By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
    Auto ShowsShow More
    Maserati enthrals at FuoriConcorso with GT2 Stradale and MCXtrema
    May 14, 2025
    Leapmotor presents its range at Automobile Barcelona, Spain
    May 14, 2025
    Alfa Romeo sporting glory dominates “Fuori Concorso”
    May 13, 2025
    Market Art Fair Stockholm and BMW Sweden present Gregor Hildebrandt as artist for BMW Art Commission 2025
    May 13, 2025
    Driving Trade Forward: AfCFTA, AGOA,BRICS and the Tariffs – All On The Menu At Automechanika CEO Breakfast
    May 9, 2025
  • Bikes
    BikesShow More
    25YM Honda NC750X
    May 13, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RS
    May 2, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RT
    April 30, 2025
    Honda NC750X Named Winner in 2025 Red Dot Design Award
    April 10, 2025
    The Panigale V4 honoured with the prestigious iF Design Award
    March 30, 2025
  • News
    NewsShow More
    All-new Toyota RAV4 makes worldwide debut
    May 22, 2025
    Meet Maritza Kichenbrand, Dealer Network & Channel Development Manager at Jetour South Africa
    May 21, 2025
    Hyundai Automotive SA awarded 2025 Best Distributor of the Year at Global Service Seminar
    May 21, 2025
    A rare sight: all models of the Audi C series united in one picture – from the classic C1 to the new C9. Maintained with care and proudly presented by their owners. Back row (left to right): Stephan Schwantner (Audi C6), Rene Marc Heinze (Audi C1), Steffen Möhring (Audi C8), Jens Kühlmeyer (Audi C7). Front row (left to right): Maximilian Biber (Audi C5), Gary Telaak (Audi C2), the new Audi A6 Avant (Audi C9), Horst Gössinger (Audi C4), Bernhard Schmidt (Audi C3).
    Nine generations of success: the new Audi A6 meets its elders
    May 19, 2025
    Celebrating Excellence at the Mercedes-Benz South Africa Agent of the Year Awards
    May 19, 2025
  • Concepts
    ConceptsShow More
    FIAT unveils the manifesto Grande Panda 4×4
    May 20, 2025
    Renault 4 Savane 4×4 Concept makes its global debut at Roland-Garros 2025
    May 16, 2025
    Hyundai Motor and Plus Unveil Concept for Autonomous Hydrogen Freight Ecosystem at ACT Expo 202
    May 2, 2025
    Hyundai Motor Unveils the new IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 6 N Line
    April 5, 2025
    Kia and LG Electronics Partner to Showcase New PBV Concepts for Work and Play
    April 4, 2025
  • Interviews
    InterviewsShow More
    Kosmas “Dudie” Mamaloukos – The Formidable Racing Talent
    May 15, 2025
    Hi-Range Safari City
    Hi-Range Safari City – The Premier outfitter for 4×4 customization
    May 15, 2025
    BEHIND THE SCENES: ARCHIE RUTHERFORD ON WHAT IT TAKES TO BRING THE W2RC TO SOUTH AFRICA
    May 9, 2025
    Europe and China’s automotive future in a shifting global order
    May 5, 2025
    Sourcing Guide Right-Hand Drive American SUVs and Pickup Trucks in Africa
    April 29, 2025
  • EVs
    EVsShow More
    BMW Group and Solid Power are testing all-solid-state battery cells in a BMW i7
    May 20, 2025
    Toyota Debuts Stylish, Powerful 2026 C-HR Battery Electric Vehicle
    May 18, 2025
    A Ford Capri Fit for ‘The King’
    May 17, 2025
    World premiere of the Toyota bZ4X Touring
    May 16, 2025
    An employee holds a full-size prototype LMR battery cell at the General Motors Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center. (Photo by Steve Fecht for General Motors)
    GM and LG Energy Solution to pioneer LMR battery cell technology
    May 15, 2025
  • Motosport
    MotosportShow More
    QUINTERO AND SANDERS NEW OVERALL LEADERS AFTER STAGE 2 OF SA SAFARI RALLY
    May 22, 2025
    DOUBLE PODIUM FOR TGRSA CREWS ON MARATHON OPENER AT SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI RALLY
    May 22, 2025
    TOUGH START FOR TGRSA CREWS AT SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI RALLY OPENER
    May 21, 2025
    LATEGAN AND BRANCH IN CHARGE AFTEROPENING STAGE OF SA SAFARI RALLY
    May 21, 2025
    SUBARU MOTORSPORTS USA TEAMS FINISH ON PODIUM AT OREGON TRAIL RALLY
    May 20, 2025
  • Trucks & Buses
    Trucks & BusesShow More
    600 km range and superfast charging – meet Volvo’s new electric truck
    May 20, 2025
    Vandijck Transport tests the eActros 600 on a long-haul route of over 1,500 kilometers
    Vandijck Transport tests the eActros 600 
    May 18, 2025
    Raghavendra Vaidya appointed as new Chief Information Officer of Daimler Truck
    May 15, 2025
    Daimler Truck: Strong first quarter in uncertain times
    May 14, 2025
    Europe’s first eCoach is made by MAN
    May 13, 2025
  • Reviews
    ReviewsShow More
    From vision to Veyron: the evolution of a Bugatti icon
    May 17, 2025
    The new Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series
    May 13, 2025
    For 2026, Corvette’s new interior elevates driver cockpit design
    May 12, 2025
    All-new Suzuki Dzire is here to please
    May 12, 2025
    Sporty meets efficiency: the new Audi A6 plug-in hybrid models
    May 7, 2025
  • Tech
    TechShow More
    Greater efficiency and productivity with artificial intelligence – generative AI in BMW Group Purchasing
    May 19, 2025
    Aston Martin debuts Apple CarPlay Ultra for iPhone users
    May 16, 2025
    Mercedes-Benz customers in Germany can now purchase and pay for e-Vignettes directly from their vehicle
    May 15, 2025
    Hyundai Motor Group Delivers Enhanced In-Car Experience Through Equinix Data Centers Globally
    May 8, 2025
    Artificial intelligence as a quality booster
    April 28, 2025
Hot News
All-new Toyota RAV4 makes worldwide debut
QUINTERO AND SANDERS NEW OVERALL LEADERS AFTER STAGE 2 OF SA SAFARI RALLY
DOUBLE PODIUM FOR TGRSA CREWS ON MARATHON OPENER AT SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI RALLY
Meet Maritza Kichenbrand, Dealer Network & Channel Development Manager at Jetour South Africa
TOUGH START FOR TGRSA CREWS AT SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI RALLY OPENER
Latest News

