Despite the increase in sales of the Stuttgart brand, related to the demand for models such as the Panamera and Cayenne in the Asian market and in the United States, Porsche counts on the slowdown of the European economy as a fundamental factor in the decision to close production at the factory in 2013 weekends.
The Porsche dream factory works at full speed – a month they do eight extraordinary shifts on Saturdays alone to meet delivery deadlines – but the difficulties experienced in Europe naturally affect the company's plans for 2013. Sales in these three models – 911, Cayman and Boxster – are expected to drop 10% in 2013.
The biggest models are the most requested
Currently, the Zuffenhausen plant, where these three two-door models are produced, operates with two eight-hour shifts a day, allowing for the production of 170 911 models per day. The construction company is also considering reducing these shifts to 7 hours in 2013.
In counter-cycle is the Leipzig factory where the Cayenne is produced – it added a third shift and increased its duration by another 6 months than what was announced, currently producing 480 cars a day!
Text: Diogo Teixeira