Porsche Cars North America Launches Mobile Tag Program for Porsche Dealerships

ATLANTA, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche Cars North America today announced a convenient new way for consumers to do more than just "kick the tires" when they visit a Porsche dealership after hours, or when they prefer to be "just looking" while in the showroom. Shoppers now have the power to see, read and even hear the inside story about Porsche vehicles on display at participating Porsche dealers, whenever it suits their busy schedules. The new program, a first for an automotive luxury brand, taps into the technology of mobile tags and smartphone tag readers adding rich content and interactive functionality for a high-performance, personalized shopping experience.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110711/CL32469-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110711/CL32469-b )

Each scan of a mobile tag-equipped Porsche automatically opens a micro website utilizing the phone's built in web browser and features a wealth of specific product information to the exact car being browsed, including vehicle videos, leading press reviews and even the unique sound of the Porsche model's engine. A customer can also provide contact information for fast follow-up by a Porsche sales professional, or can browse anonymously.

"Porsche customers enjoy both performance and technology and are using their mobile devices to help make vehicle purchasing decisions," said Michael Bartsch, chief operating officer of Porsche Cars North America. "The dealers that have begun using mobile tags in their showrooms have noted positive feedback from their sales team as well as greater customer engagement and enthusiasm."

Since the launch of a pilot program in early June, 11 Porsche dealers have already implemented the program, with 184 on the way. According to a 2009 Morgan Stanley study, one-third of all digital information is now viewed using mobile devices, and by 2013 that number is expected to reach 50 percent.

"It's been quite exciting to serve as a test-dealer for Porsche's new mobile tags. The technology affords our customers the opportunity to receive quick, up-to-the-minute information on our inventory," says Ken Gorin, president and CEO of THE COLLECTION. "We pride ourselves on Event Marketing, so the new program has already proven especially useful in translating off-site displays into in-dealership sales."

In addition to making the Porsche shopping experience even more convenient, Porsche has designed new web and mobile tools that help on-the-go customers quickly locate and connect with dealer sales and service information. The latest innovations include Smart Mobile for touch-screen handheld devices, featuring customized dealership information including available inventory, special offers and easy driving directions. Also new is a location-based, mobile version of the Porsche Dealer locator where customers can now find local dealers, search all dealers nationwide or find their nearest service center via their smartphone.

Additionally, Porsche dealers can now utilize the new SalesPad Apple® iPad 2 application to instantly display and share information on a particular car while also tapping into the Porsche Car Configurator, which allows the customer to easily custom design the Porsche of their dreams. The ability to access a library of extensive model information, including a national inventory search increases the likelihood of finding the exact Porsche the customer wants, in stock.

For more information on the program or to locate a Porsche dealer, visit www.Porsche.com/usa.

About Porsche Cars North America

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera Sedan. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 195 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand's 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency. At the core of this success is Porsche's proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000 motorsport wins to date.

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SOURCE Porsche Cars North America, Inc.