Driving Porsche

Porsche AG's profit will rise ``significantly'' this fiscal year, boosted by the Cayenne, 911 and Boxster models.

Stuttgart, Germany-based Porsche, which sells its cars in 75 countries can beat the previous year's record profit and sales in the year to July 31. Someone forecasts a 33 percent rise in profit.

Increased demand for the company's 911 model has offset falling sales of the lower-priced Boxster model in the U.S. The company has added extra shifts at its factory outside Stuttgart to increase production of the 911, which has higher profit margins.

The new Cayenne sport-utility vehicle is to sell well in emerging economies and Russia. The company has financed investment for the Cayenne out of cash flow. The vehicle is designed to lure buyers from Bayerische Motoren Werke AG's X5, DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Ford Motor Co.'s new Land Rover sport-utilities. Porsche can earn 638 million euros.

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