Porsche Might Build A U.S. Plant Due to Tariffs

[Fun TC Driving]

I.S. demands is strong and U.S. tariffs cost over $800 million last year. But supply chain and investment as major issue deterrants.

Tariffs Hit Porsche So Hard Even A US Factory Looks Appealing Now
While an American plant could help the company dodge tariffs, it would be expensive and easier said than done


BY MICHAEL GAUTHIER
14 HOURS AGO

• Porsche appears open to building vehicles in the United States.
• This comes after Trump’s tariffs cost them $810 million last year.
• CEO says idea is “compelling,” but requires “huge investment.”

Porsche had a terrible 2025 as revenues and profits plunged, underscoring a challenging year for the German automaker. In fact, the company reported earnings of just €413 ($478) million last year.
Part of the disappointing result can be chalked up to approximately €700 ($810) million spent on US tariffs. That’s a ton of money and Porsche CEO Michael Leiters said, “market conditions in the United States have … changed as a result of tariff policies.”
More: Porsche Profit Crash Suddenly Makes A New Sports Car Above The 911 Likely
Tariffs have resulted in a series of hefty price hikes and the 911 now starts at $135,500. That compares to $114,400 in March of 2024, which is a $21,100 increase in less than two years.

Despite the sizable increases, Leiters told investors “demand remains solid and we currently see stable market development.” However, it appears Porsche is fed up with tariffs and is thinking about doing something about them.

https://www.carscoops.com/2026/03/porsche-us-production-compelling-after-tariffs/

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[W1NGE]

I.S. demands is strong and U.S. tariffs cost over $800 million last year. But supply chain and investment as major issue deterrants.



https://www.carscoops.com/2026/03/porsche-us-production-compelling-after-tariffs/

By the time they build it the "problem" should be out of office.

 

[Tooney]

Tariffs are the least important problem for a European car manufacturer that can't produce cars with nav systems and radios that work.

 

[RAHRCR]

As an American, I can say that I am fine with keeping Porsches designed and built where they are currently....even if there is a bit of "stupid tax" involved.

 

[questionmillennium]

I wonder how many of us would trust the ‘quality’ of an American build

 

[MissionE]

I.S. demands is strong and U.S. tariffs cost over $800 million last year. But supply chain and investment as major issue deterrants.



https://www.carscoops.com/2026/03/porsche-us-production-compelling-after-tariffs/

It seems natural for them to have done this already, not just because of tariffs. K1 is the type of vehicle mostly Americans would buy so that’s the likely candidate. I’m betting on Tennessee.

 

[mkg3]

I wonder how many of us would trust the ‘quality’ of an American build

Are quality of MB and BMW built in this country or Mexico worse than EU built?

People said the same thing when Toyota and Honda first opened US factories too.

Like most automakers that build in this country, only the high volume models and not the higher priced, lower volume and certain not all models. So Probably just Macan and maybe Cayenne. Audi Q5 is made in Mexico so it would not be a stretch to leverage the supply chain and factories in Mexico and VW's Chattanooga plants.

 

[mystermykee]

Are quality of MB and BMW built in this country or Mexico worse than EU built?

People said the same thing when Toyota and Honda first opened US factories too.

Like most automakers that build in this country, only the high volume models and not the higher priced, lower volume and certain not all models. So Probably just Macan and maybe Cayenne. Audi Q5 is made in Mexico so it would not be a stretch to leverage the supply chain and factories in Mexico and VW's Chattanooga plants.

I was thinking the same thing. I wonder if there's data showing reliability differences between the same model and where they're manufactured i.e U.S.A vs. Japan.

For Porsche, it would make me feel a bit better if there was heavy, heavy, oversight and QA. If they're picking from the same crop as some of the Tesla factory workers I've seen....no thanks. I think it becomes a bigger discussion about culture and work ethic.

 

[babylou66]

I wonder how many of us would trust the ‘quality’ of an American build

GM cars are higher quality than the vast majority of German cars. Ford is par. Chrysler is shyte.

 

[SoccerMan94043]

GM cars are higher quality than the vast majority of German cars. Ford is par. Chrysler is shyte.

Escalades aren't built well inside but the rest seems to be ok. True for a 2012 and a 2020.

Carwow says also true for 2026:

 

[CrazyINP]

Are quality of MB and BMW built in this country or Mexico worse than EU built?

People said the same thing when Toyota and Honda first opened US factories too.

Like most automakers that build in this country, only the high volume models and not the higher priced, lower volume and certain not all models. So Probably just Macan and maybe Cayenne. Audi Q5 is made in Mexico so it would not be a stretch to leverage the supply chain and factories in Mexico and VW's Chattanooga plants.

From my personal experience, it is worse. I have had 3x BMW X5s (2016 X5, 2022 X5 and 2023 X5M), both built in the US, and compared to my other German-built BMWs. X5 had paint peeling off, the quality of the leather (although the same per spec sheet) started to crack. Random noises that no one can find or fix at the dealership.

 

[RED!]

The proof is in the pudding. They only manufacture for the “Americas” in North America. There are Toyota, Honda, MB or BMW models I’m aware of that get shipped BACK to their home countries.

Also, there’s a certain brand appeal to “made in Germany” who’d buy a Ferrari assembled in Kentucky??

 

[tigerbalm]

Also, there’s a certain brand appeal to “made in Germany” who’d buy a Ferrari assembled in Kentucky??

Cayenne aren't made in Germany. They are made in Slovakia.

 

[RED!]

Cayenne aren't made in Germany. They are made in Slovakia.

Excellent point, it definitely reinforces my view that it’s a high volume product not specifically targeted at aficionados

 

[gnr3312]

Slovakia must be a great place to build vehicles because JLR’s Defender is also built there. Or maybe just popular SUVs?

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