -and I challenge them to make a silk purse out of that sow's ear of a name...

All German car dealerships follow the same form and having just spent a day in Frankfurt on Friday visiting the "cream" of German investment banking, I know where the inspiration came from.

My local Audi dealership is as welcoming as a sneeze in Singapore.

So I agree - let's campaign for more friendly dealerships where you don't feel the need to wipe your feet or look for a box to contribute your £5 towards the upkeep of the showroom.