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    Jun 19, 2003 12:24:17 AM

    Ben_FR
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    Ben_FR
    Loc: LA
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    Registered on: Feb 17, 2003

    Porsche Production in Zuffenhausen an Endangered Species?

    When I was touring around the factory in Zuffenhausen, I became convinced that any further production of a 996 successor would have to be done at another location. There simply is no additional room to build a brand new car (Cayenne and Carrera GT are being built in Leipzig). I mean, even the 996 line is non-optimal in the sense that the assembly line is on multiple levels due to space restrictions.

    -Ben FR

    Jun 19, 2003 12:49:03 AM

    rludlow
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    rludlow
    Loc: Atlanta, GA USA
    Posts: 77, Gallery
    Registered on: Apr 30, 2002
    Reply to: Ben_FR

    Re: Porsche Production in Zuffenhausen an Endangered Species?

    When Porsche comes out with the 997, 996 production will have long been stopped, so I am confused as to your worries about production space at Zuffenhausen. The 997 will more than likely have just as many (if not more) varients than the 996 but since the 997 will also share parts (to an extent unknown) with the new upcoming Boxster just as the 996 does with the current Boxster, Porsche should have no problems at all. Now what you need to worry about is production capacity...if the economy comes back anywhere near what it was in the late 90's and with a new 911 and Boxster to feed the Porschephiles...I am not sure if Porsche can fill the order sheets without a very lengthy waiting list (what else is new?).

    Now if Porsche does go ahead and build a fourth model line. Expect it to go to Leipzig. I have never toured the plant but since the fourth model line will share parts with the Cayenne expect Porsche to have already thought this out. They will have plenty of room at Leipzig for the fourth model. And anyway, I expect this fourth model (a GT like coupe?) to be produced in far more limited capacity than the Cayenne.

    That seems to be Porsche's plan. Build cars with similar parts at the same plant (exception being the Carrera GT). Yes, Zuffenhausen is small and compact. But that has not hindered Porsche so far. The 996 is the 911 with the most varients ever in its storied history.

    Anyone else wanna join this debate?

    Jun 19, 2003 12:56:40 AM

    RCA
    Rennteam Administrator
    RC
    Loc: Rennteam HQ , Germany
    Posts: 59598, Gallery
    Registered on: Mar 26, 2002
    Reply to: Ben_FR

    Re: Porsche Production in Zuffenhausen an Endangered Species?

    Quote:
    When I was touring around the factory in Zuffenhausen, I became convinced that any further production of a 996 successor would have to be done at another location. There simply is no additional room to build a brand new car (Cayenne and Carrera GT are being built in Leipzig). I mean, even the 996 line is non-optimal in the sense that the assembly line is on multiple levels due to space restrictions.

    -Ben FR



    Right now, there is no need for additional room.
    And a successor of the 996 would completely replace it and it's production capacity.
    Despite the different production sections, production runs pretty smoothly and fast.
    And a little hint: the Cayenne is not built in Leipzig but assembled. I don't have any details yet but I can imagine that the same thing happens with the Carrera GT in Leipzig.
    It will be interesting to see what happens with the Boxster production in Finland. I heard some interesting rumors and I'm curious to see what happens next year.

    In my opinion, the next 2-3 years will decide Porsche's future.
    Interesting times...

    Jun 19, 2003 12:56:44 AM

    Ben_FR
    Junior
    Ben_FR
    Loc: LA
    Posts: 99, Gallery
    Registered on: Feb 17, 2003
    Reply to: rludlow

    Re: Porsche Production in Zuffenhausen an Endangered Species?

    No, but think of this. Assuming the 997 is built on another line, they will need to continue to manufacture the 986 and 996 at the same time. However, how can they do this in Zuffenhausen if there is zero available space! Unless of course, the assembly line is flexible enough to allow the quick shift to the 997 platform. From what I gathered, the 996 line is already getting old, and I can't imagine them starting up a whole new line there...

    -Ben FR

    Jun 19, 2003 1:01:57 AM

    RCA
    Rennteam Administrator
    RC
    Loc: Rennteam HQ , Germany
    Posts: 59598, Gallery
    Registered on: Mar 26, 2002
    Reply to: Ben_FR

    Re: Porsche Production in Zuffenhausen an Endangered Species?

    Quote:
    Assuming the 997 is built on another line...



    Why should they?
    As soon as the new 997 comes out, the 996 is gone.
    Some variants might be left (like the 996 Turbo for example) for a few months but this shouldn't be a real problem.
    I also can imagine that Porsche introduces the 997 and seizes 996 Turbo/GT2/GT3 production for a few months to make the production work smoothly before they introduce the new 997 top models.
    Moving the 911 production to Leipzig would be a huge mistake.
    I can imagine the new Boxster to be manufactured in Leipzig and maybe even the 4th model line. Right now, Leipzig is more like an assembly facility, not a real production facility. But there is enough room for more...the future will tell.

