Porsche has slapped down reports that it was planning to move production of its high-performance vehicles to the United States, despite threats from President Donald Trump.
Porsche has denied a report from an American outlet suggesting the luxury automaker was considering shifting parts of its production to the United States to avoid tariffs.
Reports had claimed that Porsche CEO Oliver Blume, who is also CEO of the Volkswagen Group, was exploring the possibility of moving final assembly stages to the US.
Citing unnamed sources, the report claimed that this would include installing interior components and fitting tyres.
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Porsche has rejected claims that it would be moving its production to the United States following threats from President Donald Trump
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However, a spokesperson for Porsche confirmed to Reuters that "no such plans were in place."
The German sports car manufacturer currently has no U.S. production facilities, potentially leaving the company open to auto tariffs.
Porsche faces multiple headwinds despite maintaining its current production strategy. The company is grappling with declining demand and intense competition from Chinese manufacturers.
The luxury brand's electric vehicle models have also experienced slower-than-expected market adoption, despite sticking to its goal of electrification.
Porsche recorded impressive sales in the United States last year
PORSCHEWithout any US manufacturing presence, Porsche remains vulnerable to tariff impacts, as President Trump moves forward with his 25 per cent rate on all vehicle imports.
The company's finance chief Jochen Breckner stated in late April that "localisation made no sense given its low vehicle sales, even if the group were to team up with another VW brand".
In 2024, Porsche recorded record sales in the United States, with an impressive 76,167 new registrations, marking a record for the manufacturer.
Timo Resch, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, said it was a "pivotal moment" for the brand, with drivers showing interest in the new 911, Panamera, Taycan and Macan models.
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He added: "As a result we were able to offer our customers the most diverse and complete range of cars in Porsche's history.
"I am grateful to every owner, every dealer and every employee for driving this success as our attention focuses on 2025 and the opportunities ahead of us."
Speaking at the end of May, President Trump said automakers in the US, including Elon Musk's brand Tesla, must build entire vehicles, including all their parts in the US.
Trump said it "bothered him" how some vehicles would be part made in Canada, Mexico or Europe, and that "nobody knew what the hell was happening".
Porsche's stance contrasts with fellow Volkswagen Group brand Audi, which plans to manufacture its best-selling models in the United States.
Audi will announce a production location this year, though the company noted these plans predate the Trump administration.
Blume revealed last week he had "engaged in discussions with Washington to expand the Volkswagen Group's presence in the United States through 'massive investments'".
While Audi moves forward with US production plans, Porsche maintains its position that American manufacturing doesn't align with its current sales volumes.
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