In the 2012 financial year, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG achieved record levels in sales, turnover and earnings. At 143,096 vehicles, sales were 22 per cent higher than in the previous year. Turnover increased by 27 per cent to 13.9 billion euros. The operating result grew by 19 per cent to 2.44 billion euros. Moreover, the number of employees reached a new peak level, with 17,502 persons at the end of the year. The company also increased the number of trainees - instead of the previous number of 100 young workers, last 125 employees began their training at Porsche.

At the annual press conference of Porsche AG in Stuttgart, Germany, on Friday, Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Executive Board, emphasized that the sports car manufacturer has, despite the weak economy, particularly in Europe, continued to press ahead on the course for growth that it set upon two years ago. "2012 was the most successful year in the history of our company," Müller said. "The success that Porsche enjoys in the marketplace can be attributed very largely to our attractive product portfolio. We further enhanced this last year with the addition of several new, fascinating sports car models", the Chairman continued.

The year 2013 marks the anniversary of Porsche’s most iconic car: the 911. For the last 50 years this rear-engined model has been equally at home on the racetrack as on the road. Its genetic DNA can be found in every other Porsche model. With over 820,000 units built, the 911 is the world’s most successful sports car ever. In the 50th anniversary year, the company will celebrate the world premiere of the new 911 GT3 at the Geneva International Motor Show.

With the reveal of the fifth generation of the 911 GT3, Porsche is set to open a new chapter in high performance sports cars. The model will take the pole position among the manufacturer’s thoroughbred sports cars featuring naturally aspirated engines. Boxer engine and transmission as well as body and chassis are completely new and constitute a further development of the 911 GT3 concept with an impressive performance leap. Power: 475 hp. Power to weight ratio: 3.0 kg/hp. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h: in 3.5 seconds. Top speed: 315 km/h. Lap time Nürburgring Nordschleife: under 7:30 minutes.

Porsche India, the official importer for Porsche cars in the country, has commenced its retail operations with a record breaking performance during the month of October. Since the official start of deliveries to Indian customers on the first of October, the company managed to top the best ever monthly sales performance for Porsche in India, with 117 owners receiving their cars.

Anil Reddi, Director of Porsche India, reviews: "It has been a very exciting past six months for us at Porsche India and we are thrilled with the pace of our network expansion and new model launches in the country. Our first full month sales result in October has been in excess of 100 units which is the best ever for the brand here. It sets us on course for a good rest of the year."

One of India's most versatile actresses, Sridevi, became the proud owner of the 100th Porsche to be sold by Porsche India. The brand stands for sportiness and everyday usability, which she said suits her needs perfectly in her daily roles as an actress, mother and homemaker. Sridevi decided for Porsche's SUV, the Cayenne Diesel – a car that offers an unmatched variety as a sports car, an off-roader, as well as an exclusive yet fuel-efficient day-to-day vehicle.

The Cayenne Diesel comes home to Sridevi, close on the heels of her comeback on the silver screen. With the car hand-over to her, Porsche India celebrates its 100th delivery since commencing retail operations.

Six young pilots aged from 18 to 20 years will front each other to determine who receives intensive support in the 2013 season as a Porsche Junior in the Carrera Cup Deutschland. At the finale of the international youth selection process, two Swiss drivers Levin Amweg (18) and Jeffrey Schmidt (18), two Dutchmen Dennis van de Laar (18) and Pieter Schothorst (20), a Spaniard Alex Riberas Bou (18) as well as American Connor de Philippi (19) will undertake a comprehensive test programme this Monday and Tuesday in Vallelunga (Italy) with the 450 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.

In the lead-up, the six finalists had come out on top in an extensive selection process against young talents from around the world. Factors taken into account were fitness, mental strength, demeanour and technical understanding. Now working alongside engineers on the track, the junior drivers, all of whom were successful in various national and international formula race series, will be tested for consistent times over a race distance as well as in simulated qualifying laps. Moreover, candidates must demonstrate their skill in handling the media with television interviews and photo shoots.

The maiden season of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) concluded with a double podium for the Porsche pilots. At the six hour race on the Shanghai International Circuit, Porsche factory drivers Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria) scored second place in the GTE Pro class at the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by the Felbermayr-Proton team. Christian Ried (Germany) and his Italian teammates Paolo Ruberti and Gianluca Roda also clinched second in the GTE Am class with the 911 GT3 RSR from last year. With this, Felbermayr-Proton secured vice-championship honours in the FIA Endurance Trophy.

"That was no easy race for us. We can be happy with second place. That was the most we could do today," said Richard Lietz. Marc Lieb commented, "Right from the start we knew that this track doesn't particularly suit our car with its long corners. But the closing stage of the race was very good for us. We were able to show how fast the car is when the tarmac temperatures are not too high. It was a very interesting season. To drive on so many challenging circuits in different lands and continents was a fabulous experience for us all. Had we not come home empty-handed from Le Mans we would surely have been in contention for the title."

The 22-year-old Porsche Junior Michael Christensen has concluded his debut season in the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland with flying colours. Driving for Konrad Motorsport, the Dane won the final round of Germany's fastest one-make race series on the Hockenheimring from pole position. Christensen beat second-placed Kévin Estre (France, Hermes Attempto Racing) to the flag by 3.2 seconds. The last podium spot went to Christensen's teammate Norbert Siedler (Austria). The second Porsche Junior only missed out on a podium result by a hair's breadth. Trailing Siedler by just 0.5 seconds, Porsche Junior Klaus Bachler (Austria, Team Deutsche Post by tolimit) saw the flag after a spirited final race in fourth place. René Rast (Germany, Team Deutsche Post by tolimit), who secured the series' title yesterday, went off the track and retired.