Porsche Drops Big Bucks on Stuttgart Facelift ------------------------------------------------....
Porsche isn't holding back, plunking down a cool 250 million euros on its main production hub in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. The announcement came from Volkswagen's beloved subsidiary last Thursday. The revamp includes a makeover for the existing assembly line for the two-door sports car icons, enabling the facility to churn out the upcoming wave of electric sports cars, with the trusty boxer engines sticking around for good measure.
Albrecht Reimold, the production director, chimes in: "The transformation will bolster efficiency, uphold the highest quality standards, and enable mixed production of combustion and electric sports cars. We're steering into uncharted waters with this new chapter in sports car production."
currently employs around 10,500 passionate craftsmen and women, working tirelessly at the main plant. Porsche reported a jaw-dropping 9.6% rise in car sales between Jan-Sep 2021, beating 2020's numbers. The flagship 911 shone like a beacon, while the Taycan managed to flip the script from a first-half deficit to a third-quarter triumph. That said, the Chinese market didn't quite bite, experiencing a 12% sales slump in light of a rough economic climate.
Looking ahead, an impressive lineup of new models is due for release in 2022, starting with the revamped Macan compact SUV. The all-electric version is rumored to be an electric powerhouse in its segment, though production will take place in Leipzig.
Porsche's decision to pour 250 million euros into its Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen facility isn't solely dedicated to electric sports car production, as stated by the sources. The primary purpose appears to be an overhaul of the assembly line where traditional two-door sports car models like the Porsche 911 and Macan reside. Upon completion, this facility will become a powerhouse capable of producing the next generation of electric sports cars alongside their much-loved traditional models, but the specifics are murky at best.
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Enrichment Insights:
- Porsche is investing a significant sum over 250 million euros for a facility overhaul in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, where traditional two-door sports car models are produced.
- The primary focus is on modernizing the facility, rather than a direct investment in electric sports car production.
- Porsche is no stranger to electric vehicles (EVs), with the successful launch of the Taycan series, which includes the high-performance Taycan Turbo GT.
- The electric Porsche Macan is considered a potential contender in the electric segment, with rumors suggesting it may drive future sales figures.
- Porsche shipped approximately 243,000 vehicles to customers in the first nine months of 2021, representing a 9.6% increase compared to the previous year.
- China remains an important market for Porsche, but recent sales have faced a 12% drop due to the country's economic challenges.
- While the sources do not explicitly mention an investment in electric sports car production, Porsche's commitment to EVs and its impressive recent sales figures suggest that the company is pushing hard in this space.