The carmaker Porsche is also withdrawing completely from Russia, but remains loyal to Ukrainian suppliers. CEO Oliver Blume prepares his German customers for price increases in an interview with Capital.
Porsche boss Oliver Blume is giving up business in Russia for an indefinite period. “We have a clear rule: As long as there is war, there will be no deliveries,” said Blume in an interview with Capital. There is hope for an early ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the conflict, but “as long as that doesn’t happen, we won’t be supplying vehicles to Russia,” said Blume in an interview. This applies “indefinitely”.
The sports car manufacturer thus joins the large phalanx of Western corporations that withdrew completely from the Russian market after Russia attacked Ukraine. Just last week, the French car company Renault announced that it would completely discontinue business in Russia and also give up plants and holdings in Russia. Unlike Renault, however, Porsche does not produce in the country, although the luxurious sports cars were popular with Russians.
Porsche boss Blume: Continue to source from Ukraine
At the same time, the CEO emphasized that he wanted to continue having parts delivered from Ukraine as far as possible. “Everything we can get from Ukraine, we will get from there.” This is an obligation towards the local suppliers, said Blume.
In view of the increased prices for scarce raw materials and preliminary products and rising energy prices, Blume admitted that he had to raise prices for luxury cars as well. “We take a very close look at where it is justified to price increased prices for raw materials and materials into the vehicles,” said Blume. However, this is “a continuous process in the balance between own increases in efficiency and price pass-on”.
You can read the entire interview with Porsche boss Oliver Blume, in particular on the switch to electric drives, at Capital.de.
