STUTTGART, Germany/ATLANTA — In a move that underscores the growing importance of Asian markets, Porsche on Wednesday said it will hold the world debut of its 2010 Panamera Gran Turismo on April 20 at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show.
The announcement came as the doors were opening to the global media at the 2009 New York Auto Show, which was hosting the debut of more prosaic vehicles such as the dog-friendly Honda Element Concept and the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
In a statement, Porsche President and CEO Wendelin Wiedeking said that the automaker is intending to send a "powerful message" about its commitment to Asian markets. "This is a clear signal that we count on these markets and have full confidence in their future economic potential," Wiedeking said.
Porsche pointed out that in fiscal year 2007-'08, China alone accounted for customer deliveries of 7,600 units, "equal to growth in sales of more than 140 percent."
The Panamera is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. on October 17 and in parts of Asia in September. It will be sold in China beginning in early 2010, Porsche said.
Inside Line says: Porsche snubs the Big Apple in favor of a China debut for its highly anticipated Panamera. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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