The all-new and fully electric Porsche Macan is set to be unveiled in the first half of 2024, but the current ICE-powered model might stick around for more years than it was initially expected. Porsche reportedly told US dealers it will review its decision on ditching the combustion-engined Macan in 2025 or 2026, based on the sales volume over the next two years.
Porsche communicated its plans during an internal two-day meeting event in the Canary Islands. The automaker is having second thoughts about going EV-only with the Macan due to “the lack of well-maintained public charging infrastructure” that wouldn’t be enough to support its volume model. High-ranked officials reportedly said that Porsche is not interested in getting access to the Tesla Superchargers like other automakers do, but is trying to find “as many chargers as possible” in the most efficient way.
More: 2025 Porsche Macan EV’s Digital Gauge Pack Shows Disappointing Electric Range
As reported by Automotive News, the Macan is Porsche’s best-selling model in the US, and despite its age, accounting for one-third of the brand’s sales. The SUV was originally introduced in 2014 with consecutive facelifts in 2019 and 2021 keeping it relevant in a competitive market. This year, Porsche expects US sales of the Macan to hit 80,000 units, with the forecast representing an increase of 15% compared to 2022. If this trend continues, it is likely that the old ICE-powered and the new EV-only Macan variants will go hand-in-hand for a few more years.
Porsche is not the only automaker concerned about the rapid transition to EVs. Mercedes-Benz recently told Canadian dealers that is considering slowing down the EV switch and extending support to its ICE-powered range.
Targeting A Younger Demographic
A dealer revealed that Porsche is not happy about the average age of its drivers which is currently over 50, wanting to lower it to the 25-35 bracket. In order to do that, the company held workshops, educating dealers on how to attract a younger audience. The target group includes successful women that could get lured into a 911 or a Cayenne as they move forwards in life.
The new strategy requires a change in the mentality of Porsche retailers, who traditionally don’t take younger showroom visitors that seriously, as is the case with most premium automakers. Porsche hopes to create a more welcoming atmosphere in its showrooms, treating them as “casual hangout spaces for customers and fans”.
Reports suggest that the dealers got a chance to check out the upcoming Macan EV and facelifted Taycan in person, while the electric Mission X concept which previews their future flagship hypercar, was also displayed at the premises. The company’s spokesperson declined to comment on the internal meeting, with all the information coming from dealer sources.
