A new Lexus dealership offers unusual perk: 'stunning' rooftop views while you wait

Speedy maintenance service – with a view?

Performance Lexus of Northern Kentucky opened its new Fort Wright auto dealership just off the Kyles Lane exit from Interstate 71/75 with an extra amenity it hopes cultivates loyal customers: a rooftop patio with what a release called “stunning views” of the rolling Kentucky hills around it.

Aimed at customers waiting for repairs and other service, the dealership says guests can head upstairs for refreshments (no alcohol – fresh fruit, snacks, coffee, tea and water) from a lounge off the patio that will be open three seasons a year.

The new 52,000-square-foot lot opened last week with several features the dealership hopes represents a “new level of service” for customers: a business center with private workspaces; Wi-Fi and USB access; a children’s play area; and a nursing suite for new moms. Other amenities include electric vehicle charging stations and on-site technology specialists to help drivers with Lexus infotainment systems. To avoid extra waiting for repairs, the dealership has 30 service bays for servicing cars by employees with an average of 10 years with the company.

“Our customers are passionate about their vehicles, but they also lead busy lives and we need to welcome them in the context of their other obligations,” Shane Dever, vice president of the Performance Automotive Network, said in a statement.

The local car lot is hardly the first luxury auto dealer to ratchet up extra service and amenities, according to car shopping website Edmunds.

"An ultracompetitive automotive landscape" has pushed some dealerships to pour on the service and ambiance. One Mercedes-Benz dealer in Newport Beach, California, offers complimentary airport shuttle pickup and drop-off – even if you aren't servicing your car.

A Lincoln, Land Rover and Jaguar dealer in Merritt Island, Florida, offers car-owning customers "club access" that includes a fitness center, a barber shop, a video arcade for kids and gas sold at cost, Edmunds reports. An Aston Martin dealer in Los Angeles offers customers a James Bond-themed environment, including theme music and martinis.

Family-owned Performance Automotive Network is one of the largest 40 automotive dealers in the country. It has eight dealerships in the Greater Cincinnati area and franchise areas in Centerville/Dayton, Columbus, Marysville, Lancaster and Delaware; and in Utah in the greater Salt Lake City area.

The new lot sells new and pre-owned Lexus SUVs, sedans, hybrid, electric and performance vehicles as well as more than 200 used vehicles of all makes and models. The service department will specialize in Lexus models but does maintenance and repairs on other vehicles.

The new lot replaces its location at 633 W. Third St. in Covington, which is converting to a Performance Used Car Superstore.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: New Lexus dealership hopes 'stunning' rooftop views ease the wait