Škoda Auto announces the start of series production of the Škoda Kylaq in Pune

From the left: Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG; Jürgen Rittersberger, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, responsible for Finance, Legal Affairs and IT, Member of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG and Chairman of the Shareholders' Meeting of Audi Formula Racing GmbH; Mattia Binotto, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Sauber Motorsport AG
Motosport

Audi centralizes responsibilities in Formula 1 project

Motosport

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing takes world title fight to Japan

Reviews

New Renault Austral: assertive design, higher comfort and hybrid efficiency

Font ResizerAa
The Auto MagazineThe Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Search
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Follow US
Crafted by Intellegere Media. © 2024 The Auto Magazine. All rights reserved.
Latest News

Porsche has been manufacturing in Zuffenhausen for 75 years

Itumeleng Garebatshabe
Last updated: April 4, 2025 16:35
By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
355 Views
12 Min Read
Share
12 Min Read
On 6 April 1950, the first Porsche 356 vehicles manufactured in Germany rolled off the production line. Here: Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board for Production and Logistics at Porsche AG.
On 6 April 1950, the first Porsche 356 vehicles manufactured in Germany rolled off the production line. Here: Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board for Production and Logistics at Porsche AG.
SHARE
  • The first Porsche 356 from German production was completed on 6 April 1950
  • Zuffenhausen quickly became the home of Porsche
  • A combination of manufacturing tradition and high-tech production

The first Porsche 356 produced in Germany was completed on 6 April 1950, marking the beginning of an extraordinary success story. Over decades, Zuffenhausen became the centre of Porsche sports car production. Engines, electric drives and the individualization of customer vehicles are also manufactured here.Production of the Porsche 356 began in Stuttgart 75 years ago. The first car of the new series was completed in Zuffenhausen on 6 April 1950.

