New Audi Terminal set to open in Singapore in 2011

When completed, the building will be the largest Audi showroom, sales and service centre in South-east Asia. Elements of dynamism, asymmetry and transparency remain central to the design of the Audi Terminal in Singapore.

Located at the site currently occupied by Advance Automobiles, the Audi Terminal will consist of five levels, with a capacity to house its entire range of cars, as well as work bays in the service area and an exclusive delivery area for newly-registered cars. Total
built-up area is estimated at 13,000 square metres, including two basement car parks. Other features include an extensive display area for Audi Genuine Accessories, an exclusive quattro GmbH corner for special individualisation of cars as well as a gourmet café and kids’ entertainment area.

"At a time when most companies are scaling back on their investments, we are adopting a counter-cyclical approach and pushing ahead with our plans for Singapore," said Reinhold Carl, Managing Director, Audi Singapore. "With this property investment planned in tandem with our increased demand, I believe Audi will emerge from this economic crisis, a stronger contender than ever before in the premium segment."

Mr Hadi Widjaja Tanaga, President of Premium Automobiles, added, "The new Audi Terminal is situated at the crossroads of Alexandra and Leng Kee Road. The site has immense potential and when completed, Audi will have a strong presence in this prime motoring belt." Mr Tanaga is injecting some $45 million into the development of this project.

This property announcement came on the back of the most aggressive product strategy that Audi AG has planned in its 2015 vision. Despite the economic downturn, the company has no intention to step its foot off the pedal and is aggressively pushing to introduce 40 models, up from the existing 28 by 2015.

In the recently concluded Annual Press Conference held in Ingolstadt, Audi AG announced a 13th record-breaking year in a row with more than 1,003,400 units sold worldwide. Net profitability for the group increased by a record 18% and placed the Company in a good stead to
navigate the downturn. In Singapore, Audi sales surged by 37% to end the year with 1,317 cars, making Audi the fastest growing premium brand in Singapore once again.

The Audi Terminal project will be designed and built by award-winning Singapore architectural firm Ong & Ong. Work is expected to commence on the Audi Terminal in July 2009 and scheduled to open in second half of 2011.

For customers of Mitsuoka, a Japanese automotive brand under the management of Advance Automobiles and current owner of the site, the servicing and warranty terms will be handled by the Aftersales Division of Premium Automobiles from 1 April 2009 onwards as part of the contractual agreement. The customers of Mitsuoka have been
informed of this change in writing.

[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-2009041511259135.jpg[/IMG]
[I]The proposed Audi Terminal - Artist's impression[/I]

Credits: JRC