Porsche officials are exploring the possibility of adding diesel variants to the company's North American lineup to help meet the growing demand for fuel-efficient cars. On sale in Europe since early 2009, the Cayenne diesel could be one contender for the job and may be followed by the Panamera with a diesel engine and a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.
“We are discussing internally if we should introduce the Cayenne diesel in the U.S. this year. Also a Panamera diesel is an option”, said the brand's sales and marketing chief, Bernhard Maier.
Beside the diesel version, Porsche is also currently selling the Cayenne S Hybrid with the two variants accounting for 30 percent of the model’s total sales worldwide.
Bringing the diesel-powered Cayenne to the States, which is the brand’s biggest single market, could give sales a further boost, after global Porsche deliveries rose by 27% to more than 97,000 units in 2010.
“We expect the diesel and hybrid share to grow further in 2011”, Mr. Maier said.
Citing inside company sources, Autonews Europe reported that the new Panamera variants are expected to be introduced before summer in Europe and could make their world debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in early March.
By Csaba Daradics
Source: ANE
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