Porsche expects 20% sales jump in India

An expected dip in its global sales notwithstanding, luxury car-maker Porsche is hoping for a nearly 20 per cent jump in sales in India this year. Working towards that direction, the company had earlier introduced the premier sedan, Panamera, in the country in the price range of Rs 1.4-2.05 crore.

"The Indian market is going through a revolution for desire of high-end products. We do not want to miss this opportunity and so launching Panamera. We are expecting a good growth in India despite an anticipated dip in global sales in 2009," MD of Precision Cars India, the importer of Porsche vehicles in the country, Rod Wallace said.     

The company had sold 168 units in 2008 in India and is expecting to sell 200 units this year with the launch of Panamera, he added.     

With major overseas auto markets, including the US, going through a demand slump, Porsche is expecting its global sales decrease to 75,000 units this year from 98,000 units in 2008.     

"India is recovering very fast. In the first three-four months the sales were low but since April confidence has retained and we are receiving more inquiries and interest for a Porsche car," Wallace reasoned.

Precision Cars India has placed an order of 50 units of Panamera for the next 12 months. "Already 13 units were pre-sold before the launch. We have also received 6 potential enquiries for the car," Wallace added.     

In order to keep the sales momentum in India, Porsche is also looking to introduce new products.

Wallace said the new Boxster, which was showcased in the Geneva Motor Show, would be launched in India before the end of this year.     

Porsche, which at present has only two dealerships in the country, is expanding its network to five by year-end.     

"We will add three new dealerships in Hyderabad, Cochin and Chennai. Also we are holding negotiations in Ludhiana and Ahmedabad," Wallace said, adding the company plans to have 10 exclusive outlets within next two years.     

Asked how the proposed merger of Porsche with Volkswagen in the Europe would affect the company's business in India, Wallace said Porsche would continue to operate independently.

Porsche at present offers its entire range of cars in India, including Boxster, Cayman, 911 and Cayenne.