Login | Staff | Feedback | Customer Service | RSS | Advertise | Subscriber Services
customer service

HomeBusiness NewsBusiness news

Four-wheel luxury

New car showroom opens in Naples

The new Naples Luxury Imports showroom on U.S. 41 opened at the end of August. Bentley, Rolls Royce, Bugatti, Maserati, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover are all represented in the sparkling 30,000 square feet of show space.

Jennifer Whitney/ staff

The new Naples Luxury Imports showroom on U.S. 41 opened at the end of August. Bentley, Rolls Royce, Bugatti, Maserati, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover are all represented in the sparkling 30,000 square feet of show space.

In the Jaguar showroom, a round inset light fixture in the ceiling highlights the curves of the new vehicle displayed under it.

Jennifer Whitney

In the Jaguar showroom, a round inset light fixture in the ceiling highlights the curves of the new vehicle displayed under it.


STORY TOOLS
Share on Facebook

Curiosity seekers, dreamers and the fortunate few with the means to pay six-figures for four wheels can now view some of the world’s glitziest automobiles at the newly opened Naples Luxury Imports showroom on U.S. 41 North.

Bentley, Rolls Royce, Bugatti, Maserati, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover are all represented in the sparkling 30,000 square feet of show space — a far cry from the 2,500 that the dealership used to occupy, managing partner John Harris said.

Porsche will stay in its current location next to the new building.

“If you saw that little place next door, it was like trying to run a Publix out of a 7-Eleven,” he said.

Four years in the making, Harris wouldn’t disclose the cost of the project, saying he didn’t want the public to see the luxury dealership as exclusionary.

“Our biggest challenge is letting people know we have pre-owned Jaguars for $20,000 (as well as) Rolls Royce for $500,000,” Harris said.

But there’s no mistaking the glamour that the dealership exudes.

Guests are greeted by a pristine “Neptune” blue Bentley whose sparkle is matched by the spotless floor and glass office doors.

Wood inlay leads to a room where clients customize their selection and watch it come to life via computer modeling.

These features aren’t specific to the Naples location. Each manufacturer dictates the interior design and furnishings, from the travertine floors of the Aston Martin space to the Bentley symbol embroidered in the tan leather office chairs.

But the shine can only go so far — customer service does the rest, Harris said.

He sees the new showroom as a symbol of the ever-increasing standard of service in Naples.

And that philosophy won the patronage of Kathryn Vahldieck of Bonita Springs.

She used to lease a “Bing Cherry” red Bentley from a location in Clearwater. But Harris convinced her to slip into a Rolls of her own — a sandy-colored, four-door model onto which she plans to add a pink pinstripe.

“I used to get a lot of high-fives with (the Bentley), and now what I get is a very majestic nod,” the self-proclaimed car show-off said.

She saw the new building a couple of days ago — she stopped in and the dealership washed her car.

“The new facility is very sleek-looking and classy,” she said by phone. “They make you feel like you are part of their family. I can’t really praise them enough.”

The showroom opened at the end of August, but there still are some finishing touches to add.

Graphics and art will be installed and construction on the driveway between the new showroom and the Porsche building will be finalized in the next few months, Harris said.

Comments

This site does not necessarily agree with comments posted below. Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. Break our rules, and we will ban you. No exceptions, no second chances. Read our privacy policy & user agreement.


"“The new facility is very sleek-looking and classy,” she said by phone. “They make you feel like you are part of their family. I can’t really praise them enough.”"

Family values, plutocrat style.

#1 Posted by elnuestros on September 6, 2008 at 12:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)



Post your comment
(Requires free registration.)

Username:

Password:
(Forgotten your password?)

Your Turn:


Partly Cloudy

Currently: 62 °

Intermittent Clouds
Hi: 75° | Low: 55° | Humidity: 93%
Wind: SSE at 4 mph
More weather » | Tide Charts »
Holiday Events in Southwest Florida
Local Charities share their Holiday Wishlists
Email the Governor

Love it, hate it, think the state should wait? Governor Charlie Crist has been getting an earful about the plan to lease Alligator Alley. Now's your turn. Tell the Governor how you feel! »

NIE Cruise Contest

Newspapers in Education provides newspapers, lessons, Web site activities and links for local schools and homes. Donate newspapers to kids and earn a chance at a four-night cruise for two in the Caribbean! »

Swimsuit Edition 2008

It’s with great pleasure that we introduce Swimsuit 2008, our third annual swimwear edition. We take pride in the fact that all models involved are from right here in our community. This is where they live, work and play. Check it out! »

    Since March 6, coyotes have been fingered in a string of attacks against dogs, cats and goats in Lee and Collier counties. Coyotes have killed three small dogs, injured three others, and caused a man who came into contact with the coyote’s saliva and a woman who was bitten by one to have rabies shots.
In The Know

Tim Aten attempts to answer the burning questions about Southwest Florida that bother residents to no end. Get the answers » Got questions burning a hole in your keyboard? E-mail specific queries with your name and city of residence to intheknow (at) naplesnews.com.

Severe Weather Guide

As a weathercaster, it is difficult enough to accurately predict the weather for the upcoming week. It never matters how many storms develop. Where they decide to go is what matters. Have a plan. That’s the best advice any expert can give. In this section you will find all the information you need to assess your risk, realize your personal needs and formulate your plan in case another storm decides to visit Southwest Florida.

GRAND ILLUSIONS - THE DRAG QUEENS OF NAPLES

In a darkened hallway, a beam of light and the scent of cigarette smoke escape through a partially closed door. Inside, two queens sit semi-nude, basking in the warmth from the light reflected off two vanity mirrors. When you are a drag queen, vanity comes with the territory, and preparing to be seen requires careful concentration. Discover the magic behind the transformation »

GrowhousesTwenty-three suspected growhouses have been busted this year in Collier County. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has now discovered 30 grow houses on the year. Get more information on the growhouse busts in Collier & Lee and around the state in our interactive map!
MORE MAPS: Coyote incidents in Southwest Florida
THE POLAROID PROJECT
Columnists

From azaleas to zip lines, our columnists weigh in on any number of topics. Real estate, golf, fishing, hot-button issues and even the niceties of etiquette. Read 'em and weep »

Flooded Out: Bonita Springs Floods

News Extras