Porsche top for sales, Lexus top for service, Driver Power research finds

Consumers love Porsche's sales experience the most in the UK, according to Driver Power annual research published by Auto Express today.

But its service experience comes third with 93.14% satisfaction, behind second-placed Subaru (93.18%) and top aftersales performer Lexus (94.42%).

But overall, Porsche's dealer network is the best in the UK, the survey of car owners found.

This is the first time that Porsche has topped the tables outright in the dealer survey of Driver Power, and comes hot on the heels of the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer finishing first in the Driver Power manufacturer rankings last month.

Out of eight individual areas that comprise the retail and service scores - and, in turn, the overall satisfaction rate - Porsche came first in three categories (all of which contributed to the retail score): showroom facilities, salesperson performance, and the deal. Only the handover process failed to amaze buyers.

“The team in our network of Porsche Centres can take great pride from this result,” said Sarah Simpson, chief executive of Porsche Cars GB.

“The investment in our network shows the commitment of our business partners and Porsche itself to a physical retail sales experience. The role our expert sales teams play in explaining the technology of the cars and sharing the stories behind the brand are fundamental in bringing the Porsche passion to life.”

“Owning a Porsche is the fulfilment of a dream for many people, and we strive to deliver a complete ownership experience that lives up to that expectation. Exciting customers and enthusiasts with a unique product and brand experience is our aim.”

Porsche Cars GB is the manufacturer’s fourth-largest market globally. Annual UK sales in 2020 were 14,283, with the Taycan electric car becoming the second-best seller in the year of its introduction, behind the Macan SUV.

Porsche's retail network has expanded in recent years to 43 locations, including new showrooms in Hull, Norwich and South Lakes near Kendal.

Development projects are expanding existing Porsche representation in Bournemouth (Inchcape), Reading (Porsche Retail Group) and Nottingham (Pendragon).

Porsche introduced a new showroom corporate identity recently, branded 'Destination Porsche' and retailers will be rolling that out over the coming years - the first will be Porsche Retail Group's site in Reading.

Porsche Retail Group also opened the UK's first 'Porsche Studio' in London's Mayfair, which is an early step in the German car brand's aim to trial various retail solutions.

“Winning the Driver Power dealer survey is a phenomenal achievement for Porsche, especially when the victory comes so soon after also topping our brands poll. Porsche was miles ahead of the competition when it came to retail, with top-notch ratings for its showrooms, salespeople, and deals,” commented Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief, Auto Express. “The firm’s dealers also received notably excellent scores for its service facilities, staff courtesy and communication. Congratulations to Porsche!"