Porsche Panamera proves a worldwide hit

Porsche's Panamera GT is proving to be a big hit with car buyers around the world, according to sales figures published by the German manufacturer.

As reported by Auto Evolution, Porsche sold 22,518 Panameras worldwide in the model's first year on the market, with 2,530 units sold in Germany alone.

The Panamera has been particularly popular among American motorists, with 6,188 units sold since the four-door saloon was introduced in October 2009.

In Los Angeles, 890 owners now have a Panamera proudly parked in their driveways, while 760 Panameras are now thought to be cruising the streets of New York.

Further afield, the Panamera has enjoyed equally strong sales figures. Interest is particularly high in Asia, with 300 units sold in Hong Kong, 223 delivered to Tokyo and 188 registered in Shanghai.

Encouraging sales figures were also recorded in Dubai, Moscow and Munich, where a combined total of 684 Panameras have been sold since the model's launch.

Of the five models available in the Panamera range, the Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo and Panamera S have been the most successful, with 9,394, 6,171 and 4,563 units sold respectively.

"Our corporate strategy of value-oriented growth has proven itself to be a successful model," Porsche's Bernhard Maier said in an official press release.

"With the Panamera, Porsche has clearly positioned itself with the sportiest automobile in the high-end and luxury class market and achieves already a 13 percent share of its segment today," Mr Maier adds.

Garry Decker, Essex, Toyota Avensis T3

Ian Wateridge, Ferndown, Renault Scenic