THE expanding Essendon Fields Auto development has welcomed two more franchises with  Zagame Automotive this week beginning construction of new Audi and Cupra showrooms.

Zagame said that the new showrooms for Audi and Cupra will service Melbourne’s fast growing north-western region.

Essendon Fields Auto already has 18 car dealerships, representing the largest single site collection of dealerships in the Southern Hemisphere.

The addition of Audi and Cupra will occupy one of the last remaining development sites in the successful dealer precinct.

Zagame Automotive founder and managing director Bobby Zagame (left) and Essendon Fields CEO Brendan Pihan.

In 2023 Essendon Fields Auto continued its ongoing year-on-year sales growth, selling more than 21,000 cars for the second consecutive year – with an estimated value of almost $1 billion.

The new Audi and Cupra showrooms occupy more than 1400 square metres, supported by a 2400 square metre vehicle servicing garage that will serve the two brands and their customers. 

All showroom and service areas have been designed to cater for electric vehicles, including access to fast charging stations on-site. The new showrooms are expected to be completed in early 2025.

Essendon Fields CEO Brendan Pihan said it was particularly pleasing to welcome the Zagame Automotive group to Essendon Fields Auto given the company’s standing and enormous success in the car market in Australia over more than 20 years.

“The addition of both the Audi and Cupra brands to Essendon Fields Auto again demonstrates the success of the auto mall concept established at Essendon Fields and that our accessible location is the best choice for dealers and customers,’’ Mr Pihan said.

“Our freeway connections and proximity to Australia’s two fastest growing population corridors in Melbourne’s north and west mean that over 1 million people can reach Essendon Fields Auto in under 15 minutes. 

“Our track record showing consistent year-on-year sales growth is proof that the car buying public are voting with their feet to experience the widest choice, great service and competitive prices all in one location.’

Zagame Automotive founder and managing director Bobby Zagame said the move to establish two new dealerships at Essendon Fields was a natural extension of the growth plans for both Audi and Cupra. 

“This is a hugely exciting move for us. We built our business by providing a better customer experience and opening these two new showrooms at Essendon Fields simply allows us to offer customers more,” he said.

“Audi and Cupra have exceptional products, and Essendon Fields is already home to some fantastic automotive brands, so together we will provide easy access for the huge number of people looking for a great experience.”

Zagame Automotive has more than 20 brands across its dealerships in Australia, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Bentley and McLaren.

The establishment of two new dealerships at Essendon Fields increases Zagame’s investment in the northern and western areas of Melbourne and signals its ongoing commitment to serve those communities in the future. 

The Audi and Cupra brands are helping drive the change to electric vehicles in Australia, which has been reflected in the design of the new showrooms. 

The new developments also signal an increased investment in luxury brands at Essendon Fields, with a new training centre opened for Porsche in 2021; the addition of a Volvo dealership in 2022; and construction nearing completion of a prestige pre-owned showroom for Dutton One, set for opening this March.