Porsche Closes Out January With an 8% Drop in Sales

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne SUVs in the United States and Canada, today announced January sales of 2,984 in the United States compared to last year's record-setting January of 3,232, representing a decline of 8 percent.

After taking the wraps off its new 2008 Cayenne--which goes on sale March 3rd--last month at the Detroit Auto Show, Porsche recorded strong sales of 1,404 for its current Cayenne, an increase of 37 percent over the previous January with sales of 1,028.

“In preparation for the market launch in March of the new-generation Cayenne, we are obviously pleased with the strong rundown of the current model,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, PCNA President and CEO. “ Clearly the excitement generated by the world debut of the new Cayenne last month helped boost showroom interest in the Cayenne overall.”

Porsche's sports car sales were again led by the 911, which enjoyed a record-setting January with sales of 922 cars sold versus last January when sales were 810. Boxster/Cayman sales totaled 658 for the month, compared to January 2006 with sales of 1,383, a result that benefited from the highly anticipated premiere of the Cayman series.

In addition, dealers sold 456 Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, compared to 436 for the same period last year.

supermoto - 2/1/2007 5:40:22 PM

+2 Boost

Porsche is really going to need to improve their lineup. Like adding 75 horsepower across all models for no increase in price. Otherwise cars like the next M3 will take a large dent out of Boxster, Cayman, and even 911 sales. Don't get me wrong, I love Porsche, but the competive landscape is getting tougher.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/1/2007 7:26:06 PM

+2 Boost

I do agree. I love all of Porsche's sports cars- they're the most brilliant performers on the road. However, there are more "mainstream" models that you can get for less money, with more power. They should make a more powerful 911 that is within current Carrera buyers' budgets; not many people can afford the 480hp 911 Turbo.

BMWRocks - 2/2/2007 1:48:29 PM

+2 Boost

Agree with both comments above.

CarFreak - 2/2/2007 3:19:49 PM

+1 Boost

Porsche definitely needs to step up their game but they are going to have to consider doing a larger midengined car the size of the 911 because there is only so much space behind the rear axle and the weight of an 8cyl boxer may adversely affect the vehicle dynamics--I'm not an engineer and I dont know what their best course of action is but they need to get on it and fast while keeping the pricing close to the same so they can remain competitive

quizz - 2/2/2007 6:17:38 PM

+2 Boost

So correct, gentleman. Love Porsches and their commitment to the perfectly balanced car, but HP is cheap, and unless Porsche keeps up with BMW, buyers will look elsewhere for that macho symbol.

If BMW offers 95% of the handling and 115% of the power at only 70% of the cost?

One thing remains impressive: a small sports car company that can maintain the sort of topnotch reliability record over the last decade, well, that deserves praise.

Only problem is that unless Porsche adds something special to its offering, it will no longer be considered an "exotic" alternative to Ferrari or Aston.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/3/2007 11:28:10 AM

+1 Boost

Hmm...

Well, I wouldn't say BMW offers "95%" of the handling. Porsche has a clear lead. It's closer to 80-85%, but I see your point.

I think Porsche will remain popular regardless. The 911 is still a huge status symbol, and most of their designs are beautiful.

I honestly believe that as long as the 911 remains in production with Turbo and GT3 variants, it will always be an exotic car company. Their halo car lives in, reveling in the glory of being every magazine's favorite sports car.

I want one, I really do. I'm just scared that a 911 Carrera Cabriolet (what I'd look at) would be harsh as a daily driver. Maybe not. I'll drive it in a few years, for sure.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/3/2007 11:28:40 AM

+1 Boost

Their halo car lives *ON*...