Sports car revamp revs up Porsche sales

Porsche boosted car sales 7 per cent in the four months to Nov

Porsche boosted car sales 7 per cent in the four months to Nov. 30, 2004 over a year ago, mainly on strong demand for its iconic 911 sports car and Cayenne offroader, confirming a rejuvenated line-up would ensure further growth.

The world's most profitable carmaker said today revenues rose 4 per cent to €1.98 billion, with sales of its revamped 911s - its low-slung shape little changed in 40 years - up 18.6 per cent at 8,452 units.

The 911 has a top price of around €185,000 and its fastest model can accelerate from 0-100 kilometres per hour in four seconds, according to its website.

Sales of the more muscular, luxury Cayenne model - with a price tag of over €100,000 for the top end of the range - advanced 15.2 per cent to 13,011.

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But sales of the Boxster roadster - a mid-size engine car similar in shape to the 911 - plunged 46.7 per cent to 1,916 as buyers hold back for the imminent launch of a revised version.

Chief executive Mr Wendelin Wiedeking told a press conference the company would decide on a fourth model line early to mid-2005, adding the company was spending a record amount on research and development.

He added that Porsche sales could hit 100,000 vehicles a year within the next two to three years, provided there is no deterioration of the economy and car markets.