Buoyant by a steady increase in the demand and repeat buying of luxury cars in tier II and III cities, German sports car maker, Porsche AG, is eyeing these as potential markets and sites for future dealerships.
?The sales predominantly come from Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. However, Bangalore , Hyderabad and Chennai are also contributing healthy numbers. Our market penetration in Tier II and Tier III cities has been increasing steadily. With the increasing awareness and service provided by us in these cities, we are getting a number of new customers and repeat buyers. We see these cities as good potential markets and future dealership locations,? said Ashish Chordia, chief executive officer, Porsche Cars India Pvt Ltd.
The company has identified locations like Ludhiana , Hyderabad , Bangalore and Chennai for dealerships. Also on cards are Chandigarh , Pune, Jaipur and Kochi . Currently, it has two dealerships, in Mumbai and in Delhi. With a customer profile ranging from corporates to politicians to film and sports stars, the company is upbeat about the Indian market. ?In 2008, we expect to sell 200 units, which is in tune with the industry growth of 50%,? Chordia said.
In 2007, Porsche sold 108 units compared to 85 in 2006, a growth of 27%. However, the company has postponed its new launches to next year. Now it plans to get ?GTS? a version of its Cayenne luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) by April 2009 instead of early this year. It also plans to get ?GT2?, a version of its 911 range of sports vehicle, to the country this year, while t he launch of luxurious four-door Panamera and hybrid version of the luxury Cayenne seems to be on schedule with plans of launch in 2010.
Currently, the Porsche Cayenne range is the best selling model in India . In the sports car segment, the company has a presence with Boxer, Cayman and 911 range.