Porsche in China

[marcos1]

I am interested in finding any Chinese Porsche Gearheads that would know about, provide guidance or would have interest in a Porsche repair capability in China.

Reach out if you know of anyone doing Porsche work in China...

Thanks

[twistoffat]

check out this vid. Someone obviously is

YouTube - rich chinese wedding

[jasonlee]

I don't live in China, but spend a lot of time working there. It all depends on where in China. Most of the major cities, especially on the coast will have some independent mechanics that work on Porsche BMW, Merc Audi, but depending on the vehicle the dealer may be the best bet. As far as Porsches I have seen there, the majority are Cayennes. I have seen a couple of Caymens, and Boxters, Carreas and 1 GTS. but mostly its the Cayenne.

[marcos1]

To Clarify: I was more looking into whether there is any nascent car enthusiast scene or shop there - not necessarily blinged out cayennes but more like people who are passionate about 911s

Thanks in advance

[jasonlee]

Sorry. It was early when I responded. That i can't answer. I certainly know a lot of ex pats and chinese that are car guys, but more just wishful thinking. I do know that purchasing a new Porsche over there is about 2 to 2 1/2 times what you would pay in Canada or the US, and at least on mainland China, I have near seen an older 911, or more specifically an Air cooled 911. All that said, I am sure there must be some enthusiast in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, but certainly not in Dongguan where I spend most my time.

I do see lots of shops around that would classify as tuner shops, and there are groups of cars there, but its mostly Japanese imports.

I am sure thats not really much help, but at least where I am I don't see much in the way of enthusiasts, just chinese with lots of money driving automatic sports cars.

[sixgt]

You might try contacting the HK Porsche club.

Home - Porsche Club Hong Kong

They are mostly 911 enthusiasts and have various Porsche events. No track in HK so they have to ship their cars to Malaysia, Thailand, Macau, and even have events in China.

I visited their club years ago when they were first getting started. Back then there were comtemporary 911s as well as some beatiful early bumper cars.

Hope that helps.

G

[pplkook]

This is just my opinion, based on spending a tremendous amount of time in China (SH, BJ, SZ, CD and Xian) since 2002.

From my laowai understanding of face, it is all about "new", or if it is old, it will need to be widely understood to be of great importance or value (antiques i.e. hundreds of years old). I doubt you will find much/any older cars (import restrictions?) or enthusiasts on the mainland. HK maybe, but HK is China "lite".

Heck, they rip down architecturally important buildings/murals/sites every day in SH to build another huge skyscraper.

-Jack

[jasonlee]

Well said Jack. Its all about "Face" The new the better, and more money you have, ergo you are more important and powerful. etc etc

[914efi]

In the time I have spent around SH, BJ, and a few smaller cities, there are no customized or modified cars because it is either illegal or at least frowned upon. Pretty sure it is illegal based on conversations I have had with people. Most Porsches seen are Cayennes as noted above. BMW and Benz sedans are around as well.

Having said that, there are some neat racing opportunities. There is a smaller track (Shanghai Tian Ma) near the F1 track that does arrive and drive stuff. I drove an Asia polo cup car just by showing up and spending some small cash, no questions, no ride along, no credentials, no firesuit, very fun. The other guy in the pic below is the son of one of my Chinese associates. He had never had such a ride, he loved it! I think there are also kart tracks, but I haven't been to one yet.



Supercup Asia before F1 race, '08

[Steve@Rennsport]

FWIW,...my Chinese mainland friends tell me that import duties on cars made before 2004 or 2005 are horrifically high, hence no air-cooled cars in China.

People like the new stuff better there anyway as thats the demand.

[bobswei]

Just for kicks. One in Hong Kong and one in Shenzhen