AUTOSPORTS Group Ltd (ASG) has opened its new Leichhardt Volkswagen showroom on Parramatta Road, only a short distance east of the previous Five Dock Volkswagen dealership.

The new dealership has opened with its sales department and will be joined later by service and parts. Autosports said the service department would remain in nearby Spencer Street for “a few more weeks” before being integrated with the showroom.

In announcing the opening of the new showroom, Volkswagen Group Australia managing director, Michael Bartsch, said it was “the boldest statement to date of the direction Volkswagen dealerships are taking in this country”.

“We demand of our dealers that customers receive prestige service at all touchpoints. Leichhardt Volkswagen will be the example par excellence,” he said.

The showroom features a 110 metre-long glass frontage, spacious interior with modular workstations and tablets for use by sales staff. Staff are dressed in the new Volkswagen corporate fashion. The showroom includes a children’s play area.

ASG has focused on the customer with personal greetings and coffee ordered on arrival at the service centre and the option for them to remain on the premises while the car is being maintained – and allowing access to wi-fi in the lounge – or leave in the courtesy car, taxi or public transport.

For customers with more time on their hands, the showroom is close to the Norton Street cafe strip.

By Neil Dowling