Purists may not approve of Porsche building SUVs and sedans, but the brand has struck a successful note with both, which has really helped keep the legendary crest alive and kicking. If you're still turning up your nose, we're sure there will be news of some track-bred model coming soon, but for now you're stuck with more truck news.
Porsche has officially confirmed that production will begin later this year on a new, smaller SUV, dubbed the "Cajun". The decision to build the more streamlined SUV at the company's Leipzig plant paves the way for 1,000 new jobs, along with an undoubtedly bigger revenue stream to pour into future "traditional" Porsches.
Expect to hear and see more on the Cajun later this year. Porsche's official press briefing is below.
[via Porsche]
PORSCHE TO BUILD THE NEW 'CAJUN' IN LEIPZIG
* Supervisory board decides on production site for new model
* Leipzig factory in Germany scheduled for a substantial expansion
* At least 1,000 new jobs to be created in Leipzig and Stuttgart
The decision about the production site for the newest model in the Porsche range has been taken.
The new vehicle with the project designation 'Cajun' will be manufactured at the Porsche factory in Leipzig, in the Saxony region of Germany. This was decided by the supervisory board. The monitoring body authorised the board of management to finalise plans for the plant to become a fully-fledged production site for the 'Cajun', including body assembly line and paint shop.
Within the context of the 'Cajun' production, at least one thousand new jobs are to be created in Leipzig, and additional new jobs at Porsche in Zuffenhausen and Weissach. Subject to approval by the authorities, construction work at the 400 hectare (1.54 square miles) site is scheduled to begin in 2011.
"During the production of the Cayenne and the Panamera, our Leipzig plant has impressively proved that it can produce premium vehicles of highest quality," said Matthias Müller, chairman of the Porsche AG board of management. "The decision in favour of this location is proof of our trust in the skills and qualifications of our Leipzig associates, and at the same time another contribution to the economic advancement of the region."
Uwe Hück, chairman of the group works council, said: "We had tough but fair negotiations. The employees' representatives have always been convinced that it is worthwhile to make the 'Cajun' at our Saxony plant. At the end of the day, the high flexibility and productivity of our colleagues has convinced the management board and the supervisory board to produce the 'Cajun' in Leipzig. We are therefore very happy that the supervisory board authorised the board of management to plan the expansion of the Leipzig plant and turn it into a fully-fledged factory. The production of the Cajun is a very good sign for Leipzig. However, we cannot rest now but have to start talks about a further expansion of the Zuffenhausen plant in order to adapt our parent plant to future growth, too."
Burkhard Jung, mayor of the city of Leipzig, said: "The decision of the Porsche AG proves yet again that Leipzig with its professional city administration is an attractive, cosmopolitan city and, therefore, an international business site with a future."
With the efficient and agile 'Cajun', Porsche extends its SUV segment which is in high demand all over the world. In addition to the new generation of the Cayenne which has clearly managed to strengthen its market position as one of the most successful sporting all-wheel drive vehicles in the premium segment, the lightweight and refined handling 'Cajun' - so typical of a Porsche - will create further momentum. As a desirable entry modeI, it is expected to pave the way for new, younger customers to enter the world of Porsche, in addition to the Boxster, the market leader among two-seat mid-engined sports cars.
Since its inauguration in 2002, the highly modern Leipzig plant in Saxony, Germany, has been producing the Cayenne. After its first expansion, the four-seater Panamera Gran Turismo has been built there since 2009, which is produced in a model mix with the Cayenne. To date, Porsche has invested around 280 million euro in Leipzig.
