It stands out like an island in the midst of a turbulent sea, surprisingly withstanding the onslaught caused by the financial turmoil buffeting most of the world’s leading economies due to recession.
“While most of the car manufacturing industry worldwide is in doldrums due to declining sales brought about by the economic recession, demand for Porsche cars is growing, particularly in the GCC and more so, in Kuwait where the sales are led by our new car models and we are celebrating it,” says Darren Abel, Brand Manager, Porsche-Kuwait.
Porsche, even after the global meltdown, is continuing to do extremely well and enjoy one percent of the entire market share in Kuwait. Where most of the automobile companies registered falls in vehicle sales, Porsche was one of the few only to have an increase in sales during the troubled times. “In fact, we sold 788 units in 09/10 compared to the 760 in 08/09 and expect to sell at total of around 900 units in the coming year!” added Darren.
Darren highlighted that the Porsche brand’s popularity in Kuwait is due to the excellent partnership between the brand and the Behbehani Group, the official distributor of Porsche in Kuwait which has adhered to the high quality standards of the Porsche brand in catering to and servicing its loyal customers in the country through constantly improving the customer brand experience and after sales services.
However the reasons behind the success of Porsche in Kuwait do not end there. The popularity and spurred demand of the Cayenne model is another factor behind the brand doing so well. This can be judged by the fact that all Cayenne E1 models had been sold out even before the launch of the new Cayenne E2. The introduction and the continued demand of the new Cayenne E2 has led to a predicted market share of around 25 percent in the prestige SUV segment by the end of the year.
“Since its launch in May this year, we have sold 169 of the new Cayenne, particularly the V6 models which has been a hit among the people of Kuwait. The SUV offers even more driving pleasure both on and off the road.” mentioned Darren.
The new Porsche Cayenne is more efficient, lighter, dynamic and also features a Hybrid Drive. It is more spacious inside and lighter overall, pointing into the future of technology and in sporting - elegant design, making the new Cayenne more Porsche than ever.
“The new Cayenne comes in various grades, starting from the V6 engine having 300HP, the V8 engine offering 400HP and the Turbo 500HP. Starting from a price range of just KD 19,500.” added Darren.
The new generation of Cayenne models paves the way in terms of modern efficiency, with a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 23 percent as against the former models. Like every Porsche, the new Cayenne has been developed according to the principle of Porsche Intelligent Performance: more power on less fuel, greater efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
The biggest surprise and another contributor in terms of sales turnover, was the impressive performance of the Panamera which sold more than 320 units since its launch last year. Considering it is practically a new model introduced in Kuwait for the very first time the sales exceeded the expectations at Porsche. Darren confidently went on to add that they are enjoying a 20 percent market share in the prestige sedan segment even though other competitors are more established.
The highlight is the V6 variant of the Panamera which has attracted a different market segment to Porsche, with its impressive performance of 300hp, combining sportiness, individual comfort and economy from Porsche Intelligent Performance.
Like all models from Porsche, the new V6 Panamera gives the driver the choice of optimized performance and consistent efficiency at any time. Pressing the Sport or Sports Plus button, the driver is able to activate all the relevant systems in the car from optimum fuel economy to high maximum performance. The range of optional Sports Chrono Packages is the same as the Packages in the V8 models.
With the introduction of the Panamera and Panamera 4, both are powered by a brand-new six cylinder engine which has opened up a new market segment for Porsche. These two new models combine the exclusivity, sportiness and individual comfort of the Porsche Panamera with particularly economic performance, thus setting new standards in the six-cylinder ‘Gran Turismo’ class.
The combination of superior efficiency and equally superior performance at such a high level requires more than sophisticated drive concepts alone. This is precisely why the principle of Porsche Intelligent Performance is borne out by consistent lightweight technology on all models within the range, with axles, doors, the engine compartment lid, the wings and the rear lid all made of aluminum in order to keep the weight to a minimum.
The V6 power unit, in turn, is approximately 30kg or 66lb lighter than the eight-cylinder in the Panamera S and 4S, thus making its own contribution to the low overall weight of the Panamera of just 1,730 kg or 3,815 lbs.
As for its established models, the 911, Cayman and Boxster, continue to dominate with 50 percent share of the market in their respective segments. Darren hinted at the possibility of the eagerly awaited special editions of the Cayman and the 911 being introduced within the next 12 months.
After the brief discourse on the merits of the Panamera and the Cayenne, Darren hastened to add that Porsche Kuwait is proud to re-introduce its Porsche Approved pre-owned programme through showroom expansion and new facilities. Our showroom can now accommodate up to 15 pre-owned vehicles which are all prepared and available for immediate delivery, coupled with a dedicated team of pre-owned sales executives which are on hand to ensure that every customer expectation is met.
“Porsche Kuwait provides quality pre-owned vehicles with the Porsche seal of approval, meaning they meet the highest quality standards set by Porsche. Over two thirds of all Porsches built are still on the road today, a record value that speaks for itself and gives one maximum confidence when buying a Porsche.” pointed Darren.
The distinction between a Porsche Approved Pre-Owned Car from a conventional pre-owned vehicle like those bought from outside, such as car lots or private individuals, is the guarantee of driving enjoyment, as Porsche Approved Pre-owned vehicles go through: A rigorous 111-point inspection checklist conducted by qualified Porsche Technicians; prepared in accordance with Porsche high quality standards is; Use of original Porsche parts; Warranty extendable up to 9 years; Up to 24 months’ Porsche Assistance with comprehensive breakdown and recovery services.
In combination with its Pre-owned Porsche Warranty, one can also benefit from the exclusive Porsche Assistance Mobility guarantee which provides fast assistance, adapted to one’s requirements 24/7 365 days a year in most of the GCC.
“Our extensive range of the Porsche pre-owned cars starts from only KD 9,000. Porsche enthusiasts, who would like to be kept updated of our current stock, can do so by becoming a fan of our official Facebook page, which is specifically designed to give you instant updates of new stock.
First published in Men's Passion issue #27 December-January 2010-11
