Manchester, 26 June 2025 – CUPRA has officially opened its first UK-based City Garage in the heart of Manchester, marking a landmark moment in the brand’s global expansion. Nestled within the historic St Ann’s Square—an area known for its cultural gravitas and architectural heritage—the new space is more than a showroom; it’s a living expression of CUPRA’s identity, ambitions and commitment to the UK market.
This new site is the twelfth addition to CUPRA’s growing portfolio of City Garages worldwide, joining the likes of Mexico City, Milan, Sydney, and Istanbul. Strategically located in a city that thrives on creative disruption and individualism, the Manchester City Garage is poised to become a vibrant hub where automotive innovation meets urban energy.
A Strategic Statement in the UK Market
The opening comes at a time of unprecedented momentum for CUPRA in the UK. With over 10,000 registrations in the first quarter of 2025 alone—a 44% year-on-year increase—the UK now stands as CUPRA’s third-largest market globally. The launch of the Manchester City Garage is a natural next step in strengthening this trajectory.
“CUPRA continues to gain strong momentum in the UK, our third-largest global market,” said Sven Schuwirth, Executive Vice-President of Sales, Marketing & Aftersales at CUPRA. “Opening a CUPRA City Garage in Manchester marks a significant milestone in our globalisation strategy—a place where our UK Tribe can connect, experience the brand, and be part of our journey.”
Design That Speaks the Language of the City
Spread over two immersive floors, the Manchester City Garage is a thoughtfully curated space that blends CUPRA’s unmistakable design DNA with strong local character. Mural artist Chris Princic—whose bold, expressive style has already left its mark on CUPRA spaces in Sydney, Madrid and Vienna—brings the city’s pulse to life in a new bespoke artwork. From the architecture to the finishes, the venue speaks to both CUPRA’s performance ethos and Manchester’s rich artistic spirit.
This balance between global sophistication and local flavour is central to the venue’s mission. “Known for its creativity and rebellious spirit, Manchester mirrors CUPRA’s own DNA: dynamic, bold, and boundary-pushing,” said Marcus Gossen, Managing Director of CUPRA UK. “We want to offer the best of Manchester at this CUPRA City Garage—its gastronomy, its music, its art and culture.”
More Than a Showroom
True to its mission of going beyond the conventional, the Manchester City Garage is designed as a lifestyle and cultural destination. Visitors can expect a year-round programme of events under CUPRA’s ‘Counter Culture’ platform, including wellness sessions, music performances, art exhibitions and after-work gatherings that spotlight emerging local talent.
This morning’s grand opening featured a panel discussion on the intersection of design, brand and urban culture, moderated by broadcaster Victoria Jane. Key voices on the panel included Sven Schuwirth, Marcus Gossen, Cécilia Taïeb, Global Head of Communications at CUPRA, and Andy Windsor, CEO of Want Studios.
A Bold Future Ahead
With the Formula E London race fast approaching and the CUPRA Kiro Formula E set to compete, the brand continues to underscore its commitment to sustainable, electrified motorsport. The new Manchester City Garage aligns perfectly with CUPRA’s broader strategy: to lead from the front with innovation, community and forward-thinking design.
As CUPRA embarks on its most ambitious product offensive yet, the Manchester City Garage stands as a symbol of the brand’s rising influence—both in the UK and globally. It is more than just a destination; it’s an invitation to experience a new way of thinking about mobility, lifestyle, and urban connection.
In bringing the spirit of Barcelona to the heart of Manchester, CUPRA has created a new landmark for fans, future-forward drivers, and the creatively curious alike.
