Teaming up with long-time partner Premium Automobiles Pte Ltd, Audi is launching the highly anticipated Audi House of Progress Singapore. This immersive lifestyle hub, along with a brand-new online sales platform and a lineup of new electric models, is Audi’s way of redefining the car-buying experience in the Lion City.

By the end of 2024, Audi will unveil its new flagship space, the Audi House of Progress Singapore.

Not only will you be able to test drive and purchase current and future Audi models, but you’ll also be able to enjoy an elevated dining experience, take part in curated events, and join exclusive gatherings.

Markus Schuster, Managing Director of Audi Singapore, sums it up nicely: “2024 is a pivotal year for Audi in Singapore. The Audi House of Progress Singapore will mark our commitment to innovating and refining the customer experience, staying ahead of evolving consumer needs.”

He adds that we can expect even more exciting updates in the coming months as Audi continues to roll out new models and redefine automotive retail in Singapore.

Soon, Audi will launch an online retail platform, giving customers another option to explore and purchase their dream Audi. This would bring a full suite of customisation tools, real-time stock checks, financing options, insurance packages, and even trade-in features right to your screen. The first model to go live on the platform will be the Audi Q4 e-tron, with other models following closely behind.

Even as Audi makes strides in digital retail, it hasn’t forgotten the importance of a strong physical presence. Premium Automobiles Pte Ltd, which has been Audi Singapore’s trusted aftersales partner for years, will continue to handle all aftersales services.

“We are dedicated to providing the highest standards of aftersales service to continue meeting the needs of Audi’s customers,” says Hadi Widjaja Tanaga, President of Premium Automobiles Pte Ltd.

As we wait for the new space to open its doors, the Audi Centre Singapore remains fully operational, offering test drives and in-person experiences. And if you’re eager to get behind the wheel, look out for a series of Audi roadshows happening across the island in the coming months. 

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In a year marked by significant product launches, Porsche has managed to maintain stable sales figures in the first half of 2024. Between January and June, the German manufacturer handed over 155,945 vehicles to customers worldwide, reflecting a moderate 7 percent decrease compared to the previous year.

The brand is currently updating five of its six model series – Cayenne, Panamera, Macan, Taycan, and 911 – which has led to temporary gaps in availability in certain markets. 

Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG, stated, “With the most powerful model range in the company’s history, we are sending out a clear signal. Our customers can rely on us. Even in a globally challenging market environment, we deliver inspiring sports cars with unique performance, many innovations, and a high degree of individualisation.”

The Porsche Cayenne led the charge with 54,587 units delivered in the first half of the year, marking a 16 percent increase. The Macan followed with 39,167 deliveries, an 18 percent decrease due to the model changeover in various markets.

Von Platen noted, “The new all-electric generation of the SUV recorded a very pleasing order intake. The first vehicles will be handed over to customers in the second half of the year.”

The iconic 911 continued to deliver, with 28,212 units sold worldwide, an 8 percent increase. The Panamera saw 13,255 deliveries, a 25 percent decline due to the current model transition.

Similarly, the Taycan experienced a significant drop, with 8,838 deliveries, reflecting a 51 percent decrease. The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman models saw an 8 percent increase, with 11,886 units delivered.

Von Platen concluded, “In 2024, we will put the most powerful Porsche product portfolio of all time on the road. We will continue to focus on a triad of drive systems: fully electric vehicles, efficient plug-in hybrids, and emotional combustion engines.”

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Dedicated to “pursuing the ultimate driving pleasure,” the GT-R R35, affectionately known as ‘Godzilla’, has steadily evolved since debuting in 2007 as Nissan’s flagship super sports car.

Premium Edition Godzillas are available in six grades – Pure Edition, Black Edition, Premium Edition, Premium Edition T-Spec, Track Edition engineered by NISMO, and Track Edition engineered by NISMO T-Spec.

The Premium Edition T-spec and the Track Edition engineered by NISMO incorporate high precision weight-balanced piston rings, connecting rods and crankshafts, previously only available in the NISMO Special Edition, for snappier revs and faster turbo spooling.

Both models also feature GT-R-exclusive aluminium takumi certification name plates as well as gold-coloured model number plates in the engine compartment. The Premium Edition is available with a special new interior colour, Blue Heaven.

Two NISMO variants will also be available – the NISMO, and the NISMO Special Edition.

All editions come with Nissan’s six-speed dual-clutch transmission with all-wheel drive and are Japan-market only or JDM as known in enthusiast circles.

Although orders can now be placed at Nissan dealers and Nissan High Performance Centres in Japan, production is limited and Nissan says that some orders might not be accepted.

