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Porsche buyers in the US have ditched luxury upgrades to their vehicles in an attempt to speed up deliveries following Donald Trump’s car tariffs.
On Tuesday, the German carmaker said North American sales soared by 37pc in the first quarter of the year as buyers raced to get their hands on vehicles before President Trump’s 25pc tariff on non-US car imports kicked in.
According to reports, US buyers have been opting to swerve the time-consuming process of making luxury additions to their vehicles to stop delays in their shipments from Germany and risking a tariff hit.
Mr Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs on all cars imported into the US which he claimed would generate $100bn (£78bn).
Known for its distinctive models such as the 911 and Cayenne, Porsche offers a slew of personalisation options for those that can afford it.
These include bespoke gear levers, trim and paint options, as well as post-build features such as wheels, in-car audio technology and exhaust pipes.
Such features can add tens of thousands to the cost of the car. According to Porsche prices, a brand new 911 Carrera costs £103,700 but adding upmarket features can easily push that price above £130,000.
Porsche’s first-quarter sales boost was flattered by depressed sales volumes last year, when its cars were held at US ports because of banned Chinese parts.
The boom in North American sales came despite significant declines in Germany and China, where deliveries fell 34pc and 42pc respectively in the first quarter. The company’s total deliveries in the quarter fell 8pc.
The German automotive giant now risks damage because of Mr Trump’s trade wars.
While other carmakers such as Mercedes and BMW own some manufacturing facilities in the US, Porsche has none, having traded on the authenticity of its German engineering for many years.
Mr Trump’s trade wars coincide with declining demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe – a key focus for Porsche – and heightened competition from local rivals in China, one of its key markets.
Shares have fallen by more than 50pc in the past year and it has cut hundreds of jobs as well as reshuffling its board.
Earlier this year, Porsche unveiled plans to expand its range of petrol-powered cars after admitting that internal combustion engines would be around for “much longer” than previously expected.
Porsche was contacted for comment.