Does anyone have access or know where to find data that would show how many 997s Porsche has produced each year and in which trim level and which transmission?

Thanks in advance!

 

Porsche periodically puts out production numbers by model type. If I recall every few months there is a article in the PCA magazine (Panorama) that covers production numbers. You can try goggling for that data or possibly visit your local Porsche dealer and chat w/ the sales manager. He most likely has those numbers.

Good luck . . . .

 

Take a look at Wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche...American_sales

 

Wow great link! That's crazy how sales fluctuate so dramatically! What would have caused the 2008 sales to drop by 38%?

Porsche must be counting on China for the 991 goals. Despite the revised growth news coming out of China, there are probably plenty of people able and wanting to buy.

 

I suspect the 2008 drop had to do w/ the world wide economy taking a dump. Some how I have a hard time seeing the Chinese driving a lot of 'high end performance cars' in the near future. Although there is a lot a 'developing' wealth in China the masses (1.4 billion strong) still ride oxen, bicycles, buses, trains and small econo cars. Food and housing are the primary focus of the masses in China. BTW: Buick has been (maybe still is)the U.S. car of choice in China; sort of shows where their automotive tastes lie.

 

Don't remember 2008?

 

Porsche has posted impressive first-half sales according to the company's sales chief, as it prepares to launch the latest version of its iconic 911.

IHS Global Insight Perspective

*
Significance

Porsche has posted a record first-half period for sales with volumes rising by 36% year-on-year to 60,650 units in the first half of the year according to Porsche sales chief Bernhard Maier. Meanwhile, Porsche is putting the finishing touches to the next-generation 911 model which will further boost sales.

Implications

Porsche has ridden the wave of the revival in global premium passenger cars in the last 18 months with China in particular fuelling sales. Of the first-half total, around a sixth of the overall sales volume has been generated in the Chinese market—one of the company's biggest problems at the moment is managing growing waiting lists with customers having to wait up until 12 months for certain Cayenne models.

Outlook

Porsche is almost certain to beat 2007's annual sales record of 107,000 units prior to the worst effects of the financial crisis. Although it is no longer the company's best-selling model, the latest 991 variant of the iconic 911 is in its final stages of development and will further boost sales moving into 2012.

Porsche has enjoyed a record first half in terms of its global sales volumes in 2011 with sales rising by 36% year-on-year (y/y), according to a Reuters report which cited quotes by board member for sales and marketing Bernhard Maier to the DPA news agency. The report did not break down the first-half sales into individual model sales during the period but there is little doubt that the Cayenne sport utility vehicle (SUV) is leading the way in terms of current demand for individual models. The Cayenne SUV has consistently been Porsche's best-selling model since its launch, and the launch of the second-generation model in the first quarter of last year coincided with the real return of growth momentum in the global premium car market. The Cayenne and the four-seater Panamera model, launched, at the end of 2009, have acted as a strong catalyst to the rapidity of Porsche's post-financial crisis sales recovery. Such has been the success of the second-generation Cayenne that Porsche is now being forced to offer extended waiting list times on the model. Maier said, "In Germany with the Cayenne for example it can sometimes be between 6 and 12 months depending on specification."

Despite the recovery in Europe however, the vast majority of Porsche's current sales growth is being generated by its extraordinary performance in the Chinese market. For this year, Porsche is targeting sales of 20,000 units in China, a figure that it has a very good chance of actually exceeding as the brand sold 7,464 units in the first four months of the year, although the full country-by-country breakdown of sales has yet to be published. This compares to the figure of 14,785 units in China (including Hong Kong and Macau) in 2010. This in itself was already an accelerated increase of 63% on the previous year (see China: 27 May 2011: Porsche CEO Expects Sales of 20,000 Units in China This Year). The increasingly brand-conscious Chinese consumer is responding very well to Porsche, with the cars proving particularly popular with the emerging entrepreneurial classes. As well as phenomenal demand for the Cayenne which also currently faces a 12-month waiting list in China, the Boxster and Cayman models are bought as second cars by the new generation of high-net-worth individuals.

