[JR_NYC]

There's no doubt that a product like a minivan from Porsche would be more entertaining to drive than a Ford Windstar or an Astrovan or whatever people buy these days but the problem is that it screws up the image of a high-end manufacturer that relies to a large extent on mistique and feelings of excitement to sell cars. Porsche has built its image over a period of decades and can command a premium in the marketplace - they are the most profitable (margin %) car maker.

Rolex doesn't sell mass market quartz watches and allow distribution in mass market retailers for a reason - exclusivity and brand image. They leave that up to Tag Heuer because that's their market. And you'd be reluctant to buy a $10,000 Tag because it's just a Tag.

Porsche would be much better off partnering with someone, like maybe VW, and helping them design great people movers. A royalty arrangement would let them profit from the volume if it's a success. After all, Porsche has Porsche Engineering that does development work.