Customer satisfaction our top priority: Porsche Asia Pacific MD
Martin Limpert is the Managing Director of Porsche Asia Pacific. German-born Limpert is responsible of managing the importer network in thirteen markets within the Asia Pacific region. Limpert has spent the last ten years at Porsche AG with extensive expe
What is the potential Porsche as a high-end automotive brand sees in Sri Lanka, which is a lower-middle income country?
Porsche Asia Pacific covers 13 markets, among the larger ones such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. We are also present in Brunei, Cambodia, French Polynesia, Mongolia, New Caledonia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam. One of these markets could be in the future become one of the largest markets in the region. Building, positioning, sharpening the brand, giving outstanding purchase and ownership experience will require time, and we are already starting early.
Porsche is believed to be planning to introduce several models to the Sri Lankan market, including the 718 Boxster. What prompted such a move?
Porsche is clearly perceived by the public and media as the sports car brand, producing reliable everyday sportscars. Today Porsche produces wider range of cars other than the iconic 911, with the Panamera, Macan and Cayenne, and the aim is clear to be the sportiest in every segments.
Porsche newly rebranded the Boxster and Cayman to the 718 Boxster and Cayman. The Porsche 718, where the name came from, has a long history on the racetrack, claiming many racing victories by the mid 1960s from the Targa Florio to Le Mans. The new 718 Boxster range carries on the fighting spirit of the original Porsche 718 with inspired pride and fierce conviction. We are putting our effort to build the culture of sportscar even further here in Sri Lanka by introducing the 718 range.
How capable is Porsche agent in Sri Lanka in providing the after-sales services to prospective Lankan customers?
The Eurocars after-sales team consists of one Gold, one Silver and bronze certified technicians. This is a testament to the high standard of Eurocars after-sales services. Modern, high quality PIWIS testers with updated software and other facilities and services.
Our principle and focus is outstanding purchase and ownership experience, so definitely customer satisfaction is our top priority. We are putting heavy emphasis on customer study and customer retention management. The customer satisfaction index for our region, combining both purchase and after sales survey result is at a very high level but, we always try to improve.
What are Porsche’s immediate and mid-term expansion plans in Sri Lanka?
Eurocars (Pvt) Ltd., the agent for Porsche cars in Sri Lanka has maintained a lot of focus on the SUV market in previous years mainly due to the road conditions and functionality reasons.
We have new models such as the compact SUV Macanthat is already a top seller worldwide, but at the same time, we put our energy to build the sports car culture and sharpen the Porsche brand in the new markets, focusing in products like our iconic 911 and the mid-engine 718 Boxster and Cayman.
But with the local launch of the new 718 Boxster, Eurocars intends to add priority to introduce the sports car as well, since there is a significantly growing demand for sports cars among the high-income segment in Sri Lanka.
How many Porsche units are already sold in Sri Lanka since the establishment of a Porsche showroom in the country and how many units you are looking to sell, beginning from 2017, per annum?
Eurocars has sold nearly 200 units since its inception. This is a relatively good number for a growing market like Sri Lanka. On one of our best years, delivering more than 30 units so we would look forward to be better than our record year in Sri Lanka.
How do you want Sri Lankans to perceive Porsche brand going forward?
We have strong roots in motorsports and brand heritage or values that we hold very much. These are the foundation and essence of our communication. We believe that the best way to feel our brand is to put the customers behind the wheel. The focus of our activities is sporty driving where we showcase our engineering highlights, after all, we are Porsche and part of our company name includes the word engineering. So this is where we come from and this is our emphasis. Motorsports also belongs to our genetic code. In our region, we also have the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, which is our one make series. Other than that, Porsche Sports Driving School, Porsche Travel Club and most importantly the independent Porsche Clubs are the best tool in conveying our brand values. The members are our brand ambassadors and they carry credible messages out of their own experiences.