Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE (ME&A), a wholly owned subsidiary of Dr Ing hc F Porsche AG, Stuttgart, delivered 6,891 sports cars across the region in 2019, a 7% increase compared to the previous year. Across a 12-month period, new car orders also grew by 11%, indicating the growing popularity of Porsche’s model range.
The recently introduced new generation 911 proved popular in the region, whilst the upgraded Macan that was introduced in the first quarter of 2019 was the main driver for an increase in sales. Accounting for over 40% of all deliveries, the Cayenne also played a substantial role in the brand’s success last year. Key growth markets included Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Oman and Kuwait.
Dr Manfred Braeunl, Chief Executive Officer at Porsche ME&A, said:
We are delighted with the growth we have seen in 2019, particularly given the continued changes related to economic, political, and legislative matters. Thanks to the strong model range as well as the professionalism and passion of our importers, we were able to achieve this great result.’
As well as the arrival of the Macan, Porsche also introduced the all-new Cayenne Coupe in the region. Its sharper proportions, impressive performance and two different roof concepts offer a sportier derivative for the brand’s flagship SUV. The eighth generation of the iconic 911 arrived in the second half of 2019 and exceeded the previous year of sales.
Accounting for 22% of total regional sales, South Africa was the largest market for Porsche ME&A in 2019. The GCC remained a key contributor, with 21% of all GCC vehicles delivered going to the UAE, 13% to Kuwait and 11% to Saudi Arabia. Significant growth was seen in Saudi Arabia, up 34% year-on-year, and Oman, up 15%.
Dr Manfred Braeunl added:
2020 will be a landmark year for Porsche. Our first fully electric sports car, the much anticipated Taycan, will be launched. It is sporty, innovative and emotionally charged, embodying all the values of a true Porsche and sure to bring a smile to the face of any driver. We will also see the arrival of the Panamera 10 Years Edition, and welcome the Macan GTS, set to be the sportiest version of our compact SUV which has seen such phenomenal success last year.’
The Taycan Turbo and Turbo S will be the first derivatives of Porsche’s all-electric vehicle available in the region later on this year, and are among the most powerful production models that the sports car manufacturer has in its product range. True to Porsche’s DNA, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive is developed for the racetrack. With the lowest drag coefficient and the lowest centre of gravity in the entire Porsche model line-up, the Taycan sets new standards for longitudinal and lateral performance.
It has a generous driving range of up to 450 km (according to WLTP) and is the first electric production vehicle ever powered by 800 volts, meaning it takes just 22.5 minutes to go from 5% charge to 80%. It is also the first electric vehicle in the world that features a two-speed transmission, allowing for better acceleration and unrivalled continuous maximum speed. The flagship Turbo S can generate 761 hp and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds – the same as the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, proving that it truly is a sports car at heart. The Taycan Turbo completes this sprint in 3.2 seconds.
Globally, Porsche increased new car deliveries by 10% in 2019 compared to 2018, with 280,800 vehicles delivered. The Cayenne and Macan contributed to the significant growth, with Cayenne deliveries increasing by 29% year-on-year, and a 16% increase for the Macan. Both Europe and Germany saw a 15% increase in new car deliveries, whilst Porsche’s two largest markets globally, China and the USA, also grew by 8%.
Porsche Centre Doha will be pleased to arrange a test drive of any of its sports cars and sporty SUV for Marhaba readers. Call 4459 9666 or visit their website.