Porsche is embarking on a transformative journey in upgrading its main plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. The extensive reconstruction and extension measures will facilitate the production of the next-generation 718 electric sports cars alongside the traditional two-door Porsche sports cars with a boxer engine.
Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board for Production and Logistics at Porsche AG, expressed the significance of this move, stating, 'The conversion measures will enable increased efficiency, the highest quality standards, and mixed production of combustion-engine and electric sports cars. This will see us start a new chapter in sports car production in terms of the smart factory.'
The investment comes during a milestone year for Porsche, commemorating 60 years of the iconic Porsche 911 and 75 years of Porsche sports cars. The plant upgrade marks a crucial milestone for the Zuffenhausen site, enhancing production efficiency, quality standards, and the flexibility to produce both combustion-engine and electric sports cars on a single assembly line.
Key upgrades include the adoption of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for the production of two-door sports cars, following the success of the technology in the production of the electric Porsche Taycan. This move towards a 'Flexiline' assembly process enhances flexibility and capacity, essential for the mixed production of vehicles with different powertrains.
Additionally, quality management in sports car assembly has been refined with new assembly processes and quality assurance stations. Logistics areas within the body shop have been expanded, with a new high-bay rack supplying the body shop for Taycan and sports car production. Scheduled for completion in 2025, high-bay racks extending over two floors will enhance the supply chain.
In a nod to sustainability, the engine plant at Zuffenhausen now integrates assembly for electric motors destined for the upcoming Porsche Macan. The Macan, set to roll off the production line in 2024 in Leipzig, reflects Porsche's commitment to electrification.
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