Porsche Cars North America Turns 40
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) is marking a major moment: 40 years as the brand’s sales hub for the North American market. The anniversary is both a look back and a look ahead—taking stock of how far the company has come while keeping its eyes on what’s next. Four decades in, the throughline is clear: relentless progress, shaped by a love of driving.
From Three Models to a Cultural Touchstone
PCNA began in 1984 with just three model lines—the 944, the 928, and the enduring 911. Even in that first year, Porsche set the tone. At Le Mans, the brand finished in eight of the top nine positions, including an outright win with the formidable 956B. And far from the circuit, the G series 911 conquered the punishing Paris-Dakar rally, underscoring a truth that still holds: Porsche builds machines that can win, whether the road is smooth, broken, or barely there.
Reflecting on this journey, Timo Resch, President and CEO of PCNA, stated, "This anniversary is a great chance to revisit PCNA’s presence in America in the mid-eighties – making us realize just how far we’ve come in the intervening four decades.” The point lands. PCNA’s establishment created a strong footing in the United States, and that foundation helped turn Porsche into a name known well beyond racing paddocks and enthusiast forums.
Growth, Moves, and Milestones
Expansion came steadily, and with purpose. In 1998, PCNA moved its corporate headquarters to Hammond Drive in Atlanta, Georgia. The relocation matched the company’s momentum at the time—less a change of address than a sign that larger ambitions were taking hold.
Then, in 2015, One Porsche Drive opened. The site serves as PCNA’s headquarters and as an immersive destination for owners, fans, and employees. It’s a place to experience the brand up close: two dynamic driver development tracks bring the cars to life, while Porsche Classic in the U.S. anchors the connection to heritage. One year later, in 2016, a second Porsche Experience Center opened in Los Angeles. Together, Atlanta and Los Angeles have welcomed nearly a million visitors, a testament to the simple pull of getting behind the wheel and feeling what these cars can do.
A Broader Lineup, Built for Different Drivers
What started with three models has grown into a lineup that spans six: the 718, 911, Taycan, Panamera, Macan, and Cayenne. Each speaks to a different kind of driver, yet all carry the same core values of performance, control, and feel. That breadth is reflected on the ground, too, with more than 200 independently owned and operated Porsche Centers across the United States, meeting customers where they are and keeping the brand close to its community.
In recent years, PCNA has also set new sales marks, moving over 75,000 vehicles in a single year. Momentum like that doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from thoughtful marketing, a strong and loyal customer base, and a steady presence at community-centered events that bring the brand into everyday life—cars and conversations, not just numbers on a page.
A Legacy in Motorsport
The motorsport thread runs unbroken from 1984 to today. The Porsche Carrera Cup North America has flourished, showcasing close racing and driver development while reinforcing the brand’s competitive DNA. On the world stage, international endurance racing and Formula E highlight two bookends of Porsche engineering: the 963 and the all-electric 99X. And the 911 Dakar nods to the rally-winning past, proving that heritage isn’t something to file away—it’s something to drive.
Looking Ahead, With the Past in View
Forty years on, Porsche Cars North America stands as a marker of luxury, performance, and innovation—words that only matter because they’re earned, year after year. As the automotive landscape shifts, PCNA continues to adapt, refine, and welcome more people into the fold. The aim remains steady: deliver memorable experiences, honor the joy of driving, and set new benchmarks without losing the thread that started it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does PCNA’s 40th anniversary matter?
It marks four decades of Porsche Cars North America shaping the brand’s presence in the U.S., from its 1984 start to today’s broader footprint, stronger community, and ongoing commitment to driving experiences and innovation.
Which models did PCNA launch with back in 1984?
PCNA began with three model lines: the 944, the 928, and the 911. That trio set the stage for the growth that followed.
Where is PCNA headquartered now?
PCNA’s headquarters is at One Porsche Drive in Atlanta, Georgia. The facility opened in 2015 and also serves as a hands-on experience center.
How many Porsche Centers are in the United States?
There are over 200 independently owned and operated Porsche Centers across the country, giving customers broad access to sales, service, and support.
How is PCNA involved in motorsport today?
PCNA supports and showcases racing through the Porsche Carrera Cup North America and participates on the global stage in series like international endurance racing and Formula E, highlighting cars such as the 963 and the 99X. The 911 Dakar also nods to Porsche’s rally-winning roots.
