A vehicle can be an everyday object, a statement or a way of life - at best, all of these at once. And when the name “Porsche” comes up, the eyes of true car lovers light up. Luxury, high-class engineering and timeless style all come together in one sports car. Many a person dreams of having this car in their garage. And anyone who has driven one will probably rave about it for a long time to come, like their first great love. At Porsche Zentrum Kärnten, the Porsche centre in Carinthia, quite a few people have made this love affair a reality. Besides offering the best advice and information, the team here works hard to find the right car for future owners. For it to “click” right from the start, the atmosphere has to be right when you’re buying a car too. With AROMEA Airdesign, customers at the dealership are welcomed from the very first second with relaxing yet fitting scents. We talked to Bernhard Kitz from brand management about the fascination of this car, the dream of owning one and, of course, AROMEA.
From the legendary 911 to the versatile SUV - what is the appeal of driving a Porsche?
Kitz: I think, on the one hand, it’s a childhood dream to sit in a Porsche one day and experience the feeling of driving pleasure, dynamics, performance and speed. On the other hand, it’s also a gift to yourself. Perhaps for reaching a goal, which could be all sorts of things. But it can also convey the feeling that owning a Porsche makes you part of the family of the best sports car manufacturer in the world.
What expectations do customers bring with them to Porsche Zentrum Kärnten?
Kitz: They expect the highest possible product quality and the best possible personal support. I like to swap roles and ask myself: how could a visit to a Porsche centre pleasantly surprise me? How can it become an experience that sticks in my head for a long time? I think this is the right way to constantly give our customers the feeling that they’re in the best of hands.
Is buying a car purely a sales conversation, or is there more to it? If so, what?
Kitz: In principle, we have nothing in our showroom that anyone would need - but everyone would love to have it. So it’s a purely emotional affair, from walking into the Porsche building to the handover of your own Porsche. That’s also how the sales conversation goes, although it’s more a matter of advice on your individual Porsche, which can be customised in every corner of the interior and exterior. We talk about design, history and individuality, so that you can make the perfect choice for yourself.
Why did you decide to make a new statement with scent marketing?
Kitz: For me personally, it’s also a purely emotional first contact, if you can call it that. I don’t believe there’s anyone who could experience this first, positive contact without the thought occurring to them: “Wow, it smells good in here”. Only then, in the second step, do the staff make their entrance, and by then they already have a head start. We get plenty of help with this from an AROMEA PRO 5.
How does the scent you chose - Blue Wood - suit Porsche?
Kitz: I’m no expert when it comes to scent notes and so on, but our team and I feel this scent suits our cars. A note of exclusivity and elegance, I would say.
And where is the scent used?
Kitz: The scent is used in the new car showroom, including service reception, through to the lounge area for our customers.
So almost everywhere… how does this touch go down with customers and staff?
Kitz: There are customers and visitors who show an interest and ask our staff about it, and everyone else just enjoys it!
Which scent would you use to describe the feeling when a brand-new Porsche goes to its owner?
Kitz: That certainly depends on the model too. For the 911, I would say passion + memory = my absolute favourite scent!
Bernhard Kitz on using “Blue Wood” at Porsche Zentrum Kärnten
