Ukraine crisis forced Porsche to pause production; vehicle deliveries to Russia also suspended

Porsche is the latest manufacturer to put production on hold because of the conflict in Ukraine. Motor1 was informed by a company spokesperson that production of Panamera and Macan's at the Leipzig plant was temporarily halted on March 2.

The spokesperson added that “further steps will take place in an orderly process. In the coming days and weeks, we will operate on a short-term basis and continuously reassess the situation,” although Zuffenhausen operations are currently uninterrupted. Moreover, the production of the likes of 718 sports cars and the 911 could also face the wrath of the ongoing crisis, a Twitter post by Caleb J Schroëter showing what appears to be a leaked internal memo suggests. No official statement has been released by Porsche regarding the matter.

Additionally, the Stuttgart automaker has also stopped all vehicle deliveries to Russia with immediate effect, especially given the troublesome times that are transpiring. In 2021, Porsche sold 6,262 vehicles in Russia. The Cayenne found the most homes during the year - 3,431 units and 54% share. Porsche operates in Russia through as many as 26 centres across 20 cities.

“We are deeply saddened by the events in Ukraine. Many people are in need of urgent aid through no fault of their own. We are therefore making a contribution and supporting organisations that help the population on the ground,” said Porsche CEO Oliver Blume as the automaker pledged aid of 750,000 euros (SGD1.4 million). 75% of the aid will go to the UN Refugee Aid, while the rest will be donated to the Ferry Porsche Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting children and young people.

Meanwhile, automobile giants such as General Motors, Volkswagen, Volvo, Harley Davidson, Ford, and Honda also suspended their operations in Russia after the Vladimir Putin-led military launched an invasion of Ukraine. “The situation has compelled us to reassess our operation in Russia. Given the situation, we have today informed our JV partners that we are suspending our operation in Russia, effective immediately, until further notice," said Ford CEO Jim Farley.

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