Renewal of the product range and weak demand abroad. Porsche is struggling with problems this year.
Porsche sold fewer sports and off-road vehicles in the first nine months of the year, among other things because of the weakening business in China. The Stuttgart-based car manufacturer announced that 226,026 vehicles were delivered worldwide from January to September. That was around seven percent less than in the same period last year. The renewal of several models also contributed to the lower sales figures.
According to the information, 29 percent fewer vehicles were delivered to China in the first nine months than in the same period last year. The main reason for this is the continued tense economic situation in the country. Porsche also exported five percent fewer vehicles to North America than the year before. However, the minus is lower than at the beginning of the year, when customs-related delays hindered deliveries.
The decline in sales was partly expected: Porsche is working on its offering this year. There are new versions of the Taycan electric sports car, the Panamera and the fully electric Macan compact SUV. The classic 911 is also being refreshed. In addition, the new Cayenne will be launched in 2023. The transitions between the model series are complex and lead to supply gaps in individual markets and model series, it was said.
According to sales manager Detlev von Platen, customer demand is at a robust level. The feedback on the new models is good. “With increasing product availability, we are optimistic about the final spurt for 2024.”
In Germany, the number of vehicles delivered grew by eight percent. In the rest of Europe, the company, which is majority owned by the Volkswagen Group, sold around one percent more cars. In overseas and growth markets – which include Africa, Latin America, Australia, Japan and Korea – the increase was three percent.