Dec

Porsche to move Cayman & Boxster production from Finland to Austria

Posted by Published in Convertibles

Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Euro, Plants/Manufacturing, Porsche

Click for a hi-res gallery of Porsche production in Finland

Porsche has announced that production of its Boxster and Cayman models is to shift to component supplier Magna Steyr’s facility in Austria beginning in 2012. final year the contract with Finland’s Valmet to assemble the two associated mid-engined models was extended through 2012, after which the terms will run out and Magna will take by.

Porsche CFO and deputy chairman Holger P. Harter stressed that the decision was not a vote against Valmet - which has to moment built by 200,000 vehicles for Porsche - but rather the conclusion of several elements that Magna brought to the table: firstly, Magna’s production is scalable so that it will only manufacture what Porsche’s own factory in Zuffenhausen

(where the rear-engined 911 series is made) cannot handle. Secondly, Magna is able to assume some development responsibilities along with the final assembly. Thirdly, Magna’s proposal was more financially appealing (read: cheaper) than Valmet’s. And finally, Magna already supplies various components to Porsche - including convertible roofs and body panels - creating the opportunity for future synergies amoung Porsche and various Magna subsidiaries.

Click on the thumbnails below to view the Porsche Boxster and Cayman production facility at Valmet in Finland.

Gallery: Porsche production at Valmet