Porsche disses SF Auto Show
#1
11-22-2011, 03:12 PM
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
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Rep Power: 15 
Porsche disses SF Auto Show
I went to the San Francisco Auto Show last weekend, and was very surprised at Porsche's display. Last year they had a regular display, with unlocked cars so you could see how comfortable the Panamera is inside (front and back), sales reps, etc.
This year, they were back against a wall in a tiny little space, with just 4 vehicles: a Panamera, the previous 911 even though the new one is already shown in LA and elsewhere, a Cayman, and a Cayenne (the only one even unlocked). Not even a Boxster despite this being an area with beautiful convertible weather, and three of the four available about as thoroughly as if you saw them parked on the street and could just peek in the windows.
There were also no sales reps at all. I checked back several times on Sunday to see if anyone would show up, but no one did. This amazes me. I suspect that after Southern California and Miami, the SF Bay Area is their third biggest U.S. market, especially given all the money in Silicon Valley, but they made very little effort anyway. Really odd.
Chip
This year, they were back against a wall in a tiny little space, with just 4 vehicles: a Panamera, the previous 911 even though the new one is already shown in LA and elsewhere, a Cayman, and a Cayenne (the only one even unlocked). Not even a Boxster despite this being an area with beautiful convertible weather, and three of the four available about as thoroughly as if you saw them parked on the street and could just peek in the windows.
There were also no sales reps at all. I checked back several times on Sunday to see if anyone would show up, but no one did. This amazes me. I suspect that after Southern California and Miami, the SF Bay Area is their third biggest U.S. market, especially given all the money in Silicon Valley, but they made very little effort anyway. Really odd.
Chip
#2
11-22-2011, 03:17 PM
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#3
11-22-2011, 03:42 PM
if it makes you feel any better, the Miami autoshow sucked too. no sign of the 991. Zwart's pikes peak gt2 was there and a 4.0 GT3 RS, but no one could even come close to the RS.
I guess it's all about LA this year...
I guess it's all about LA this year...
#4
11-22-2011, 05:38 PM
I found out how awesome the Panamera Turbo S was at the Sonoma County Porsche Aircraft Experience when I got to flog it around their fine little course.
After breaking the tail out on each and every corner (even out of the start) and finally bringing the car to rest back at the beginning, the Pro politely asked me to "Please get out."
After breaking the tail out on each and every corner (even out of the start) and finally bringing the car to rest back at the beginning, the Pro politely asked me to "Please get out."
#5
11-22-2011, 05:59 PM
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 61
Rep Power: 15 I found out how awesome the Panamera Turbo S was at the Sonoma County Porsche Aircraft Experience when I got to flog it around their fine little course.
After breaking the tail out on each and every corner (even out of the start) and finally bringing the car to rest back at the beginning, the Pro politely asked me to "Please get out."
After breaking the tail out on each and every corner (even out of the start) and finally bringing the car to rest back at the beginning, the Pro politely asked me to "Please get out."
#6
11-22-2011, 07:05 PM
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#8
11-22-2011, 07:30 PM
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 61
Rep Power: 15
You're right. Now that you mention it, I don't remember Mercedes being there either! I guess Porsche paid slightly more respect to my community than Mercedes then. BMW and Audi were there in full force, though.
#10
11-23-2011, 12:14 AM
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Location: San Diego, San Francisco
Age: 69
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I went to the San Francisco Auto Show last weekend, and was very surprised at Porsche's display. Last year they had a regular display, with unlocked cars so you could see how comfortable the Panamera is inside (front and back), sales reps, etc.
This year, they were back against a wall in a tiny little space, with just 4 vehicles: a Panamera, the previous 911 even though the new one is already shown in LA and elsewhere, a Cayman, and a Cayenne (the only one even unlocked). Not even a Boxster despite this being an area with beautiful convertible weather, and three of the four available about as thoroughly as if you saw them parked on the street and could just peek in the windows.
There were also no sales reps at all. I checked back several times on Sunday to see if anyone would show up, but no one did. This amazes me. I suspect that after Southern California and Miami, the SF Bay Area is their third biggest U.S. market, especially given all the money in Silicon Valley, but they made very little effort anyway. Really odd.
Chip
This year, they were back against a wall in a tiny little space, with just 4 vehicles: a Panamera, the previous 911 even though the new one is already shown in LA and elsewhere, a Cayman, and a Cayenne (the only one even unlocked). Not even a Boxster despite this being an area with beautiful convertible weather, and three of the four available about as thoroughly as if you saw them parked on the street and could just peek in the windows.
There were also no sales reps at all. I checked back several times on Sunday to see if anyone would show up, but no one did. This amazes me. I suspect that after Southern California and Miami, the SF Bay Area is their third biggest U.S. market, especially given all the money in Silicon Valley, but they made very little effort anyway. Really odd.
Chip
#11
11-23-2011, 10:03 AM
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 61
Rep Power: 15 Given that SF is ruled by a bunch of anti car-jihadist, I'm surprised Porsche or any other car maker (other than eco boxes) even shows up. The SF auto show sucked 10 years ago. It must be horrible now. Chances are they will eventually move the autoshow to the silicon valley were the customer base is.
Chip
#13
11-23-2011, 10:32 AM
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 61
Rep Power: 15 Interesting that Mercedes is abandoning multiple shows. I bet someone said "that's not how we get our real customers anyway, let's save the money". But I don't think it will prove to be a good plan, especially when Audi and BMW are there without them.
Chip
Last edited by calexand; 11-23-2011 at 10:49 AM.
#14
11-23-2011, 01:16 PM
The Orange County Auto show sucked too. All the Porsches were from a local dealer and roped off. No 991...Only hardtop and convertible GTS'. Went to the LA show this week and Porsche had their own room. Great lighting for pics and both 991 launch models!
#15
11-04-2012, 01:15 AM
A man has got to do what a man has got to do!!!
