Porsche‘s first quarter of 2018 has kicked off to a flying start, with around 63,500 vehicle sales globally, including a noteworthy 60% of buyers who opt for the Panamera choose the plug-in hybrid variant.

Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid accounted for 60% of Panamera sales

In terms of specific models, the Panamera introduced in 2017 achieved the largest percentage growth with an increase of around 200%. In Europe, more than 60% of the Panamera models handed over were hybrid versions.

Demand for alternative drive technologies is already high among Porsche customers. “The success of our hybrid models shows that the application of values typical of the Porsche brand to this drive technology has been effective”, explains von Platen.

Sales for the German sports brand have increased 6% year-on-year, representing the most successful first quarter in the manufacturer’s history.

Although China remains the largest market for the brand, the USA, Europe and in particular Germany were the main drivers of growth. The Macan is the most popular model overall, with 23% of the company’s sales.

“Exclusivity is more important for the Porsche brand than pure growth; with our global market share of 0.3% of the total market we are fulfilling this requirement. In addition to the development, production and sale of exclusive sports cars, Porsche is increasingly tackling the subjects of electrification, digitalisation and connectivity.”