Porsche Middle East and Africa has exceeded all expectations for the 2005/2006 year of business ending July 31st. Porsche posted a healthy 16 per cent increase in total sales of 4,419 cars (previous year: 3,811 cars). This growth continued to be driven by Porsche’s SUV, the Cayenne with 3,006 cars (previous year: 2,863 cars).
Another factor contributing to this growth is the increase in 911 model series sales, which rose by 12 per cent to 747 cars. Never before have so many 911s been sold in one year. In addition to the recent launch of the two most powerful 911 models, 911 Turbo and 911 GT3, the all-new 911 Targa 4(S) will be available at dealerships throughout the region starting next month.
Up by 7 per cent, the increase in Boxster sales was even more significant. Out of 611 cars, 339 of the cars sold were new Cayman models. Finally, sales of the Carrera GT, which ended production as planned in May 2006, amounted to 55 units in the business year now under report (previous year: 27 cars).
Deesch Papke, Managing Director of Porsche Middle East and Africa, highlighted the success Porsche is enjoying in the region: “It is most rewarding to be part of the Porsche Middle East and Africa team in setting a new sales record for the seventh year in a row. All of our partners in the region contributed to this success. We are confident that our importers will continue to provide all the necessary resources and investments required to further grow the brand in the region. They are an integral part of our success; with their endeavours and perseverance we are sure to continue our growth in the future.”
On a global scale, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has exceeded expectations for the 2005/2006 financial year and registered new record levels of revenue, sales, and profit. According to provisional figures, revenue of the Porsche Group was up 10.6 per cent to approximately Euro 7.27 billion, and group sales were up 9.5 per cent to a total of 96,794 cars (previous year: 88,379 units).
Porsche Middle East and Africa is proud to crown its record-breaking achievements during the year by unveiling the all-new 911 Targa 4 and the 911 Targa 4S in the region, available for the first time with permanent all-wheel drive and a body that is 44 millimeters wider at the rear than the standard Carrera. The most striking feature of this elegant sports car is the large glass roof and folding rear window. Power is provided by the familiar flat-six engine delivering 325 bhp from 3.6 liters in Targa 4, and 355 bhp from 3.8 liters in Targa 4S. Power transmission is via a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional five-speed Tiptronic S.
Despite of the current global economic situation, Porsche is confident that in the current 2006/2007 year of business sales will at least match the exceptionally high level of the business year now over. This expectation is attributable to the company’s further enhanced and even more attractive model range, as well as the ongoing penetration into new markets. Particularly in rapidly growing markets such as the Middle East, Porsche cars are in increasing demand. Porsche expects the next major boost in growth as of 2009, when the four-door Panamera sports coupé is launched.
