Inside PCM: James den-Bakker

When James den-Bakker casually strolled into a Tesla store during a 2014 vacation in Los Angeles, little did he know it would radically pivot his career trajectory. This encounter wasn't just a fleeting moment of curiosity; it sparked a profound passion for electric vehicles that merged seamlessly with his entrepreneurial spirit. Fast forward to today, and James is an E Performance Specialist at Porsche Centre Melbourne, a role he has embraced with fervour since 2016.

James recounts the unconventional path that led him from operating his own startup to becoming a key player in the electric vehicle (EV) space at one of the world's most prestigious automotive brands. "I was previously in online retail, supplying products as a wholesaler. Then I saw this Tesla store, and something just clicked. I love leading-edge tech and cars, and electric vehicles seemed like the perfect intersection of my interests," James explained.

The transition to Porsche seemed almost destined after a Porsche Australia employee handed him a brochure for a GT4 Cayman following a test drive session in a Model S. This simple act stirred his imagination towards the possibilities at Porsche.

"The Mission E concept had just been released, which eventually became the Taycan as we know it. That was the moment I knew I had to be part of what Porsche was planning."

Asked why he chose Porsche over other brands, James's response was straightforward yet poignant: "You never really know until you drive one. It’s something you can’t put into words; it needs to be felt and experienced." His conviction is a testament to Porsche's ethos—an unwavering dedication to engineering excellence that James finds infectious.

Since joining PCM, James has not only witnessed but also contributed to the dramatic shift in consumer acceptance and technological advancements in EVs. "When I started, EVs were a tiny part of the market. We spent a lot of time just educating people on the viability of electric vehicles. Now, it feels like most people understand the basics, and EVs account for nearly 10% of all vehicles sold in Australia this year," he noted.

James's current favourite model is the Taycan Turbo GT, but he holds a special fondness for the Hybrid 918 Spyder, admiring its sophisticated blend of electric and race-bred V8 petrol engine. "The Taycan Turbo GT takes electric performance to the next level on the track, with performance figures that are simply mind-boggling. I can’t wait to drive it when it arrives in Australia," he shared, his enthusiasm palpable.

Outside the showroom, James's passion for electric mobility extends beyond the latest Porsche models. At home in Melbourne, he enjoys zipping around on his electric skateboard, a convenient and fun way to run quick errands. "It's brilliant for when you need to get something from the shop quickly and want a little fun along the way," James laughs, illustrating his broader commitment to electric mobility in everyday life.

Reflecting on Porsche's electric future, James is optimistic and excited: "With the Macan about to be revolutionized by electric technology and updates to our Cayenne, Panamera, and soon the 911 in hybrid form, it's a thrilling time. Porsche’s rich history in hybrid and electric motorsport means we continue to see incredible advancements in performance."

Ending on a high note, James recalled his favourite Porsche moment—participating in the Porsche Ice Driving Experience in Finland: "It was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Drifting Porsches on ice in the Arctic Circle was an exhilarating experience that I’ll cherish forever."

James den-Bakker's journey with Porsche Centre Melbourne is a compelling narrative of passion, innovation, and a forward-thinking vision. It’s clear he is not just selling cars; he’s promoting a lifestyle, a sustainable future, and above all, the sheer joy of driving.