Porsche dealers attended the brand’s make-up meeting at the NADA show with one thing in mind. Product supply, or shortage thereof.
Most of the questions from retailers center around the sports car maker’s sales and production outlook, said Porsche board chairman Mike Sullivan. car news.
The dealer’s message to the factory was:
For niche suppliers of six-figure high-performance metals, tight vehicle supplies are usually a feature, not a bug. Scarcity creates favorability and increases profitability.
Porsche is a master of the “one-short model,” Sullivan said, referring to the brand’s desire to build one less car than the market demands.
But in an age of microchip shortages and COVID-19-related production disruptions, it’s like “10 shorts,” said LAcarGuy Group managing partner and dealer principal at Porsche South Bay in Hawthorne, Calif. Mr Sullivan said.
At the conference, Joe Lawrence, COO of Porsche Cars North America, said he expects supplies to remain tight as global parts shortages continue.
“Porsche has the power behind the Volkswagen Group, so we are well represented,” said Sullivan. “It’s the big picture that creates more uncertainty. Chip and other shortages are hard to avoid.”
Sullivan expects Porsche to sell “low 70,000” in the U.S. in 2023, similar to last year when the automaker delivered a record 70,065 vehicles.
“It should be viable and profitable for PCNA and dealers,” he said.
Porsche told dealers that it will prioritize meeting demand for performance variants such as the GT and GTS across its lineup.
“The 911 was a short year,” Sullivan said.
Sales of the Taycan plateaued last year due to supply problems after it was discontinued three years ago. US deliveries of electric fastbacks will drop 23% to 7,271 in 2022.
“There should have been more supply,” Sullivan said of the Taycan. “We should be able to improve that number next year.”
Porsche is gearing up for a busy few years as it electrifies its range and expands it with a three-row flagship crossover.
This year, Porsche will unveil an all-electric version of its best-selling Macan compact crossover. The midsize crossover Cayenne and battery-powered versions of the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman sports cars follow.
“We plan to have exciting new variations and electrified models midway through the lineup,” Sullivan said.