Porsche to add another dealership in Detroit

In 2007, Porsche AG pulled out of the NAIAS in Detroit, saying that it was better served by dedicating resources to other American markets where there were more customers for the brand. Four years later however, much has changed as Porsche launched its new hybrid in 2011 at the very show it had abandoned in 2007, and is working on creating a fourth dealership in the Motor City area.

“We have a lot of confidence in Detroit,” said Tony Fouladpour, business communications manager for Porsche. “There’s a lot of optimism about Detroit and its future with Porsche.”

Local dealers are in agreement with Fouldapour. “After every rain, the sun shines,” said Eitel Dahm, president of the Eitel Dahm Motor Group, which also sells Audi, BMW and Mini brands. “I see the economy coming back, and now is the time to make an investment.”

“We felt there’s a big enough community (of Porsche drivers) to warrant the investment we made,” said George Davis, general manager of Howard Cooper Porsche in Ann Arbor, which created a new showroom for the brand in November 2009.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News