Porsche chose the Austrian car assembly company Magna Steyr to build its Boxster and Cayman models starting in 2012, the German sports car builder announced today. Currently, Valmet Automotive assembles the entry-level product, along with the near-identical Cayman hardtop. Valmet’s contract was extended last year until 2011.
The Metso unit is not the only assembly facility for the popular roadster, but it has built over 200,000 units since 1997, as per Automotive News.
“Our decision not to continue the successful cooperation is in no way a vote against Valmet. Rather, it was the high development capacity and competence of our future partner that tipped the balance,” said Holger Haerter, Porsche finance chief.
Magna Steyr also builds BMW ’s X3, Mercedes-Benz G-Class , Saab 9-3 convertible, Chrysler ’s diesel and right-hand drive 300 and 300C as well as Jeep ’s Grand Cherokee and Commander. Last year, the company was also in the running to get the four-door Aston Martin Rapide .
