Drive One cruises into second year as authorised dealer of Audi

Audi Q3

Drive One recently celebrated two years of its partnership with Audi, an undeniably premium brand with a loyal customer base around the island and worldwide. Drive One Ltd., founded by three loyal Audi owners, was appointed the sole authorised dealer for Audi in Sri Lanka in October 2017. Since then, the company has enjoyed outstanding success serving Audi owners in the island to international standards.

Drive One has garnered the know-how of talented veterans in the local automobile industry to provide an unparalleled service to Audi customers. Leveraging this expertise, Drive One enjoyed a successful, record-braking year in 2018, outperforming sales of some of its highly experienced competitors.  

In terms of products, the A5 Sportback enjoys high demand in the country owing to its superior design and stylish, coupe-like design that appeals to the local audience, as well as the level of specifications and options included. Meanwhile, the Audi Q2 introduced a novel segment to the luxury car industry as an affordable premium vehicle with the highest level of safety, comfort and environmentally friendliness, a growing market segment. With innovative options such as virtual cockpit and full touch display, the newest flagship models of Audi A6 and Audi Q3 are in the pipeline to be launched in the country, currently being perfected to local conditions.

According to Chief Operating Officer Anushka Polonwita, “Drive One’s unique selling point is that it directly imports authentic vehicles from the manufacturers, Audi AG, once ensuring that they are perfectly suited for Sri Lankan conditions.” He reiterates that the cars sold by Drive One are ‘tropicalised’ to suit local fuel quality, road conditions and emission standards. Drive One is the only Audi-approved service centre in the country and is equipped to handle all repairs, maintenance and all after-sales service. It is also the only company in Sri Lanka to provide a manufacture warranty for each purchase, as well as Audi expertise and technical support using the latest software updates and specialised tools.

In maintaining Audi’s excellent reputation for customer service, Drive One has recruited excellent sales and marketing staff, as well as qualified technicians with years of experience not only with Audi but other premium international brands as well. Within two years, Drive One has conducted various training programs steered by specialists from Audi AG for the purpose of accrediting both its sales and technical staff. The regular training programs are mandatory for all participants, and include overseas training with the aim of equipping its staff with a globally accepted Audi certification.

Drive One has also notably created a dedicated ‘customer support’ system and an island-wide 24x7 roadside assistance service. With its pick-up and drop service, the company intends to provide a personalised service and renew the trust of its customers in the company. In addition to its investments in training and development, Drive One is set to implement new systems with regards to complaint handling and service processes.

Regarding the future, Drive One Managing Director Hiran de Silva commented, “Given the current economic challenges, Drive One continues to invest for the future of the brand in Sri Lanka. However, policymakers need to have consistent policies that will help growth and sustainability of the automobile industry.”

He further revealed plans in the pipeline to enhance the customer experience by creating an authentic Audi experience for its loyal customers. Drive One will soon open the first dedicated Audi showroom in the country, designed to international standards and providing technical know-how gathered directly from its European parent. The showroom, which will be located in Nawala, is due to open its doors to customers in January 2020. Looking ahead to an ‘electrifying future’, Drive One will also be investing in a state-of-the-art, 100,000 sq. ft. workshop facility in line with Audi global standards that will raise the bar in automotive servicing industry in Sri Lanka.

With these investments and new model introductions planned for the near future, Drive One is set to be the most customer-centric, premium automobile dealer in the country.