Porsche is upgrading its main plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen with reconstruction and extensions.
Next 718 generation electric models will be produced on the same assembly line as ICE versions.
The automaker is investing EUR250m in the work.
Production and logistics chief Albrecht Reimold said: “The conversion measures will enable increased efficiency, the highest quality standards, and mixed production of combustion engine and electric sports cars.”
As is the case for Taycan production, the two-door cars are now also produced using automated guided vehicles. The intention is to increase capacity and flexibility. Production has also been expanded to include additional quality test benches for vehicle assembly, additional logistics areas and a new high bay rack.
Assembly of the powertrain for what will be the electric Macan is also being integrated into the existing engine plant.
The AGVs will replace the classic assembly line with a 'Flexiline' and enable a more variable production process with a view to the future mixed production of vehicles with combustion engines and electric powertrains on a single line.
Standardised quality assurance and approval checkpoint points have been integrated into the production process. A range of processes were adapted and a new light tunnel was installed.
Following the recent reconstruction work, the downstream finishing area now offers clearer process organisation and upgraded test procedures. This involved activities such as adapting the acoustic test benches to the requirements of electric vehicles. Test benches for leak and surface inspections have been completely revamped.
Porsche has been extending the logistics areas within the body shop since 2022, adding a new building. After its planned completion in 2025, high-bay racks extending over two floors will be able to supply the body shop for the Taycan and sports car production with vehicle parts. In addition, a new high-bay rack opened in September 2023 is already supplying the entire assembly plant with various vehicle components. The parts warehouse is fully automated and has a storage volume of 35,000 cubic metres. This equates to 40,650 storage spaces for pallets and containers.
There has been a new assembly plant for V8 combustion engines for the Panamera and Cayenne model lines at the Zuffenhausen site since 2016. Assembly of the electric motors for the electric Macan is now also being integrated into this engine production centre. The new generation Macan is scheduled for Leipzig production in 2024.