    Jun 19, 2003 1:05:33 AM

    Ben_FR
    Junior
    Ben_FR
    Loc: LA
    Posts: 99, Gallery
    Registered on: Feb 17, 2003
    Reply to: RCA

    Re: Porsche Production in Zuffenhausen an Endangered Species?

    Quote:
    Quote:
    Assuming the 997 is built on another line...



    Why should they?
    As soon as the new 997 comes out, the 996 is gone.
    Some variants might be left (like the 996 Turbo for example) for a few months but this shouldn't be a real problem.
    I also can imagine that Porsche introduces the 997 and seizes 996 Turbo/GT2/GT3 production for a few months to make the production work smoothly before they introduce the new 997 top models.
    Moving the 911 production to Leipzig would be a huge mistake.
    I can imagine the new Boxster to be manufactured in Leipzig and maybe even the 4th model line. Right now, Leipzig is more like an assembly facility, not a real production facility. But there is enough room for more...the future will tell.



    Well, Zuffenhausen really is an assembly plant as well. Porsche doesn't have a foundry, and they outsource the production of the chassis (to BMW I believe). Also, it doesn't sound right that they would cease production for the time it takes to put in place a new production line (although with CAD these days the lead time might be very small).

    -Ben

    Jun 19, 2003 1:20:07 AM

    RCA
    Rennteam Administrator
    RC
    Loc: Rennteam HQ , Germany
    Posts: 59598, Gallery
    Registered on: Mar 26, 2002
    Reply to: Ben_FR

    Re: Porsche Production in Zuffenhausen an Endangered Species?

    Ben, only around 15% of the Cayenne is built in Leipzig.
    You misunderstood me. Of course Porsche doesn't manufacture all parts themselves and of course they buy them from suppliers who do just-in-time delivery for production.
    Ceasing production wouldn't be difficult because the introduction of completely new models takes place after the summer vacation. The factory usually closes down completely during that time.
    BTW: did you take some 996 Turbo Cab pictures?

    Jun 19, 2003 1:47:31 AM

    Ben_FR
    Junior
    Ben_FR
    Loc: LA
    Posts: 99, Gallery
    Registered on: Feb 17, 2003
    Reply to: RCA

    Re: Porsche Production in Zuffenhausen an Endangered Species?

    Quote:

    BTW: did you take some 996 Turbo Cab pictures?



    Yep, but I can't post them because they are being looked at by some car magazines right now. Once I hear back, I'll be posting away...sorry

    Jun 19, 2003 1:49:49 AM

    RCA
    Rennteam Administrator
    RC
    Loc: Rennteam HQ , Germany
    Posts: 59598, Gallery
    Registered on: Mar 26, 2002
    Reply to: Ben_FR

    Re: Porsche Production in Zuffenhausen an Endangered Species?

    Quote:
    Quote:

    BTW: did you take some 996 Turbo Cab pictures?



    Yep, but I can't post them because they are being looked at by some car magazines right now. Once I hear back, I'll be posting away...sorry



    No problem. With some luck (and some help from good friends ), we'll have some pics by mid of next week. Thanks anyway.

    Jun 19, 2003 5:06:38 AM

    rludlow
    Junior
    rludlow
    Loc: Atlanta, GA USA
    Posts: 77, Gallery
    Registered on: Apr 30, 2002
    Reply to: RCA

    Re: Porsche Production in Zuffenhausen an Endangered Species?

    I can not wait RC!!! I am drooling at the chance to finally see the 996 Turbo Cab undisguised!!!!

    A side note: EVO (British Car Magazine) says they will get to drive the CGT after the Frankfurt Show in September. I guess that goes for the rest of the magazines too?

    Jul 9, 2003 11:57:20 AM

    Mark Bennett
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    Mark Bennett
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    Registered on: Jul 9, 2003
    Reply to: Ben_FR

    Re: Porsche Production in Zuffenhausen an Endangered Species?

    Guys,

    The production line at Zuffenhausen is flexible enough to produce 996's, 997's, Boxsters all at the same time.
    Every time a model change is due, they run some of the new model through the line before the new model is released, and before the August shutdown. All the final production line changes to make production of the new car smoother are made during that August shutdown.

    In reality, the 996 production will cease at the end of July (which year though?!) and tooling change for the 997. They still make 1 or 2 boxsters a day at Stuttgart, and this is likely to continue in order to maintain the skills.

    All the cars are made on the same line, all mixed in together (not batched). The 997 will not need to be made seperately.
     
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