In the autumn of 1950, a meeting between Professor Ferdinand Porsche and Max Hoffman led to the discussion that a new German auto manufacturer would start to export its cars to America. This would then result in the creation of a bond stronger than anyone could have imagined. This year Porsche is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its first arrival on American soil.

Dr. Porsche & Max Hoffman

The first Porsche sports car received its certification for road use in Germany on Jun 8, 1958, so the relationship with America started very close to the beginning. The new car company Porsche, caught the eye of a visionary New-York salesman. Max Hoffman arrived in New York and in 1947 he opened his showroom on Park Avenue. The ‘Hoffman motor Car Company’ began importing and selling established European brands to much success and this meant it was able to take a change with less-known companies.

The global financial crisis of 2008 saw the automotive sector struggle at the start of the following decade. For Porsche in the U.S market, sales dropped below 20,000 units sold in 2009, this had not happened since the 1990s. From that point onwards, the car manufacturer seemed to grow and never look back. The vehicle deliveries started climbing each year and were supported by new models such as the Panamera, and later on the Macan. The Americas were completely fascinated with the Porsche brand.

In May 2011, PCNA made the huge announcement that it would build a new headquarters in Atlanta. This dedicated home for Porsche in America would not only serve as the centralised location for Porsche, but as a brand embassy where visitors could experience the thrill of everything the marque has to offer. The Porsche Experience Centre (PEC) Atlanta opened its doors in May 2015, complete with a driver development track, fine dining restaurant, Heritage Gallery and much more.

The first event in the new surroundings was presentation of the 911 GTS Club Coupe, a model made specifically for the U.S and was limited to just 60 units to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Porsche in America. In November 2016, a second Porsche Experience Centre opened in Los Angeles, making America the first market with two PECs and giving Porsche an even stronger presence in California – a state that accounts for about one quarter of all U.S. sales.