Introduction
On January 29th, we traveled to Beirut to attend the opening of Porsche's first studio in the Middle East, an event that was truly special. The studio is located just 45 seconds away from the Four Seasons hotel where we stayed during this remarkable trip. This new studio aims to provide a space where Porsche showcases its various products to valued customers in Lebanon. If you're interested in learning more about the Porsche Studio, how I managed to take a picture with the CEO of Porsche, Detlev von Platen, and what we discussed, then continue reading this article until the end.
What is the Main Purpose of the Porsche Studio?
Mr. Detlev von Platen mentioned that a few years ago, people would visit the dealership about eight times before purchasing a car. How many times do you visit a dealership before buying your vehicle? According to recent statistics, this number has sharply decreased to no more than half, a change that has impacted dealer operations not only in the region but globally.
The reason for this is clear: the internet. There is no doubt about it, especially since "YallaMotor" is a site that helps reduce this number. Many studies indicate that users prefer to search through third-party sites like ours before heading to the company's website and then visiting the actual dealership.
The Studio Experience
We all know that potential buyers today browse the internet for information and visit dealerships with a nearly complete understanding of the car—sometimes even knowing more than the sales staff at the dealership. For this reason, dealers must start thinking of new ways to attract customers to their physical showroom and offer something that cannot be provided through a computer or mobile screen.
If you own a Porsche, are considering purchasing one, or just want to learn more about Porsche vehicles, you should visit the studio to experience the true essence of Porsche. My first impression of the studio was as if I was in the living room of a beautiful home, adorned with pictures and sculptures of the car I dream of owning.
Car Customization
The studio stands out not only for its cars but also for the opportunity to customize your desired Porsche according to your preferences, from the key color to the interior designs and exterior paint. Additionally, you can purchase exclusive Porsche merchandise such as:
- Wallets
- Phone cases
- Cardholders
- Espresso cups
- Many other fantastic items
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Alongside the studio, Porsche has opened a dedicated charging station specifically for its e-hybrid vehicle lineup. In my opinion, this is a brilliant idea, as you can visit the studio, enjoy the merchandise inside, learn about the new models, chat with Porsche specialists, or even grab a cup of coffee in the café while your car charges.
Attention to Detail
If you are reading this article and currently live in Beirut, or are planning to visit the Porsche Studio, pay attention to the small details and don't hesitate to ask any questions that come to mind. Everything in the studio has been placed with a specific purpose, from the wall colors to the nature of the lighting, as well as the presentation of the cars, which all have a reason behind them.
For example, there is a red line extending throughout the studio—not just for decoration, but it is the exact color of the Porsche GTS.
Porsche's Future Directions
When I asked Mr. von Platen more about the company's direction regarding electric vehicles, he told me: "Currently, we will have a mix of combustion engines, hybrids, and fully electric vehicles. Given the nature of the markets we operate in, we cannot move directly to electric vehicles."
The discussion also covered some important questions such as:
- What makes electric vehicles beneficial for the environment?
- Is the power generation station important?
- Is infrastructure significant?
- Does the method of electricity generation matter?
Because if we charge our electric vehicles from inefficient sources, we are taking a step backward.
Opening New Studios
The most important question was whether such studios will open in the Gulf region. The answer was, of course, there will be one, but we do not know when.
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