Audi opens dedicated showroom in Hobart

GERMAN luxury brand Audi has established a foothold in Hobart with a bespoke showroom opening in the Tasmanian capital.

The $13 million, 450-square-meter glass and aluminium Audi Centre Hobart officially opened last week, largely in response to growing customer demand for the brand’s product, Jackson Motor Company managing director Errol Stewart said.

“Audi is a very strong brand in Hobart and it has experienced consistent growth,” Mr Stewart said.

“Our existing dealership had reached capacity and the market has clearly indicated that there is an opportunity to expand our operation,” he said.

The Hobart showroom includes an undercover display area for eight vehicles, with space on the forecourt for 24 more.

The dealership also offers a customer lounge and a dedicated service reception.

Audi Australia managing director Andrew Doyle said the luxury car-maker was pleased that such a statement facility had opened in Hobart.

“This project, along with many others which are under construction around the country, represents Audi’s growing strength in Australia,” Mr Doyle said.

“Supported by markets like Hobart, which is currently in the number two premium position, Audi will achieve its 10th year of consecutive sales growth in 2014.

“In this time, the brand has sold more than five times its volume and we see Tasmania, and in particular growing markets like Hobart, as a very important part of this development plan for the southern states of the nation.”

Mr Doyle said Audi and its dealers were “continuing to invest significantly” in the brand in Australia as part of a strategic growth plan to overtake BMW and Mercedes-Benz “in the medium term”.