McLaren is considering a major expansion of its U.S. dealer network as demand for the British supercar brand continues to grow, with CEO Nick Collins considering as many as 10 additional dealerships over the next two years.
U.S. Becomes McLaren’s Biggest Market
McLaren currently operates 27 stores in the United States, and the country now accounts for more than half of the automaker’s global sales, according to Automotive News.
Collins sees an opportunity to add between five and 10 dealerships in the U.S. over the next two years. That would represent an expansion of the brand’s current U.S. retail network by as much as 40%.
Despite the potential growth, McLaren is not looking to abandon its exclusive position in the exotic-car market in pursuit of higher sales volume.
McLaren Builds on U.S. Demand
Demand in the U.S. has been supported by ultra-high-net-worth buyers as well as the growing popularity of Formula 1 in the country.
McLaren’s Formula 1 team currently holds the reigning Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles, a level of success that could further strengthen the automaker’s performance credentials.
The McLaren 750S remains one of the brand’s core series-production models. It uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 740 horsepower.
The Artura is another key model, combining a V6 engine with a hybrid powertrain and competing with the Ferrari 296 GTB.
New McLaren Models Could Broaden the Brand
McLaren also has new models in development, including the W1, a halo model succeeding the P1.
A five-seat model is reportedly planned for 2028 and could expand McLaren’s customer base in a similar way to the Urus, Lamborghini’s best-selling model, which broadened that brand’s reach.
McLaren Considers U.S. Experience Centers
McLaren’s U.S. retail strategy extends beyond adding traditional dealerships. The automaker is also exploring corporate-owned “experience centers” in New York, Miami and Los Angeles.
These locations would focus more heavily on McLaren’s brand culture and racing heritage than direct vehicle sales.
The company is also looking to expand McLaren Special Operations, its personalization program similar to Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. McLaren plans to make its bespoke offerings more accessible to U.S. customers.
The goal would reduce the need for customers to travel to McLaren’s headquarters in Woking, England, or depend on specialists who travel to customers.
McLaren Focuses on Enthusiasm Over Sales Targets
Collins emphasized that McLaren’s U.S. strategy is not centered on reaching a specific sales figure.
“I’m not sitting there going, ‘In the U.S. in 24 months, we want to sell X vehicles.’ I want the enthusiasm, the engagement, the awareness growing over that period of time,” Collins said.
That approach means McLaren is unlikely to become a common sight on U.S. roads anytime soon. For buyers who value exclusivity, the limited presence could remain part of the brand’s appeal, while restricted supply could also help support resale values.
