Car industry Porsche sells fewer cars in the first half of the year

Porsche sold fewer sports cars and SUVs in the first half of the year, partly due to weakening business in China. From January to June, 155,945 vehicles were delivered worldwide, according to the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer.

This is almost 7 percent less than in the same period last year. The renewal of several models also contributed to the lower sales figures.

According to the figures, a third fewer vehicles were delivered to China in the first six months than in the same period last year. The main reason for this was the continuing tense economic situation in the country.

Porsche also exported 6 percent fewer vehicles to North America than in the first half of 2023. However, the decline is lower than at the beginning of the year, when customs-related delays hampered deliveries.

New models bring challenges

The drop in sales was also partly expected: This year, Porsche is launching new versions of the Panamera and the Taycan electric sports car, as well as the all-electric Macan compact SUV. The classic 911 will also be refreshed. In addition, the new Cayenne will be launched in 2023. The transitions between the model series are complex and lead to gaps in the range in individual markets and model series, it was reported.

In Germany, the number of vehicles delivered grew by 22 percent according to the figures. In the rest of Europe, the company, which is majority-owned by the Volkswagen Group, sold around 6 percent more cars. In overseas and growth markets - which include Africa, Latin America, Australia, Japan and Korea - the decline amounted to two percent.

The 911 sports car was particularly popular, with Porsche delivering around 8 percent more of this model. Around 16 percent more of the Cayenne, the model with the highest deliveries, were sold. The Macan, Panamera and Taycan saw significant declines in some cases.

SDA