McLaren Automotive, manufacturer of the MP4-12C high performance sports car, has announced that it will open a showroom in Geneva, Switzerland, from Autumn 2012 in partnership with British automotive luxury specialist, Autobritt Grand-Pré SA. The location of the new retailer was confirmed today as 2 Rue du Grand-Pré in the heart of the prestigious city.

Work has already begun on the dedicated McLaren Geneva showroom where technology, passion, tradition and personal service will come together.

Bernard Thuner, Chief Executive of the Autobritt S.A. group, commented: "I am thrilled to be able to add such a prestigious brand to the existing range of British cars. From my father to my son Fabien, there are three generations of racing car drivers in our family. My father experienced the glory days of motoring and shared his passion for British cars with us - hence the name Autobritt. Today we are glad to be writing a new page in our family's history and to experience the adventure that is the first stage in the story of a new brand like McLaren."

Antony Sheriff, Managing Director of McLaren Automotive, said: "Autobritt is a company that shares McLaren Automotive's passion for not just the 12C, but also the special customer experience which goes with it. Its history in racing makes it a perfect fit for our brand, and I look forward to the start of sales in Geneva and adding McLaren to the city's rich population of sports cars."

McLaren Geneva will bring the number of Swiss retailers to two and follows the official opening of McLaren Zurich in September 2011.