AN ICONIC German car brand has announced it is to cease production of two of its most popular sportscars.
The announcement marks a significant shift in the brand’s strategy as it leans further into electric mobility.
Porsche hopes closing the order books on the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster sportscars will prompt customers to switch.
Both models will be available as electric cars in 2026.
Any customer who has ordered the model will have their order fulfilled, while existing stock will also be cleared.
While there was speculation the company could reverse its decision to axe the models this is no longer the case, according to Autocar.
End of production
Production of the mid-engine 718 twins will end next year at Porsche’s facilities in Zuffenhausen and Osnabrück.
The move follows the earlier discontinuation of the models in Europe due to new cybersecurity laws.
According to Porsche, the decision isn’t about poor sales, with 2024 witnessing a 15 percent increase in deliveries, with 23,670 units sold.
However, limited parts availability and the push for electrification have forced Porsche’s hand.
A spokesperson for Porsche previously said the company is “now focused on the next chapter”.
As previously reported, special editions such as the Cayman GT4 RS and Boxster RS Spyder will also bow out, despite previous exemptions from EU regulations.
Replacing these fan favourites will be fully electric versions of both the Cayman and Boxster.
The shift has been in motion since the start of 2024, when the 718 was pulled from European markets in response to stricter cybersecurity legislation.
The regulations effectively ended sales of the internal-combustion Boxster and Cayman, along with the petrol-powered Macan, across the EU.
Temporary reprieve
The U.S. and other regions were granted a temporary reprieve, but that window will now close in October.
As Porsche moves into a new chapter of electric mobility, the retirement of the 718 range is more than just the end of two cars.
Both cars have a long history at Porsche, with the 718 Cayman first manufactured in 1996.
Since their debut, the Boxster and Cayman have become icons in their own right, with critics praising their affordable performance and precise handling.
How Porsche is feeling the squeeze
Porsche is feeling the squeeze – with their CEO recently warning staff of job cuts in the near future.
The German giant is currently trying to navigate a significant crisis that affects its business model, workforce and financial performance, as previously reported in The Sun.
According to Fortune, the firm is planning to cut over 3,900 jobs in Germany by 2029 and is in the process of negotiating further reductions with its labour union – in response to an ever-changing market.
This comes as the car maker – famous for the 911, as well as the Cayenne and Macan – is preparing themselves for a drop in annual car sales with their current forecast reading 250,000 units to be sold, compared to 311,000 sold last year.
One key issue is their demand in China, a key market for Porsche, which has seen sales plummet by 28% in the first half of the year.
This is largely down to a price war in the EV sector, with Porsche – which has two all-electric cars in its range, the Taycan and the Macan Electric – previously anticipating that 80% of its sales would come from EVs by 2030.