We already knew the 2012 Porsche Boxster and Cayman would be built in-house at the Volkswagen Osnabrueck plant, bucking the trend of outsourcing construction to contract firms like Valmet or Magna. What we didn't know is that the next-gen Cayman and Boxster would be built alongside Volkswagens. Golf convertibles, to be precise.
It's only supposed to happen when the Zuffenhausen plant, the primary construction point for the two Porsche twins, exceeds capacity. Given Porsche's past with contract manufacturing while maintaining very tight quality control, perhaps there's nothing to fear in VW building a few.
On the other hand, when enthusiasts learn that their cars roll off the same assembly line as a front-wheel-drive, relatively inexpensive VW convertible, it's perception that matters. Volkswagen, while building quality vehicles, doesn't have the best reputation for reliability--particularly when it comes to electrical systems--here in the U.S. Add to that the tinge of down-market association, and you could have a recipe for upturned noses.
Of course, the problem only arises if demand is too high to meet it with production at a single plant, according to the report. As for us, we're on the fence: it doesn't really matter where a car is built as long as it meets its design standards. But meeting those design standards can be more easily accomplished in some places than others.
What do you think? We want to hear from you, the enthusiast, if such close association with Volkswagen will do any harm to the brand's reputation, or if it will merely serve to help deliver the product we expect at a better price than would otherwise be possible.
[AutoBild]
