Porsche deliveries fall 16% in nine months as China demand weakens

Sales fall across key markets

Porsche delivered 16% fewer vehicles globally in the first nine months of 2026, the company said on Friday. Weak demand in China, the phase-out of the 718 model line and a focus on brand value over volume all continued to weigh on sales. Deliveries in China fell 33% over the same period. The Wall Street Journal also cites strong demand for the all-electric Macan in the same period, alongside the end of production of the combustion-engined 718 line. Board member for sales and marketing Matthias Becker framed the company's strategy in terms of product rather than unit volume.

Our focus is on highly desirable sports cars, appealing derivatives and the continued expansion of our individualisation offering.

Renault wants UK tariffs on Chinese cars

Renault Group managing director Francois Provost told The Independent, speaking ahead of next week's Paris Motor Show, that the UK should follow the EU and put tariffs of up to 35 per cent on Chinese-made cars it imports. He argued for a deal between the EU and UK under which existing UK capacity would be treated as part of Europe's car ecosystem. The EU's proposed Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) aims to get more cars, batteries and clean technology made within the bloc, using public spending to support local jobs. UK-built cars are not automatically included in these Made in Europe plans, and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders warns they could miss out on incentives and public contracts unless the proposals change. Britain's inclusion could depend on the UK government matching the EU's tariffs on imported Chinese cars. Asked whether the UK should face the same tariffs as the EU, Provost said he thought so.

Renault's position on this topic is very, very clear: the UK has been part of Europe's ecosystem for centuries.

Provost also said the UK should only admit Chinese competitors that commit to deep investment, and he argued that the terms of any deal matter. The Renault executive described the UK as a very important market for the company.

It would be stupid because there is a Chinese competitor moving to EU and UK not to find the deal together.

Chinese brands gain ground in the UK

Chinese brands have grown rapidly in the UK, with the Jaecoo 7 topping registrations in September, the plate-change month. Chinese brands have taken close to 20 per cent of the whole UK market so far this year. Provost said Renault's technology compares well, pointing to autonomous driving, connectivity and AI on board with Gemini. He also argued that Renault models such as the Renault Five and Twingo match or beat Chinese rivals in Europe.

Renault cars today in Europe, they are at par or even better than any Chinese cars.