We don’t know of anyone crazy enough to parallel import this new Godzilla into Singapore. Given the new vehicle tax and emissions structures currently in place, a base-model Pure Edition could likely cost close to $500,000 once COE is also factored into the equation.

For context, that’s double or more what Godzilla cost to own in Singapore when it first came out in 2007. Let’s not even talk about what the NISMO variants would cost to bring to Singapore.

The Nissan GT-R online catalogue can be perused here.

Photo Credits: Nissan

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The Ioniq 5 is a special car for Singapore, in that it is the first mass-produced car to be assembled locally on our shores. Assembled in the new state-of-the-art Hyundai factory, 

The first 100 units will also bear a unique Singapore-inspired emblem on the back.

Variants for all

Prospective buyers can opt for four exterior colours for their new Ioniq 5:

• Midnight Black Pearl
• Titan Grey Metallic
• Optic White
• Magnetic Silver Metal

Customers will also get to choose from a few variants. The base ‘Exclusive’ trim level comes with a Cat A COE-friendly 58kWh battery, providing drivers with 384km of range (WLTP). This specification also puts out 143bhp and 350Nm of torque, and the century sprint can be completed in 9.5 seconds.

Spare some extra cash, and the higher rung ‘Prestige’ trim sets itself apart with Signature Parametric Pixel headlamps, a gloss black exterior belt line and side mirrors, plus chrome body moulding. Stepping inside, customers also receive Hyundai’s Zero Gravity seats upholstered in Hyundai’s internal term Natural Leather, and an Augmented Reality (AR) heads-up display.

This car is also available with the same 58kWh battery and the same power output as the ‘Exclusive’. However, customers can optionally spec the ‘Prestige’ trim with the larger 77kWh battery. Opting for the larger capacity will net you 507km of range, alongside a bump in performance to 225bhp and 350Nm of torque. Reaching 100km/h only takes 7.3 seconds too with this power boost.

Of course, there will be some who do not want any compromises and only wish to opt for the best in class. That’s where the ‘Inspiration’ trim comes into play. It comes with the same extended 77kWh battery but now feeds power to electric motors located at both axles. This dual motor setup allows it to deliver 320bhp alongside a commendable 605Nm of torque.

The century sprint can be rocked in just 5.1 seconds, and you can do that for a total of 454km (WLTP). The ‘Inspiration’ trim is also the only trim that comes with a Bose premium audio system as standard, as well as 20-inch rims.

Charging time for the smaller 58kWh cars is claimed to be 47 minutes (10% to 80%), while the larger 77kWh battery is 1 hour and 2 minutes (10% to 80%). The maximum charging speed rated for the Ioniq 5 is 350kWh using a fast direct current (DC) charger.

So how do you go about buying one?

Prospective customers will be able to customise, order and finance their cars on Hyundai’s online customer purchase platform.

The new online portal makes it extremely convenient for customers, offering a finance plan simulation for those looking to commit to a car. Once an order has been confirmed, customers will be able to deposit, apply for a loan, track their order status in real time, as well as select their own collection dates, all on the same website.

Buyers will also be able to pay via PayNow, a first-of-its-kind payment option. Just make sure you increase your daily spending limit before paying. Hyundai has also partnered with various banks, so hassle-free paperwork and financing can be expected, which is a huge relief.

Best of all, the Singapore-Built Ioniq 5 will be offered with a comprehensive free 10-year EV battery warranty alongside a 10-year free service programme at the EV-dedicated service centre at Komoco Motors. Those who live in landed housing can also receive a free EV home charger, including installation and an extended warranty. Alternatively, people who do not have access to a home charger can opt for free charging credits.

Porsche AG has recently released its group sales revenue for 2022. The German marque has amounted a staggering €37.6 billion (S$54,1B), which exemplifies a 13.6 per cent growth. Total costs for the year was 6.8 billion euros, an increase of 1.5 billion euros or 27.4 per cent from the 2021.

This year, the Stuttgart sports car maker has big plans to advance its modern luxury strategy, thus it has since launched its ‘Road to 20’ initiative in a bid to achieve its long-term profit target.

Oliver Blume, chairman of the Porsche AG executive board, stated “In difficult conditions, we achieved the strongest result in the history of Porsche, by some distance. We were also able to offer our customers exciting new products yet again in 2022. This is the result of a great team performance.”

Despite a year plagued with civil wars, the reminents of the COVID-19 pandemic, and challenges in global supply chains, Porsche AG still managed to deliver 309,884 vehicles to customers. Automotive net cash flow also grew from 3.7 billion euros to 3.9 billion euros.

“Our success factors are improved price positioning, the strong product mix, the increase in vehicle sales, exchange rate effects, and our strict cost discipline,” says Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman and Member of the Executive Board for Finance and IT.

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