Porsche | Porsche Expands Leipzig Plant for New
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Porsche Expands Leipzig Plant for New "Cajun" Model Production
Porschehas held a groundbreaking ceremony for the second expansion of its Leipzig plant. Simultaneously, it was announced that production of the "Cajun," a compact SUV billed as the "junior Cayenne," will commence at the end of 2013.
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Securing Over 1,000 Additional Jobs
Since commencing operations in 2002,Cayennehas been manufactured, and since 2009,Panamerahas also been produced at the Leipzig plant. Leipzig Mayor Burkhard Jung remarked, "Porsche's decision in 1999 revitalized the industry in this region. Many important companies have gathered here because of Porsche, significantly energizing Leipzig." Indeed, the plant, situated in a rural area, has played a crucial role in the region's economy and employment. In the approximately nine years since its completion, the Leipzig plant has produced over 420,000 vehicles, with Porsche investing approximately 280 million euros to date.
Recently, with the second phase of expansion underway, a groundbreaking ceremony was held, attended by numerous guests from politics and industry. At the ceremony, Wolfgang Reithmeier, a member of Porsche's Executive Board and head of production, stated, "We aim to increase production of high-performance sports cars and off-road vehicles at the Leipzig plant. Concurrently, we will elevate the plant to the highest standards and further strengthen our quality strategy."
This expansion will increase the Leipzig plant's area to 17 hectares and is expected to create over 1,000 new jobs. It was also announced that a primary objective of this expansion is the production of the "Cajun," a compact SUV that will be a new addition to Porsche's range of production vehicles.
The "Cajun" and a New Generation Cayenne?
While details about the "Cajun" remain scarce, as its nickname "junior Cayenne" suggests, it is rumored to be a lightweight and compact, three-door model sharing its platform with theAudi Q5. Recent reports indicate that the engine lineup will include a 2-liter TFSI with an output of 220 hp, a 3-liter V6 producing 300 hp or 350 hp, three TDI engines, and a hybrid system combining a 2-liter TFSI engine with an electric motor.
Production is scheduled to begin at the end of 2013, with Porsche planning an additional investment of 500 million euros for this purpose. Considering Porsche's statement that it "targets a younger demographic along with theBoxster," it is likely to be offered at a relatively affordable price.
Furthermore, the "Cajun" also hints at the arrival of a new generation of the Cayenne.7th-generation 911was just unveiled, but with the "Cajun," which Porsche confidently states will "create a new wave," it is clear that Porsche's future developments are worth watching closely.