After selling just 27 cars in China in 2002, Porsche now offers its full lineup as imported models.

While celebrating its 10th anniversary this week, Porsche China looked back on a decade in which it made history, broke company records and brought increasing numbers of sports cars to the nation's enthusiasts.

"The achievements of Porsche in China have been a significant factor in its success across the world," said Bernhard Maier, vice-president for sales and marketing of Porsche AG.

"We will continue expanding our network of Porsche Centres, bringing our customers the ultimate sports cars instilled with Porsche DNA," he said.

Since the 2001 opening of the Porsche Centre in Beijing, China has become the second-largest market for the carmaker as it rose from selling only 27 cars in 2002 to 13,856 units in 2010.

An official subsidiary of Porsche AG was established in 2008, marking a new era in Porsche's history in China.

The company now has 31 dealerships across China.

The automaker opened its first directly operated sales center in Pudong, Shanghai in 2010. It is continuing to expand this year with new outlets in Taizhou, Zhengzhou, Haikou and at the Chengdu airport.

The German brand also welcomed the 50,000th Porsche customer in China this year.

"I'd like to offer my thanks to our dealers, customers, partners and media friends who have made this past decade such a remarkable triumph," said Helmut Broeker, CEO of Porsche China.

Public presence

Since Porsche first thrilled crowds at 2005 Shanghai auto show with its Carrera GT super sports car, Chinese aficionados have enjoyed more premieres such as the RS Spyder at the 2007 Shanghai event, the Cayenne Turbo S at the 2008 Beijing auto show and the 2009 world debut of the Panamera in Shanghai.

Crowds were also treated to a glimpse of the mid-engine 918 Spyder at the 2010 Beijing show and the 918 RSR racing lab at this year's Shanghai gala.

From 2002 the Porsche "world roadshow" has toured China, showing the excitement of a Porsche on the racetrack.

Enthusiasts have also had a chance to take their passion on the road with its "Drive to Excellence".

Fascination Porsche's display of famous cars from the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart has traveled to cities across China since 2009.

Nearly 70 awards have been bestowed on the Porsche range, including "Best Imported Sports Car" for the 911 Carrera from Auto Magazine, Auto World Magazine's "People's Choice Award" for the Cayenne SUV and the "Luxury Car of the Year" from Orient Auto for the Panamera.

Porsche has also been honored with the ultimate accolade from Auto Motor und Sport for two consecutive years, as "Best Sport Brand" in 2010 and "Best Brand" in 2011.

Motor sports

Highlighting its legendary racing history, Porsche has continued to bring the excitement of motor sports to new audiences in China.

Events the brand has brought to Asia include the 2008 Transsyberia Rally from Moscow to the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar and the Intercontinental Le Mans Series in Zhuhai in 2010.

Since 2003, the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia has become China's most popular series, contesting rounds each year on racetracks across China.

Porsche also demonstrated its commitment to social development through its "Empowering the Future" initiative.

Conceived in the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake in 2008, the collaboration with UNICEF supplied educational resources and training to schools that were affected by the natural disaster.

Through direct donations and fundraising programs, Porsche has contributed more than 10.2 million yuan and other materials to improve the lives of over 55,000 students in 260 schools in Sichuan.

Dr Wolfgang Porsche

In tribute to a first decade of achievement for Porsche China, customers, media and Porsche representatives from across the country were invited to the Grand Hyatt Beijing on May 20 for an evening of gala celebrations, welcomed by Dr Wolfgang Porsche, chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche Automobile Holding SE and grandson of company founder Ferdinand Porsche.

The 10 year anniversary celebration was complemented by the third annual Fascination Porsche event at Beijing Goldenport Circuit from May 21 to 22, as invited guests enjoyed an array of Porsche sports cars and activities in an authentic motor sport setting.

The event showcased some of the most famous cars in the history of Porsche. The award-winning lineup of museum cars included championship racers such as the Porsche RS Spyder and Porsche 935, and models such as the Porsche 356 Speedster.

Attendees were also treated to the sight of the Porsche 917 KH - originally sponsored by oil company Gulf and winner of classic races such as Daytona and Le Mans.

China Daily