No rush for fifth model line: Porsche boss

Porsche will bed-in the launch of Panamera and use "breathing space" forced on the brand by the global financial crisis ahead of any decision about a fifth model line. Indeed, senior execs at Porsche are now questioning whether the company needs to grow larger than its current volume.

At least that's the opinion of the German sports car icon's worldwide head of sales and marketing, Exec Vice President, Klaus Berning.

Speaking at last week's global launch of the new Panamera four-door, Berning (pictured, left) told the Carsales Network Porsche was in no hurry to make a decision on an extra model line to join the brand-new-to-market Panamera, Cayenne SUV, Boxter/Cayman mid-engine sportscars and the iconic 911.

It has variously been speculated that the company might add a smaller SUV to its line-up or a sub-Boxster entry-level sports car. Also on the theoretical drawing board have been rumoured 928 replacements -- cars that would leverage the Panamera's new so-called G1 front-engined, rear and all-wheel drive premium platform.

"I was waiting for that question," Berning quipped when the Carsales Network raised the subject of the fifth model line.

"Honestly, we are going to tackle that question starting October 2009 because then the car [Panamera] is launched, and if the car is good -- and the car will be good -- we will start the six month [deliberation] process of 'Do we need a fifth car line?'"

"My gut feeling at this point in time, however, is I don't think we need one," Berning opined.

Berning says with Porsche's strong (and strengthening) technological ties with the Volkswagen Audi Group, economies of scale are not a huge factor in Porsche's roadmap for the future. Indeed, he says optimised production levels based on the existing line-up might better suit the financial and brand aims of the carmaker.

"We could question whether we need to grow much at all.

"With this product line [Panamera], with the economy going back to the level of 2008 -- whenever that will be -- we have the potential to go to 120-140,000 units [per annum]. We would be happy; our dealers would be happy, and within the big picture it might be sufficient that we do this," he explained.

One thing's for certain, while Berning is happy to consider a four-cylinder future for Boxster, he does not support building a 'baby' Porsche -- a new Speedster.

"I think with the Boxster/Cayman -- at a certain level -- we have the cars that [we need to] bring people to the brand... And don't forget Cayenne -- that has a conquest rate of up to 80 per cent.

"But everybody's asking me of the small 'Speedster'... Forget it, there is no business case."

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