Porsche Q1 2018 US Sales Rise Nearly 10 Percent on Strong Demand
Porsche delivered 13,954 vehicles in the US during the first quarter of 2018, up 9.7 percent from the previous year, with the 911 and Panamera leading growth.
Porsche Cars North America reported a 9.7 percent increase in US sales for the first quarter of 2018, delivering 13,954 vehicles between January and March. This growth follows record monthly sales in both January and February, and a new all-time high for March, when 4,756 cars were sold. The strong quarter reflects continued demand for Porsche’s sports cars and luxury models, even as the brand’s SUV sales stabilised after several years of rapid expansion.
Porsche US Q1 2018 Sales Overview
Sales Highlights by Model
The Porsche 911 led the brand’s March gains, with sales up 35.4 percent compared to March 2017. The 718 Boxster and Cayman, Porsche’s mid-engine sports cars, combined for a 45.1 percent year-on-year increase in March. Panamera sales also climbed 27.1 percent as the new generation of the luxury saloon continued to reach customers. These results highlight strong interest in Porsche’s core sports car lineup, even as SUVs remain the company’s volume leaders in the US market.
Despite the growth in sports car sales, the Cayenne and Macan SUVs remained Porsche’s top sellers by volume. However, both models experienced modest declines compared to the same period in 2017. The Macan, in particular, continued to be the brand’s best-selling model in the US, although its sales dipped slightly year-on-year. This suggests that while SUVs are still crucial for Porsche’s US business, the introduction of new or updated sports car models can drive significant growth.
Model-by-Model US Sales Comparison: Q1 2018 vs Q1 2017
| Model | Q1 2018 Sales | Q1 2017 Sales | Year-on-year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 911 | 2,511 | 2,018 | +24.4% |
| 718 Boxster/Cayman | 1,352 | 1,106 | +22.2% |
| Panamera | 1,916 | 617 | +210.7% |
| Cayenne | 3,287 | 3,640 | -9.7% |
| Macan | 4,888 | 5,337 | -8.4% |
The Panamera’s year-to-date jump is particularly striking. With 1,916 units sold in the first quarter, the luxury saloon more than tripled its Q1 2017 result, reflecting the wider availability of the latest generation. The 911 and 718 ranges also posted double-digit growth, confirming strong demand for Porsche’s sports cars alongside its SUVs. The Cayenne and Macan, while still the most popular models by volume, saw sales soften compared to the previous year, possibly due to market saturation or anticipation of updated models.
Certified Pre-Owned Sales and Dealer Network
Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales in the US reached 2,029 vehicles in March, up 28.2 percent from a year earlier. This robust performance in the used market demonstrates strong residual values for Porsche vehicles and continued brand desirability. The company’s network of 189 dealers across the United States supports both new and pre-owned sales, while PCNA’s headquarters and two Porsche Experience Centers in Atlanta and Los Angeles play a role in customer engagement and brand loyalty.
US Market in Global Context
The United States remains Porsche’s second-largest market after China. While US Q1 growth was strong, global deliveries for the full year 2018 later reached a record 256,255 vehicles, according to Porsche AG. The Macan led worldwide volume, but the Panamera and 911 delivered the highest growth rates internationally. US annual sales for 2018 ultimately climbed to 57,202 units, up three percent from 2017, showing that the first quarter’s momentum continued throughout the year.
Factors Behind Porsche’s Q1 2018 Growth
- Strong demand for new-generation Panamera and 911 models
- Ongoing popularity of Cayenne and Macan SUVs, despite slight declines
- Expansion of Porsche’s certified pre-owned programme
- Record-breaking sales months in January, February, and March
- Effective dealer network and customer engagement through Experience Centers
The combination of new model launches, a robust certified pre-owned market, and effective dealer support contributed to Porsche’s strong start to 2018 in the US. The increase in sports car sales, particularly for the 911 and 718, suggests that Porsche’s strategy of balancing its traditional performance models with popular SUVs continues to pay off. The Panamera’s surge is a notable example of how product updates can drive significant sales growth in the luxury segment.
Outlook for Porsche in the US Market
Porsche’s first quarter 2018 results confirmed continued US demand for its sports cars and luxury models, with the 911, 718 and Panamera driving growth even as SUV sales levelled off after several years of expansion. The brand’s ability to post record sales months and increase its certified pre-owned business indicates ongoing strength in both new and used markets. With the US continuing to play a major role in Porsche’s global performance, the company’s focus on product innovation and customer experience is likely to remain central to its strategy going forward.
