75 years of Porsche Cars Australia
Christophorus speaks to Daniel Schmollinger, the CEO and Managing Director of Porsche Cars Australia, about the company’s special anniversary this year.
For you, what have been the highlights and turning points for Porsche in Australia over the last 75 years?
For me, it’s all about the technology changes we’ve implemented in our cars over the years. We went from air-cooled to water-cooled engines and later adopted diesel engines before moving towards electric drive. Electric technologies support what the Porsche brand is all about because our approach has always been to create the perfect concept for a specific car, and not necessarily always try to be the fastest or offer the largest engine in a certain vehicle class. This philosophy matches our strategy, which is to offer petrol, hybrid and electric so customers can choose what suits their needs. Our customer-centric approach has always guided Porsche and always inspires me.
Sportscars and car culture in Australia have evolved since 1951. How has Porsche stayed at the forefront of both?
Australia is an enthusiast market for Porsche. For example, many of our 911 customers choose the 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS. Customers were quick to secure the 911 S/T when it was first announced. In fact, at last year’s Porsche Targa Tasmania Tour, we had one customer join us who had just taken delivery of his new 911 S/T. He chose our Targa Tasmania Tour as his new car’s first big outing. This, for me, captures the spirit of Porsche sportscar culture in Australia. Our cars have always been driven and enjoyed by their owners, and driven with other Porsche owners who inevitably become friends. There’s an immediate connection when you meet a local Porsche owner. It’s as if you’ve always known them.
What has been your most memorable moment with Porsche in Australia?
There have been so many, but one personal highlight was during my first year at Porsche Cars Australia, when we celebrated our 70th anniversary. I met so many customers and immediately discovered how their vibrant energy elevates the Porsche brand in Australia. Our customer events have also been a highlight. They’re a reminder that Porsche is more than about conquering roads an racetracks; it’s also about community.
Germany is home to some of the greatest carmakers. What has always made Porsche stand out?
Carmakers in the Stuttgart area, which is where I come from, are all proud of engineering and German precision. Add in design and these three concepts underpin Porsche. Porsche is defined by a balance of these factors. Together they create something akin to feng shui; you know when it’s correct. This unity helps create the unique-to-Porsche feeling shared by so many owners, fans and sportscar lovers. It’s what drives the Porsche community here and overseas. This makes Porsche special.
How has Porsche cross-pollinated the best of automotive engineering and science with art and culture?
It’s largely because Porsche applies evolution, not revolution, when it comes to every new model. We apply new technologies and push the limits of our technical abilities with each new car, but we don’t dramatically change their look and feel. It means our cars advance further with every new model, while their emotional appeal becomes more deeply embedded in people. The 911 sportscar is the perfect example of this.
Today, how do you apply Ferdinand Porsche’s guiding spirit?
When I began my career with Porsche in Germany, I worked at an event where we sold Porsche accessories. Wolfgang Porsche entered our store and asked to buy a pair of sunglasses. He paid for his goods and I handed him his new glasses in a bag. The next day he returned and handed me the bag and said, “Somebody else might want to use it.” His grounded and humble style has inspired me every day since. You can see this down-to-earth philosophy in our motto, when Ferdinand Porsche said, “In the beginning, I looked around and could not find quite the car I dreamed of. So I decided to build it myself.” Today, when we’re trying to solve a problem, we’ll often point to this quote printed on our office wall and ask, “What would he have done?” His approach guides us to this day.
How would Ferdinand Porsche celebrate 75 years of Porsche in Australia?
I imagine he would look back and feel proud of the company’s achievements over the last 75 years and use it to help determine the next 75 years. History is important but Porsche has always looked down the road to create its future.
What’s your greatest wish for Porsche in Australia for the next 25 years?
Stay true to who we are by following the guiding principle of our founder’s dream; for our passionate community to continue flourishing; and for Porsche to keep inspiring customers and fans everywhere.
