Audi Dealership Returns to Riverside

Inland Empire Business Journal, Feb 01, 2004

Walter's Mercedes-Benz, Walter's Porsche has a new nameplate to add to its luxury auto dealership, Walter's Audi. The dealership has purchased the franchise from Loma Linda and has opened its doors in Riverside, selling the newest line of Audi automobiles, including the TT Roadster, TT Coupe, Cabriolet, and the Avant. With the recent closure of Redlands Audi and the move from Loma Linda, Walter's Audi in Riverside becomes the only Audi dealership within the Inland Empire.

"It has been 15 years since Riverside could offer the Audi line," stated Steve Kienle, general manager for Walter's Audi. "We're very excited to be able to add this to our existing dealerships. The new nameplate will provide an additional choice to area residents when shopping for a new car or needing servicing on their existing auto."

The new dealership is important to the City of Riverside," said Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge. "The addition of the Audi dealership proves that Riverside can provide the customer base to support luxury car sales. It also adds to the city's retail sales tax generation. The Riverside Auto Center is the highest retail sales tax generator within the city. This money goes into the general fund and enables us to provide additional city services."

With the addition of Audi, Walter's will be building a new facility at their existing location, 3210 Adams Street. The new 30,000-square-foot store will house the Audi brand and is scheduled for completion in early 2005. Walter's Mercedes has been a long-time resident within Riverside, locating within the city in 1964 on the comer of Arlington Avenue and Indiana Street. The business moved into the Riverside Auto Center in 1990 and added the Porsche dealership in 2003. It also sells, under the Mercedes brand name, the Maybach, which is a car that rivals the Bentley or Rolls Royce. The automobile costs approximately $330,000!

Audi strengthens Riverside's ability to house luxury nameplate vehicles within the city. During the last two years, the Riverside Auto Center has seen the addition of Saturn of Riverside, Riverside Infinity, Walter's Porsche, Alvarez Jaguar, BMW of Riverside and the expansion of Metro Group and Singh Chevrolet. With the new dealerships, Riverside now offers nine luxury vehicles: Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infinity, Jaguar, Lexus, Maybach, Mercedes and Porsche.