Skip advert
Advertisement

Who's feeling the squeeze?

How five of the leading premium car-makers are holding up

Porsche Cayman

FerrariProduction levels are similar to last year and the order book for the new California is claimed to run to 2011. ‘Ferrari occupies a much smaller, exclusive sector of the market catering to the really wealthy who are carrying on buying what they want, recession or no recession,’ said chief executive Amedeo Felisa, although he admitted order intake is being watched closely.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Rolls-Royce  No production cutbacks planned and chief executive Tom Purves has insisted sales will top 1000 this year, little changed from 2007. ‘But we have highly flexible production and can adapt readily,’ he added.

BentleyProduction cut back to a three-day week; October production down 30 per cent. European sales in October running 40 per cent down on the same month last year.Aston MartinThe production boom fuelled by Aston’s cheapest model, the V8 Vantage, is now going sharply into reverse. Total output to end-September was almost double the 3153 of the same period in 2007, but dipped sharply in October. Euro-sales are now almost 25 per cent down.PorscheThe problems of high volume are now hitting home. Production is running 25 per cent down and European sales are a third lower and falling. But Porsche is the richest car maker in Europe, is well placed to ride out a recession and will benefit from the launch of the Panamera four-seater next year.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The MG Cyberster has gone on sale, and it costs £54,995
MG Cyberster – front
News

The MG Cyberster has gone on sale, and it costs £54,995

Two-seats, scissor doors and up to 496bhp – the MG Cyberster has finally landed, with prices starting from £54,995
25 Apr 2024
Volkswagen Up GTI Fast Fleet test – 12 months with the sub-ton pocket rocket
Volkswagen Up GTI
Long term tests

Volkswagen Up GTI Fast Fleet test – 12 months with the sub-ton pocket rocket

With its infectious appetite for fun, and the ability to do it on a shoestring, the Up GTI delivered smiles per pound like few others
26 Apr 2024
UK speeding fines 2024 – what are the latest penalties for drivers?
Speeding fines header
Advice

UK speeding fines 2024 – what are the latest penalties for drivers?

Here's everything you need to know about speeding fines in the UK and other possible motoring-related offences
18 Apr 2024