A success story began with series production of the Porsche 356. Since then, the site has been inextricably linked with the brand’s sports cars: the 911, which has been in series production there since 1964, the 718 model line and the all-electric Taycan. “Zuffenhausen is and remains the home of our sports cars. It embodies pioneering spirit, state-of-the-art production technology and manufacturing quality,” says Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board for Production and Logistics at Porsche AG. “The development of the location shows how Porsche has transformed itself from a small sports car maker into a world-leading company that produces exclusive vehicles.”

- Advertisement -
Ad image

From Gmünd to Zuffenhausen: the path to in-house production
Porsche got its start in Zuffenhausen in 1938, initially as a construction office. The company’s own car production under the brand name Porsche only began after the Second World War. On 8 June 1948, the Porsche 356 ‘No.1’ Roadster received its general operating permit. The first 52 units of the rear-engine 356 with rear emergency seats were built by hand with aluminium bodies in Austria between 1948 and 1950 and served as a model for the later 356 from Stuttgart. After returning to Swabia, Porsche’s own plant was occupied by the Allies. While the actual construction office was located in a barrack on Schwieberdinger Strasse, Porsche rented space in the Reutter Plant II across the street for engine production and assembly. In return, the coachbuilder was commissioned to build the finished, painted and fully equipped bodies, which were produced at Reutter Plant I in Augustenstrasse in the west of Stuttgart until 1953.

Where past meets present: the 356 Coupé “Ferdinand” in Taycan production.

The first Porsche 356 was completed in Zuffenhausen on 6 April 1950. By the end of 1950, Porsche had built 317 cars. Due to the early successes in races and the enormous demand in export markets, the 356 quickly turned into a huge success for the brand. As the handover of Werk 1 was delayed by the US military administration, Porsche commissioned the renowned Stuttgart architect Rolf Gutbrod to design Werk 2. This assembly hall, built on a site sold to Porsche by Reutter, went into operation in 1952 and was already being expanded by 1954.

In late 1955, Porsche also returned to its own building at Werk 1 in Zuffenhausen. The buildings would house the design department, the commercial staff, the repair workshop for company and customer cars as well as the test and development department for race cars. Production, sales and spare parts supply remained at Werk 2. Engine construction began in Werk 3 in 1960, and on 1 December 1963 Porsche acquired the Reutter body shop and its comprehensive know-how with around 1000 employees – almost doubling the workforce. And with that, Porsche also secured the Zuffenhausen site. That same year, the first 911, then still known as the 901, rolled off the production line in Zuffenhausen. By the end of production in 1965, the sports car manufacturer had produced some 78,000 units of the 356. In the decades that followed, Porsche continuously expanded and modernised its spatial capacities.

As early as the 1950s, Porsche in Zuffenhausen practised a production principle that still applies today: flexible production of various variants on a shared line. The Coupé, Cabriolet, Roadster and Speedster variants of the Porsche 356 were all manufactured in parallel and individually finished. This principle of having a range of variants combined with high efficiency and quality has remained a hallmark of production at the headquarters. Even today, it is characteristic of the site that all 911 models and variants – from the Carrera to the top GT models and Cup cars – are manufactured on a single production line. The elaborate interior equipment is produced in the factory’s saddlery.

Zuffenhausen has been the birthplace of legendary models, including the 911 (which has been in series production there since 1964), the 718 series and the fully electric Taycan.

From the 356 to the 911 – growth and expansion
In the 1960s, the 911 successfully supplanted the 356. Production was expanded and new production buildings were built. Engine construction was outsourced, and Werk 2, which was being continuously expanded anyway, was given an additional hall. Building 41 was built as a multistorey production building for final assembly in 1969. Porsche optimised its production flow and increased capacities.

