Porsche 2005 Annual Report Download - page 49

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In the “on-road training” sessions, customers experience
thrilling moments on famous racetracks and in selected driving
safety centers as well as the entry and test tracks at the
Leipzig plant. In addition, participants can train away from the
asphalt track at “off-road events” in Leipzig, held on a site
covering over 100 hectares. Customers seeking even more
adventure can book a desert tour in Dubai to find out what it’s
like to drive on sand dunes; these trips are graded according
to various levels of difficulty. And the special winter programs
held in Finland, Austria and Italy help participants to handle
their cars safely even in cold weather.
Porsche Clubs keep on growing
Passion for Porsches is also fostered by the official Porsche
Clubs. The clubs give Porsche owners a pleasant sense of
community and have a friendly relationship with the company.
For Porsche, that is a good enough reason to pay particular
attention to these valuable brand ambassadors on the market.
The central club coordination unit oversees over 500 Porsche
clubs, which have more than 115,000 members in over 60
countries. It is one of the largest brand organizations in the
world with one of the richest traditions. Today, every fifth
Porsche owner worldwide is a club member.
The Porsche Clubs’ commitment to fostering tradition was im-
pressively confirmed in the review year by major jubilee events,
such as the 50th anniversary of the Porsche Club Vienna or
the 30th anniversary of the Porsche Club Japan. Porsche Club
Sweden came up with a special idea for its 30th birthday, ce-
lebrating the occasion in connection with a most unusual event:
this year’s European Porsche Club Parade in Gothenburg. More
than 280 cars from 17 nations assembled in the Swedish city
for a program of typically Swedish activities. The international
meeting of the presidents of the Porsche Clubs was another
highlight in the review year. Over 200 participants from many
countries came to Berlin to discuss and develop their ideas
on club work in workshops. The presentation of the new
Porsche 911 Turbo completed the program.
Porsche Clubs all over the world are
impressive proof of the fascination that
the brand holds. Every fifth Porsche
worldwide is driven by a Club member.
In 2005, Porsche Germany successfully inaugurated the
“Porsche Sports Cup”, a race series appealing both to club
members and to customers with motor racing ambitions.
Over 700 drivers took part in six race series on various race-
tracks in Germany. Cars registered for use on the roads and
Porsche sports cars modified for racing may take part. The
club coordination unit will also be launching the Porsche
Sports Cup in other countries with the aim of organizing an
international Porsche Sports Cup championship.
The Porsche Classic Clubs held spectacular events in the
review year. “Porsche 356 Registry USA” invited friends of the
Porsche 356 to a five-day meeting in the Rocky Mountains in
Colorado, where participants were treated to an interesting
mix of a concours d’elégance, a rally and a technical workshop.
In Europe, the Le Mans Classic was one of the highlights of
the Classic Club scene. The legendary racetrack welcomed
exactly 911 Porsche cars and over 2,000 participants, an
attendance that exceeded all expectations.