Porsche tells U.S.: No more rebates
Boxster giveback was the company's first in a decade
http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=40525
By Julie Cantwell
Automotive News / August 26, 2002
LEIPZIG, Germany - Boxster rebates to Porsche Club of America
members aren't sitting too well with Porsche AG CEO Wendelin
Wiedeking.
"We were surprised; it won't happen again," he said.
In June, Porsche Cars North America Inc. began offering a $500
rebate to the club's 52,000 members on a new 2001 or 2002 Boxster
base model or $1,000 for the 2001 or 2002 Boxster S.
As of Aug. 16, 54 members had taken advantage of the deal.
But Wiedeking says discounts could tarnish the brand. "I didn't
know," about the rebates, Wiedeking said at the press
introduction of the Cayenne sport wagon here last week.
Then turning to Fred Schwab, president of Porsche Cars North
America, he said in German something to the effect of "Isn't that
correct, Mr. Schwab?" to which Schwab replied, "Yes."
Schwab said he didn't seek corporate approval for the rebate,
which runs through Dec. 31, because "it's nothing," he said.
"It's $500. It doesn't count as an incentive because it's only
for the Porsche Club."
But Wiedeking disagreed.
"We will reduce production before starting discounts," he said.
The Boxster rebate is Porsche's first in a decade, but the
company has offered lease incentives.