Porsche new Cayenne SUV

Porsche New Cayenne SUV Orders Beat CEO Expectations:

Porsche AG's new version of the Cayenne sports-utility vehicle, which will arrive at European showrooms May 8, attracted orders that beat expectations, according to Chief Executive Officer Michael Macht.

"We're looking at an incredibly high order intake from almost all markets," Macht said late yesterday at the German manufacturer's factory in Leipzig, where the next generation of Porsche's best-selling model was presented. "Orders are clearly exceeding our expectations." He didn't give figures.

Porsche, based in Stuttgart, plans to add models with a goal of doubling yearly sales to as many as 150,000 vehicles over the medium term, and benefit from savings from a merger with Volkswagen AG, Macht said. Deliveries in the six months ended Jan. 31 fell no more than 1.7 percent to 33,670 units, compared with a decline of 40 percent in the first quarter.

"Everything is suggesting that this negative trend seems to have ended," the CEO said at the Leipzig plant, where about 640 workers assemble Panamera and Cayenne vehicles. Improving deliveries and the 3.7 percent increase in first-half revenue "are encouraging news that indicate that the end of the long drought is indeed in sight."

Volkswagen agreed to merge with Porsche in August after the 911 sports-car maker's debt tripled to more than 10 billion euros ($13.6 billion) following a failed bid to buy Volkswagen by securing stock through options transactions. Macht yesterday disputed an April 8 report by London-based Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Max Warburton saying tax and legal issues could derail the planned fusion.

'Good Path'

"The essential legal and financial preconditions for the planned merger of both companies have meanwhile been achieved," Macht said. "We're on a good path to be able to forge a competitive, integrated carmaker in the course of next year."

Porsche Automobil Holding SE, the carmaker's holding company, rose as much as 59 cents, or 1.3 percent, to 46.30 euros in Frankfurt traded at 46.07 euros as of 12:17 p.m., valuing the manufacturer at 8.06 billion euros.

Porsche unveiled the third generation of the Cayenne, including the manufacturer's first-ever hybrid model, at the Geneva auto show in March. The upgraded SUV offers the performance of a V8 engine, though its fuel efficiency matches that of a gasoline-powered V6.

Sale price for the new Cayenne starts at 55,431 euros ($75,700) in Germany. Deliveries of the current generation tumbled 25 percent to 34,300 units in Porsche's fiscal year ended July 31, 2009.

Porsche reduced fuel consumption of the new Cayenne, with three of the SUV's five versions using less than 10 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, Macht said. The Cayenne S hybrid model emits 193 grams of CO2 per kilometer, the lowest level of any of Porsche's four model lines, he said.

Porsche sold "clearly" more cars and SUVs last month than in previous months and compared with March 2009, helped by the Panamera sedan, Macht said. The carmaker "firmly" expects to boost 2010 deliveries beyond last year's 75,200 units, the CEO said.

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Porsche Logos and Badges

- The Image of a Brand:

How often do you notice a beautiful car, stop to stare, notice the badge on its bonnet... and take a moment to bask in its glory?

You may be a maniacal lover of cars, able to recognize a good car at a glance and even name its make, model and specifications just by hearing the engine note. But for many people, the sticker is what lends the final confirmation to an identification. When the Porsche is named as a Porsche, it gains an extra bit of value.

For owners who identify themselves with their cars, there is no substitute for that branded badge on the coat lapel, unless it is the branded sticker adorning the main door.

While some people leave just the badge on the bonnet as a subtle reminder of a car's legacy, there are others who prefer a giant sticker all over the rear window. Sometimes, the statement being made depends on the car itself. While some models lend themselves to a laid-back, sophisticated decoration, others exude as much brashness as charisma - demanding to be seen, heard and admired.

Badges can be used on many key points of a car. The bonnet badges are the most common among these. They may have precious metal finishes, as well as embossing or engravings. True bonnet badges come with a rubber gasket and two nuts, and are nailed onto the bonnet.

Stick-on badges are also easily available, for use either on the bonnet, on the sides or dashboard... or anywhere in the interior or outer surface of the car that strikes the owner's fancy. Even the number plate can be decorated with tiny stickers, proclaiming the fact that this Porsche's identity far transcends its registration number.

Not all badges or stickers are the crest-shaped, old-world articles that you would associate with a branded badge. From satin aluminum to chrome, badges are available in many different finishes, from which you can select one based on your preference and your car's decor. Matching one's lapel badge or sew-on badge with a bonnet logo can create a style statement that people won't forget in a hurry.

Side decals and interior badges should never be left out of the consideration when thinking about car decorations. Available in a multitude of colours - though most often in black, silver and white - they are an eye-catching ornament to your wheeled beauty. The glove compartment, dashboard, side panel and bonnet are some popular sites to place creative or branded decals on.

With stickers, badges, crests, decals and logos, you can decorate a Porsche to make it turn heads everywhere it goes. Just don't lose your head in the bargain - make sensible decisions, and don't go on visual overload.

Enjoy!

Porsche Reports April Sales in the U.S.

Panamera Continues to Set Record Pace; Cayenne Sell-down Effective

ATLANTA -- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars, Cayenne SUVs and the Panamera Gran Turismo in the United States, today announced April sales in the U.S. of 1,747 units compared to the same period last year when it sold 1,853, a decrease of 6 percent.

Despite the overall decline, Porsche’s new four-door Panamera recorded its best-ever one-month sales of 678. To date, Porsche has sold 3,410 Panamera models in the U.S. since it went on sale in October 2009.

Contributing to Porsche’s sales decline in April versus last year was the anticipated and effective sell off of its 2010 Cayenne models earlier this year in preparation for the all-new, 2011 Cayenne. The new 2011 Cayenne S (V8) and Turbo models will go on sale in July, while the Cayenne and Cayenne S Hybrid models will be available this fall.

For the year, Porsche sales are still ahead of last year. Porsche’s overall year-to-date sales in 2010 are 6,969 compared to the same period last year when sales were 6,778, up 3 percent.

For the month, Porsche’s Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales were 713, compared to 615 for the same

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix

Henin Dispatches Peer, To Face Stosur At Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Finals:


Stuttgart, Germany (AHN) – Belgian Justine Henin punched her ticket into the finals of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, as she defeated Israeli Shahar Peer 6-3, 6-4 Saturday in Stuttgart, Germany.

Henin, a seven-time grand slam champion, unraveled 74 minutes of clay court mastery to dispatch Peer in straight sets.

Ranked 24th in the world, Henin launched a succession of sharp forehands and cross-court shots to baffle the 20th-ranked Peer.

Peer, who turns 23 Saturday, was no match against Henin’s all-around game, as she conceded three break opportunities in the opening set.

Henin, 27, aims to win her first WTA title of the season after falling short in the finals of Brisbane International and the Australian Open.

Henin, who last won in Stuttgart in 2007, will play Aussie Samantha Stosur in her 60th WTA finals match Sunday.

Stosur, ranked 10th in the world, cruised to a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Russia’s Anna Lapushchenkova in Saturday’s second semifinal match.

Stosur, enjoying an 11-match winning streak, is expected to provide a gritty challenge for the former world’s No.1.

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is a WTA Premier Tournament which serves as a tune-up event for May’s French Open at Roland Garros.