I’ve noticed that Porsche has really picked up the amount of press releases they are sending out. What was once only a weak trickle has increased significantly over the past couple of weeks to more of torrent. The result of all this news is that it’s really not that interesting. Take today’s most recent press release:
Porsche Sales in North America maintain high level
Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is still performing well on the North American market. In a very difficult market environment, deliveries to customers in the USA and Canada in January 2008, at 2,718 vehicles, lay twelve per cent below the previous year’s figure. From the coming month onwards, the launch of the Cayenne GTS, with its distinct sporting flair, will be bringing new impulses into sales.
In the month under review, the Cayenne finished the course with 1,083 deliveries in North America. Compared to the previous year’s January figures this represents a decrease of 26 per cent – a decrease due entirely to Porsche’s clear-sighted supply policy. In view of the lack of consumer confidence caused by the mortgage crisis, fewer vehicles were supplied to North America and more to the growth markets of China, Russia and the Middle East.
In this situation, it is particularly pleasing that the Boxster series found great favor with customers in the USA and Canada: 779 vehicles were sold in January; of these, 550 unit sales were attributable to the Cayman and the Cayman S. Thus this series shows an overall growth of 13 per cent compared to the same period in the previous year. January deliveries of the 911 totalled 856, representing ten per cent less than the year before.
Is it me, or are there a few things odd about this release?
- It appears to be a German to English translation vs. being written in English. It just doesn’t read well.
- If you read through it, the title “Porsche Sales in North America maintain high level” seems to contradict the content of the release.
- They are attributing 100% of the reduction in Cayenne sales to their stocking/supply strategy. While I’m sure it’s possible, I have yet to read anywhere of anyone having trouble finding cars in stock at their dealers. I did discuss that this may happen in the future, but I don’t believe it is anything that has been qualified yet.
I’m not sure what Porsche’s strategy is or why all the “non-news” press releases. I’m curious if any of you see these releases and what your thoughts might be. Let me know by commenting below.