Until the recent attempt to take over Volkswagen began to hit snags, Porsche was on a rampage. Last year was a record one for Porsche, with 98,652 Porsches sold across the globe. That’s with three model lines, the Cayenne, Boxster/Cayman and 911. The Panamera is Porsche’s fourth model line, and is joining the others this year.
Many different possibilities have been floated as to what Porsche’s fifth model could be. A new small roadster, reborn 928, Panamera coupe/convertible, the list goes on. Porsche’s Executive Vice-President for Sales and Marketing Klaus Berning talked with CarsGuide.com.au about the future of Porsche and the state of the company’s finances.
Everything is OK, and that’s what Berning wants to stress. He said that Porsche is one of the only (if not THE only, we’ll see at the end of the year) automakers still producing a profit. That is a huge feat given the severity of the recession and the fact that Porsche (along with Germany’s other luxury automakers) haven’t seen any benefit from the “Cash for Clunkers” program in European countries. Porsche is still doing very well at it’s core business – selling cars.
For now he says that “Another model line is not something we are concentrating on at the moment…..we may start looking at that after the launch of this car (Panamera) but my gut feeling is that we do not need one.” That’s not a complete denial – I think a fifth model is most definitely in Porsche’s future.
He also says a 4-cylinder Porsche is a possibility, although the company hasn’t made a decision either way. Interestingly he even offered that a 4-cylinder 911 could be produced, something that came pretty much out of nowhere. He did say that the 911 would need to have a Porsche 4-cylinder because the ” it (the 911) follows different rules.” Two very interesting things came about in the course of the interview.
First of all, 4-cylinders are very much on the table, even with the 911. Secondly, the fact that he stressed there would have to be a Porsche 4-cylinder in the 911 would implies that they might be considering non-Porsche engines for models other than the 911. TTS-powered Boxster, anyone? So unlike most interviews with executives, this one was quite interesting. The full interview can be read at Carsguide.com.au.
June 26th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Tony, very interesting article on the future of Porsche, personally would like to see Porsche develop a 4 cylinder model, that competes effectively in weight class and horsepower with Lotus, but is offered in a traditional Porsche lines.
June 28th, 2009 at 5:54 am
I do think that would be something they should consider. Maybe a small Speedster-like model. What do you think about the possibility of a 4-cylinder 911?
June 28th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
As auto manufactures’ continue to try and meet stiffer fuel economy standards imposed by the government, introducing a 4 cylinder model could facilitate Porsche’s need to meet those standards.
November 5th, 2009 at 4:57 am
Hello Tony, very interesting post, read a few of your posts keep up the good work, personally I’ve been a Porsche freak forever, personally I think that a 5th model or even a 4 cylinder wouldn’t be a good idea, for me it kind of gives me the impression that Porsche would become like most other manufacturer’s, when too much of a variety is offered the brand becomes less prestigious, producing a more efficient Porsche to meet government standards is one thing but to build cheaper cars is another thing, so my guess would be for Porsche to stick to what they do best which is the current lineup. Just my 2 sense.
November 5th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Thanks, I appreciate it!f I agree that Porsche shouldn’t become less prestigious, it isn’t a good move. Hopefully new owners Volkswagen realize that – according to latest reports there is supposedly many new models for Porsche coming in the pipeline.