Porsche Scores Two Hits with U.S. Buyers

Panamera and Next-Generation Cayenne off to Strong Start

NASHUA, NH (02/01/2011)(readMedia)-- Long known for the supreme performance and luxury of its sports cars, Porsche has expanded the reach of its expert engineering to other vehicles over the past decade, a move most apparent in the Porsche Panamera luxury sedan and the Porsche Cayenne luxury SUV. Recent sales numbers indicate that both vehicles have impressed and expanded Porsche's customer base, with the Cayenne selling the most of any Porsche model in 2010 and the Panamera close behind it.

First introduced in North America in 2003 and redesigned in 2010, the Cayenne SUV has drawn the praise of experts and customers alike, receiving Motor Trend's 2011 Sport/Utility of the Year award and achieving a 57% increase in December year-over-year sales. For all of 2010, total U.S. sales of the Cayenne were up nearly 8% over 2009, with 8,343 units sold.

Launched in 2009, the Porsche Panamera translates the classic Porsche coupe design to a full-size luxury sedan. Demand for the Panamera has been high, with a sales increase of 34% over December 2009. In its first full year of availability in the United States, the Panamera achieved sales of 7,741 units.

"Die-hard Porsche fans were understandably skeptical when the Cayenne and Panamera first launched, as they presented a big departure from Porsche's performance-car heritage," said Larry Bedell, general manager at Porsche of Nashua, a New Hampshire and Massachusetts Porsche dealer. "What we're seeing now is a new group of customers that admired Porsche engineering but didn't need a sports car. The Cayenne and Panamera let these drivers get the engineering they've always craved in a package that fits their lifestyle."

Popular at New Hampshire Porsche dealers for its Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel-drive system that conquers treacherous White Mountain roads, the 2011 Porsche Cayenne also features a new braking system with available ceramic composite discs, as well as the signature Porsche Stability Management (PSM) electronic control system that keeps drivers in control in hazardous road conditions. Broadening its appeal to environmentally conscious and economical New Englanders, a hybrid version of the vehicle, the Cayenne S Hybrid, was released this past November.

The Porsche Panamera has received its own share of accolades, including a 2010 Edmunds' Inside Line Editors' Most Wanted Award, Ward's Auto Interior of the Year for 2010, Playboy Magazine's Car of the Year 2010 and Bloomberg Car of the Year for 2009. With a seemingly endless set of interior features, such as the Porsche Communication Management system, a Burmester high-end surround sound system and Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment, the Panamera's interior provides a serene refuge from its powerful, lightweight and efficient 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine.

With the Cayenne and Panamera leading the way, Porsche saw an overall calendar-year sales increase of 29% over 2009. Though the overall market for sports cars, along with the economy, remains in a slow recovery, Porsche maintained its market share, with sales of the Porsche Boxster growing by 14% in 2010.

"The appeal of Porsche's sports cars will never go away, and customers are returning as the economy regains its health," Bedell added. "The Cayenne and Panamera attract certain customers for their mix of practicality and pleasure, but those seeking pure thrills will find them in the classic Porsche models."

About Porsche of Nashua:

A 2010 and 2011 Premier Porsche Dealer, Porsche of Nashua delivers customer service equal to the quality of the Porsche brand. For new and used Porsche sales, Porsche service and Porsche parts, choose the New Hampshire Porsche dealership that stands out from the rest. Browse their inventory online at www.porschenashua.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/porscheofnashua, call them at 603-578-3744, or visit their dealership at 170 Main Dunstable Road in Nashua, NH.