China becomes largest market for Porsche Cayenne

Shanghai, July 26 (Gasgoo.com) China has now become Porsche Cayenne's largest market and Porsche's third largest after the United States and Germany, with 8,629 units of the luxury German auto brand sold last year. In 2012, China is likely to soar to second place, with sales of Porsche Cayenne to exceed 10,000 units, Porsche China CEO Helmut Broeker said recently.

Meanwhile, Porsche China will soon launch two new Cayenne models to the Chinese market: the Cayenne S and the Cayenne Turbo. Both of the models will carry a Porsche V8 engine and be sold at 1.48 million yuan ($217,000) and 2.03 million yuan ($300,000) respectively.

In 2009, China's high-end SUV market reported a robust sales growth due to rising demand. Porsche Cayenne sales also came as a pleasant surprise. In 2003, Porsche sold only 138 cars in mainland China. While in 2009, Porsche China sales unexpectedly grew to 8,629 units, with sales of its best selling model Porsche Cayenne reaching to 7,556 units that represents 83% of the brand's sales in the year.

Compared to other luxury sports car brands in China's auto market, such as Bentley, Maybach, Rolls Royce, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, the Porsche brand has gained itself quite a lot market share so far. 

At present, Porsche has opened 29 dealerships in China. By the end of this year, the number should increase to 35. With the launch of two Cayenne models, the German carmaker expects its sales in China for 2010 to reach at least the same level as in 2009.