Last week, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. broke ground on the site that will host an all-new Porsche Centre as well as the future corporate headquarters for the brand in Canada. Situated in the northeast corner of highways 401 and 404, it will provide the marque with a presence in an important and convenient corridor of the Greater Toronto Area, where approximately 600,000 vehicles pass daily.
Among those present to move the symbolic first shovel of earth was Alexander Pollich, President and CEO Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., Detlev von Platen, Executive Member of the Board Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG, as well as representatives from Agellan Capital Partners Inc., Traugott Building Contractors, Ware Malcomb design firm, and the City of Toronto.
“Porsche has been very successful in the Canadian market over the last few years where it became the fastest growing automotive brand in 2014,” said Pollich. “Our customers have been embracing our products year after year; therefore it is only natural that we grow our footprint in order to serve them even better as well as pave the way for continued success.”
The new head office will have space for around 50 Porsche Cars Canada personnel, thus preparing the brand for the anticipated future growth in the Canadian market.
At over 60,000 square feet, the building will also accommodate the first training centre in Canada, with two work bays, for Porsche Centre personnel nationwide.
“Porsche is a brand that celebrates performance, passion, and dedication,” added von Platen. “The team representing the brand has demonstrated these qualities as the past five record years have shown. It is with the greatest pleasure that I am present today for the beginning of construction symbolizing a materialization of the brand’s vision for the Canadian market.”
The dealership’s showroom will be able to accommodate 27 new and pre-owned vehicles. An underground garage will feature over 50 parking spots.
Porsche Cars Canada was formed as an independent subsidiary of Porsche AG in April 2008. The company employs a team of 33 in sales, aftersales, finance, marketing, and public relations. Last calendar year, Porsche sold an unprecedented 4,933 units in Canada, up 34% over 2013.