As Audi goes direct-to-consumer, who benefits? TransportBT

Big changes are coming to Singapore’s car market. Car manufacturers are saying goodbye to the traditional dealership model. Instead, they’re opting to drop the middleman, and sell cars directly to customers. Last year, Porsche Singapore took the plunge. And now, German luxury carmaker Audi is following suit. Starting in January 2025, Audi Singapore will be selling its full slate of cars to consumers directly. The brand is opening a new experience centre, which they’re calling the Audi House of Progress, right at the heart of the city. Where does this leave the dealers? Can buyers expect cheaper cars in the future? On this episode of TransportBT, correspondent Derryn Wong sits down with Markus Schuster, managing director of Audi Singapore, to take you behind this ambitious move.  Highlights: 02:23 Audi’s big plans 04:02 A brand-new experience centre, Audi’s House of Progress 08:19 Impact on dealer and after sales 12:13 Challenges in the new business model 16:08 Turning sales volume around 18:59 Cheaper prices? --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected]. --- Written and hosted by: Derryn Wong ([email protected]) With Markus Schuster, managing director, Audi Singapore Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Derryn Wong & Emily Liu Engineered by: Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: bt.sg/btcobt Amazon: bt.sg/btcoam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/btcoap Spotify: bt.sg/btcosp YouTube Music: bt.sg/btcoyt Website: bt.sg/btcorresp Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks WealthBT: bt.sg/btwealthbt PropertyBT: bt.sg/btpropertybt BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Branded Podcasts: bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.