2018 bids fair to be a year of strong sales for the global automobile industry and also luxury carmakers. German carmaker Porsche has announced sales of 63,500 vehicles in the first quarter of 2018, which constitutes an increase of six percent compared with Q1 2017. The USA, Europe and the company’s home market Germany were the main drivers of growth, as well as the Panamera and 911 model lines.

The US market recorded the largest overall growth, with deliveries increasing by 10 percent to around 14,000 vehicles. In terms of specific models, the Panamera introduced in 2017 achieved the largest percentage growth with an increase of around 200 percent. The development of the hybrid segment has been especially positive: In Europe, more than 60 percent of the Panamera models handed over to customers during the first quarter were hybrid versions. 

“We are delighted with our strong start. During 2018, we expect that we will stabilise at the high level achieved last year,” said Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board responsible for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “Exclusivity is more important for the Porsche brand than pure growth; with our global market share of 0.3 percent of the total market we are fulfilling this requirement. In addition to the development, production and sale of exclusive sports cars, Porsche is increasingly tackling the subjects of electrification, digitalisation and connectivity. In doing so, it is important to unite our traditional values with innovative technologies. This year, we will again be offering new products and services designed to excite our customers and fans all over the world.”

China remains the growth driver
In the first quarter of 2018, China was again the largest individual market for Porsche. With more than 18,600 vehicles sold there, the Chinese market exceeded last year’s result by three percent. In Europe, more than 20,600 vehicles were sold, which corresponds to an increase of 8 percent. There has also been growth in Germany: With more than 7,700 vehicles delivered, Porsche recorded an increase of 8 per cent in its home market. 

Once again, the most successful model has been the Macan: more than 23,000 of these sporty SUVs have been delivered worldwide. And the fascination with the 911 still lives on and with sales of over 9,600 units, demand for the iconic sportscar saw an increase of 35 percent.