Porsche's Outgoing CEO Just Said The Quiet Part Out Loud
Oliver Blume has stepped aside as Porsche CEO after a decade in charge, handing day-to-day leadership of the sports car brand to former McLaren chief Michael Leiters as of January 1.
Blume, who remains CEO of the Volkswagen Group, used a recent interview with German publication Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, to reflect on his tenure. Blume admitted one huge mistake: allowing the first-generation Macan to age out without developing a combustion-engine capable successor to take its place.
Porsche had convinced itself that the electric Macan would smoothly replace the gasoline model, 1 for 1. Blume still defends the strategy, saying it was grounded in data and market forecasts—a convenient narrative—and squared with Porsche’s plan to phase out combustion engines in all but the most exclusive models.
In hindsight, he admitted, the Macan was the exception. Demand for the ICE version remained strong, and the transition was way less seamless than expected.
The consequences of the sycophant forecasts showed up quickly, especially in Europe. The original Macan was pulled from showrooms in mid-2024 after it failed to meet the EU’s updated General Safety Regulation cybersecurity requirements. It remained on sale in global markets, including North America—but Porsche plans to wind down global production of the gasoline Macan by mid-2026, leaving a huge gap in its lineup until a new internal-combustion crossover arrives later in the decade.
Whatever combustion crossover replaces the Macan isn't expected to wear the Macan badge, instead becoming its own standalone model. Porsche confirmed it will slot below the Cayenne and compete in the same compact luxury SUV space when it launches around 2028.
Blume previously described it as a very traditional Porsche for the segment, intentionally unique from the electric Macan, but industry expectations point to close technical ties with the latest Audi Q5, likely riding on Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Combustion architecture and using Audi’s front-drive-based Quattro Ultra system, rather than the more sporting setup Porsche engineered for the outgoing Macan.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
More by Michael Accardi
Comments
Join the conversation
Yeah, Porsche dropped the ball thinking they'd go all EV in the next couple of years, they need to redo their survey on a more world-wide basis. EVs are a pain-in-the-but to own and recharge.