The Auto Channel: North America | Europe

Porsche® Marks Decade of Success with Headquarters in Atlanta

ATLANTA--At Porsche’s North American headquarters, Mayor Shirley Franklin congratulated a gathering of some 200 Porsche employees as the company celebrated 10 years of operating in Atlanta at its 980 Hammond Drive location at Lakeside Commons.

Mayor Franklin shared the stage with Porsche’s President and CEO, Peter Schwarzenbauer, who thanked employees for helping reach this milestone for Porsche and Atlanta.

“When Porsche Cars North America arrived in 1998, there were just 35 employees; now we have 245 across the country,” said Schwarzenbauer. “Together, all of us and those who preceded us have accomplished great things that will fuel Porsche’s success for many years to come.”

“Porsche has so much to be proud of here in Atlanta,” said Mayor Franklin. “Porsche is a company known for boldness, excellence, its incredible sports cars and its environmental and family-oriented values. I congratulate all of you on your first tens years in Atlanta.”

“Mayor Franklin epitomizes the greatness we have come to know in Atlanta,” said Schwarzenbauer, “She has worked to build a ‘Best in Class’ managed city, returning accountability to city government and improving the quality of life for all Atlantans, of which we have all benefited.”

Ten years ago PCNA moved its headquarters from Reno, Nev. to the greater Atlanta metro area in Sandy Springs. It was because of Atlanta’s pro-business attitude, international recognition, flair, and proximity to one of the world’s largest airports with just a six-hour difference in time with Germany that PCNA decided to call Atlanta home in 1998. Since this time, Porsche has enjoyed more success in the U.S. than at any time in its history.

Last January Porsche announced its fourth consecutive sales record in the U.S. with total 2007 sales of 34,693, nearly double the sales just a decade ago. In Addition to its headquarters, Porsche now operates a Logistics Services center near the airport that serves the entire region. Porsche also imports many of its cars from Germany through Georgia’s Brunswick Port.

“When you look at Porsche’s last ten years, you can see growth in our sales, and just as importantly, success in our way of doing business,” Schwarzenbauer noted. “While clearly the market’s reaction to our products is the biggest reason for this success, I am convinced that being here in Atlanta played a huge role in our solid results and enhanced service to our customers and 212 North American dealers.”

While Los Angeles remains Porsche’s top U.S. market, Atlanta ranks as the 6^th best in the country with two of the top dealers in the nation: Jim Ellis in Atlanta, and Hennessy Porsche North America in Roswell.

Among its many community achievements, PCNA is a long-standing member of the German American Chamber of Commerce South and supports Atlanta’s TechBridge, Ronald McDonald House, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Life University Wheelchair Tennis Masters Series, and United Way. PCNA is also proud to be one of the first corporate patrons of the Georgia Aquarium.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, GA, and, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. (PCL) in Mississauga, Ontario, are the two separate importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada respectively. They are wholly owned, indirect subsidiaries of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG. Combined, PCNA and PCL employ approximately 260 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 200 U.S. and 12 Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.