McLaren set to expand into Queensland

McLAREN has confirmed it will cut the tape on a third Australian dealership early next year when a Queensland showroom and service centre opens in either Brisbane or the Gold Coast.

Two further outlets are under consideration, for Perth and Adelaide, as the British supercar manufacturer steps up its Australian presence.

Speaking at the launch of the new strictly limited 675LT in Melbourne, McLaren Asia Pacific regional director David McIntyre told GoAuto the new dealership would be in Queensland, but he could not say if it would be on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane.

“Until November last year we only had one showroom, since November we have two,” he said. “By the beginning of next year we will have three.

“We are planning to open in Queensland but we haven't confirmed whether it will be Brisbane or Gold Coast. It will be decided very soon and we expect that we will be open in January.” GoAuto understands that Brisbane is the front runner for the latest McLaren development.

Mr McIntyre confirmed the new Queensland dealership would be a full sales and service centre, but locations in Western Australia and South Australia might end up being service centres only, to cater for an existing customer base.

“We're going to Queensland that's for sure, and for Adelaide and Perth we haven't decided whether we have just a service or whether we have a showroom and service,” he said.

“We have quite a number of customers in Adelaide, actually – more than in Western Australia so I'm looking at the opportunities and the best way to implement a service solution for our customers, and also whether we need a showroom.” Mr McIntyre explained that a sales centre in either location would only be given the go-ahead if there was sufficient evidence to suggest a strong and sustainable customer base.

“The priority is to service the customers but the second priority is to have a comfortable, sustainable business for the dealer,” he said. “If they have that then they look after the customers.” While models such as the ultra-exclusive 675LT cannot drive significant sales growth with only 15 coming Down Under, the introduction of more “attainable” McLarens such as the 650S, its Spider sibling and the forthcoming Sports Series are already increasing volumes.

The steady supplementation to McLaren's dealer network is part of a careful strategy to cope with the continued interest in the brand.

“That car (675LT) is really a statement of intent for us and it shows what we can do,” said Mr McIntyre. “It builds the brand and will also have a positive effect of 650S.

“650S here in Australia sales are up 50 per cent versus last year. The growth of the 650S will continue in Australia.” To the end of July this year, McLaren had sold 21 vehicles five more than at the same point in 2014, and more significant growth is expected when the 570S and 540C Sports Series models arrive next year.

Mr McIntyre was not able to confirm who the new Queensland dealer partner will be, but said a statement would be made once a decision had been made on the dealership location.