TOKYO- Porsche expects sales to grow in Japan, even though it has broken ties with its distributor, Mizwa Motor Sales Corp.
Porsche will take over its own distribution next year. The takeover will cause disruption, but the demand for the Boxster and new 911 will more than balance the problems, claimed Porsche.
Mizwa, which imported Porsches for 45 years, fought the change, but a German court has backed Porsche's position. Porsche sold 1,756 units last year. Sales are expected be about 2,400 for all of 1997.
Porsche spokesman Michael Schimpke said Porsche can sell 4,000 units a year in Japan.
Saab Japan also dropped Mizwa on 1 July, in favor of Yanase & Co., which handles other General Motors brands in Japan.
Saab Chairman Robert Hendry said: 'Mizwa wasn't selling the kind of volumes we're looking for.'
Peter Ruefli, president of Saab Japan, said that with Mizwa, the company had 44 dealers, compared with 187 through Yanase.
Saab sold 901 units in Japan last year. Saab's best year was 2,800 units in 1990.