In 1973, around 4000 employees worked at Porsche, and by the end of the 1980s more than twice that number were employed across the three sites: Production in Zuffenhausen, the Research and Development centre in Weissach and offices in Ludwigsburg. Over the next few decades, the Zuffenhausen site gradually grew thanks to the increasing production figures. In the 1970s and 1980s, front-engine models such as the 928, 944 and 968 were manufactured at the site, alongside the 911.

In the 1980s, body production in Zuffenhausen once again reached the limits of its capacity. The growing demand for sports cars required an expansion of the production facilities. Werk 5 was built in 1988, designed for highly flexible body production. One visible symbol of the new production logic was the conveyor bridge, which from then on would carry the manufactured car bodies over busy Schwieberdinger Strasse at a height of around 35 metres – directly to the final assembly line at Werk 2 across the way.

Even today, it is characteristic of the site that all 911 models and variants – from the Carrera to top GT models and Cup vehicles – are manufactured on one line.

Over the decades, the Zuffenhausen site has been continuously modernised through a series of conversions, expansions and new builds. In the process, Porsche consistently met the increasing demands for precision, efficiency and flexibility with creativity and innovativeness.

Another significant change in the history of the plant was the preparation for the start of production of the all-electric Taycan, which went into series production in 2019. As part of this transformation, Porsche created new production areas: a new body shop was built in Werk 5, while a modern paint shop was installed in Werk 1 – all tailored to the specific requirements of e-mobility. At the same time, a modern assembly building with a modular linear structure was built at Werk 2, facing Adestrasse. A second conveyor bridge was built over Schwieberdinger Strasse to efficiently link the new production logistics setup.

Where Porsche combines high-tech and craftsmanship
Zuffenhausen is a symbol of precision, innovation and exquisite craftsmanship. The place where Porsche combines tradition with state-of-the-art production technology: driverless transport systems, a central factory cloud and the use of artificial intelligence – to name but a few innovations used in the production of the “Made in Zuffenhausen” sports cars. The production centre for the 911 and the all-electric Taycan is located at the Zuffenhausen site. In addition, on the overall area of around one square kilometre in the north of Stuttgart, the boxer engines for the sports cars and the V8 engines for the four-door combustion engine models and the electric motors for the Taycan and Macan electric are produced in two engine factories.

In addition, the site houses a total of three manufacturers: Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, where customer cars are extensively customised, the Sonderwunsch department, where unique cars are created, and CFRP Manufaktur, where the exterior body parts are manually assembled off the regular production line for sports car models with a special lightweight design, such as the 911 S/T and the 911 GT3 RS.

Alongside Zuffenhausen and Weissach, Leipzig also plays a key role in the world of Porsche. The Cayenne initially rolled off the production line there from 2002 to 2016, joined by the Carrera GT from 2003 to 2006. The Panamera sports sedan has been built there since 2009, as well as the Macan since 2014, for the production of which Porsche expanded the Leipzig site into a full plant between 2011 to 2014.

An anniversary that looks to the future
At its Zuffenhausen site, Porsche combines the benefits of industrial series production with the exclusivity of unique manufactured sports car products. “Zuffenhausen is and remains the home of our sports cars. This is where we produce cars that fascinate the world – with a production that has been combining craftsmanship and engineering skills for 75 years,” stresses Reimold. With this anniversary, Porsche is not only celebrating its impressive past, but is also looking towards the future: The Zuffenhausen site, like its counterpart in Weissach and the full plant in Leipzig, stands for groundbreaking technologies, manufacturing quality and Porsche’s abiding aspiration to come ever closer to the perfect sports car.

TAGGED:Porsche 356Zuffenhausen

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Stay Updated! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn VKontakte Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Share
ByItumeleng Garebatshabe
Editor
Follow:
Itumeleng is the Managing Editor of The Auto Magazine. He is a tech and car enthusiast

Follow US

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
TiktokFollow
TelegramFollow
Google NewsFollow
LinkedInFollow
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You Might Also Like

Latest News

Porsche upgrades Zuffenhausen production plant for the future

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
November 16, 2023

The Auto Magazine

  • Advertise
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Bikes
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Auto Shows
  • Latest News
  • Motosport

Made by Intellegere Media. All rights reserved. 2023

Don't not sell my personal information
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner