During the first three months of 2014, Porsche AG sold 38,500 vehicles to customers, which barely beat the 2013 Q1 results of 37,009 vehicles in a rising global market. In a statement just released, Porsche claims that during the remainder of the year, it predicts that growth will increase because of the introduction of the new Macan SUV, now available at Porsche Dealers in Europe and the Mideast, but not the U.S.
The U.S. (10,136 Q1) China, (9,885 Q1) and Germany (4,881 Q1) remain Porsche’s most significant markets, with the German disdain evident for the U.S. in our view for what is the delayed introductions of the latest cars and trucks in the U.S.
“We are now turning over a new leaf with the Macan. On the occasion of the market launch in Europe last weekend we welcomed tens of thousands of customers, potential customers and enthusiasts of the brand to our Porsche Dealers,” claims Bernhard Maier, Member of the Executive Board Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG.
Absent was any reference to the U.S. where Porsche faces stiff competition from the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray – on the road and on the track. (See Holy Toledo! 2015 Corvette Gets Eight-Speed Automatic)
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
