Porsche Confirms Return of Gasoline Macan and No EV for 911
Written with artificial intelligence.
Porsche's CEO Michael Leiters announced plans for a gasoline version of the Macan in 2028, emphasizing a dual strategy that retains combustion engines alongside electric models. The 911 will not receive an electric variant, reaffirming the brand's commitment to its iconic lineup.
Porsche's Future Strategy
Michael Leiters, who became CEO of Porsche in January, has articulated a strategy that embraces gasoline engines while maintaining a commitment to electric vehicles (EVs). In a recent interview, he confirmed the return of a gasoline-powered Macan by 2028 and reiterated that the 911 will not transition to electric power.
Leiters explained that concerns about the brand's commitment to EVs are misplaced. He envisions a lineup that includes both combustion and electric models, rather than one replacing the other. This approach is exemplified by the upcoming gasoline Macan, which will be sold alongside its electric counterpart, aiming to cater to different customer preferences.
Job Cuts and Business Realignment
To support this strategy, Porsche plans to cut 9,000 jobs by 2035 and will close subsidiaries focused on e-bikes, batteries, and software. Leiters described these measures as necessary for the company's discipline in a challenging market, rather than a reactionary panic. Porsche's operational margin had dropped to 1.1% in 2022, largely due to declining sales in China and the costs associated with its pivot to electrification.
The company has also generated around €1 billion by divesting its stakes in Bugatti Rimac and the Rimac Group, providing liquidity as it reassesses its investment strategies. Despite these changes, Leiters clarified that Porsche is not abandoning electric cars but is instead looking to avoid overspending on both gasoline and electric vehicle development in the same segments.
The 911's Future
Leiters confirmed that the Porsche 911 will not have an electric version, maintaining a long-held position by the brand. The current 911 already integrates hybrid components in the Carrera GTS but will not evolve into a plug-in hybrid variant due to size constraints.
To balance its electric ambitions with the existing models, Porsche will leverage technology from the Volkswagen Group. This shared platform strategy allows for continued development of an electric 718 while keeping the 911 unchanged.