In addition, Porsche's currently strong sales momentum looks set to be carried forward into next year as the sixth separate iteration of the company's classic 911 is launched onto the market. The model is currently undergoing its final stages of development and is undergoing intensive field testing in extreme climatic conditions. The new model, which has been given the internal designation 991, is set to be launched at this September's Frankfurt Motor Show and will carry the torch for Porsche's reputation as a manufacturer of sports cars par excellence, despite the fact that the Cayenne is currently the company's best-selling model. According to an Autocar report, the 991's platform will be manufactured primarily from aluminium and it will also feature a longer wheelbase than the outgoing 997 series car. The new model will be lighter than the outgoing one despite having enhanced brakes, bigger wheels and other added equipment such as improved safety features. Unlike the 997, it will not carry over any components from the previous iteration. There will be a 3.8-litre S version developing 400 bhp, while the standard model will have a 3.4-litre engine. The model will also have a much improved interior inspired by the Panamera, with higher quality materials.

Outlook and Implications

Porsche's current sales revival is extremely impressive given the violent downturn in its sales performance during the depths of the financial crisis. Sales peaked at just under 107,000 units just prior to the crisis, but the global downturn combined with certain model cycle factors to create a vicious dip in Porsche's overall sales volumes, with sales declining to 78,000 units in 2008. For the full year in 2011, IHS forecasts that Porsche will sell over 118,000 units, which the company is certainly on target to achieve given its first-half sales volume, which would easily exceed its record sales volumes of 2007. The Cayenne and Panamera are currently fuelling this growth as is the company's hugely impressive performance in China, as outlined above. In 2012 the launch of the 911 will act as a further boost to sales momentum, with IHS Automotive rising further to 135,000 units in 2012.

Although it is no longer Porsche's best-selling model, the new 911 is of course a hugely important offering for the company. The 911 is the heart and soul of the Porsche brand and it needs to offer a class-leading driving experience to maintain the company's core brand value as one of the world's finest performance car manufacturers. Although the previous 996 and 997 models have been excellent cars in their own right, they have attracted criticism from some Porsche aficionados for almost being too refined and isolating the driver from the more elemental experiences associated with driving a sports car. An important specification change is that the model will have electro-mechanical steering instead of a hydraulic system. This may court controversy among purist 911 fans as the 911 is renowned for the feedback, feel and precision of its steering, and electro-mechanical systems have come in for criticism for falling down on providing these elements of the driving experience in high-performance cars. However, the company needs to cater for the expectations of its wider customer base, and these customers will expect impressive levels of ride and comfort as well as a high quality interior. It is a hard balancing act for Porsche, but one that it must achieve if the new 911 is to compete successfully in the market against formidable modern rivals like the Audi R8 and the Nissan GTR.

 

Total 911 had a review of the lifespan and evolution of the 997 in issue 78.

 

It is all relative to their reference point. Buick has been the Chinese's favorite because Chairman Mao drove one. Buick has a longer history than Cadillac or any other brand in China. Thus their preference. Although as of late the European luxury brands have been on a tear in China.

Secondly on their reference point: When asked about Porsche's brand reputation/perception in China. Most people believe Porsche makes very good "four door" sedans and SUVs - only because of the abundance of Cayennes and Panameras all over their streets. Most Chinese have no idea the history of Porsche or its origins. I think it's that they think Porsche two door sports cars are a sideline for Porsche...although the sales numbers will quickly validate that in the near future.

 

As an American living and working in Greater China for some years, I find it crucial to have time in country before making broad statements. "Boots on the ground intel" helps.

Any time we have a wealth boom contained in a relatively specific geographic location, there are new some similar patterns that follow it- conspicuous consumption being one of them. Think New York during a stock market boom, Texas Oil Money, Japanese boom times.

Chinese People in general want many of the same things, better opportunities for their child(increasingly more than one), prosperity, comfort etc. The relative prosperity increasing over the last 10-20 years has not been evenly distributed- you have rural poor scraping by to super rich.

Compared to more mature economies in Asia such as Japan, S. Korea or Hong Kong where you see a good number of sports cars and super cars, China is still relatively new to this game. Their new rich will consume only "the best" even if not entirely sure what that is or why it is "the best".