FI Flyer

I placed an order for a C4 in mid-September. He explained -- as much as it can be explained -- the Porsche allocation system. (In essence, Porsche occasionally issues dealers allocations for the right to order so many cars of a specific types.)

On December 12, he was informed by Porsche that they would not be issuing any allocations for C4 or C4S cars for the indefinite future. So my order was canceled. (Happily, my dealer was able to find an existing C4S allocation which could be optioned to my specification and we closed the deal yesterday.)

I have read (in the WSJ and elsewhere) that Porsche is trying to prevent an oversupply of unsold cars in America. I can understand that but I find it rather extraordinary that they will not even permit individuals to order a C4/C4S with their choice of color, options etc.

So what is going on and what does it mean for people wanting to buy C4/C4S cars in the future?

Trader220

It means they need to either have their dealer find an build slot from another dealer they can trade for or you need to find a dealer who has a build slot for the model you want.

cello

It really means there is excess C4/C4S inventory sitting about

One less now, tho, so Congrats!

SilverSteel

I have experienced a dealer pull-back on a C2S Cab, stating they were only getting three cars allocated for the next seven months. They felt negotiating on price was not something they had to do for a PTS car. I have since moved on. They have come back, but they've done this before on my previous car forcing me to buy out of state. I'm not playing any chevrolet/ford buying games on a 100k car.

Porsche has reduced production to tighten demand.

FI Flyer

It seems to me that Porsche (which is famous for doing anything at a price) would make a distinction between those who want their new car now vs. those who are willing to wait -- and pay -- for the exact car that they want.

SilverSteel

I can buy today, or I can buy tomorrow. No hurry, no worry.

Trader220

Unless you want a gray 2009 launch car there are NOT a lot of C4 or C4S's sitting around and there will be far fewer built this year. Many small dealers got tiny allocations.


*******

If a dealer only got a tiny allocation then you're right he does not have to offer steep discounts, he's going to sell the ones he gets.

FI Flyer

I am trying to understand Porsche's point of view. If there are very few C4/C4S cars available, what is their motivation to restrict supply? Assuming that there is an oversupply of other (and older) 911 models, is the the idea that customers seeking C4/C4S will buy C2/C2S's instead? If so, is that reasonable?

I suppose that a Targa might be a reasonable substitute for a C4/C4S but they seem to be rare. Turbos and GT2/3s are in a different league. And is a 2009 launch car going to be sufficiently attractive to someone who is willing to wait -- and pay more -- for a car built to his/her exact specifications?

All of which brings me back to my original question: Why has Porsche completely stopped allocating C4/C4Ses to the USA?

Trader220

They have planned production of X amount of cars. Of that set of X the subset put aside for C4 and C4S's has been set. I dont have an answer for why they have chosen the product matrix in place I can only comment on what matrix has been passed along to dealers. This is part of world wide distribution, there is no plan to restrict US distribution per se.

mander

Does the relatively low value of the dollar fit into determining world wide distribution? Are they sufficiently hedged?

FI Flyer

Just to be clear about the allocation of CS4/CS4S cars to the USA, are any being sent to the USA or just very few?

mambodoc

Phew!...I'm happy as a clam with my launch C4S...would never have chosen the sports buckets, but now, I'll never buy without them! Good luck with the MY10 C4S.

DJ23

To add one note my dealer informed me today that one, they do not have another Turbo allocation until May or June 2010. And that two,for the next quarter, Porsche has recently negotiated with the union in Zuffenhausen to have 18 furlough days for the next four months. Talk about cutting back on production. This seems tough. I wonder if VW's takeover has anything to do with these cutbacks? It appears that it will be more difficult to get a new 2010 Porsche of any type this coming year.

Jay

Bob Rouleau

Maybe Porsche is back to preserving resale value like they used to? Under Weideking it was build as many as you can. Compare the resale of a 2005 carrera witha 97 993 for example.

MyEmily

Guess VW want Porsche to be limited production instead of mass production. For sure it will drive up value.