Since 1948, the Porsche brand has been synonymous with sleek and fast. Cars, that is. Yet in 1972, the German automaker began designing luxury accessories, a lineup that now includes luggage, eyewear, watches, and ties. Now comes Porsche's boldest foray outside its comfort zone: On June 12, Porsche Design Group unveiled its first mobile phone, in France of course. And there are plans for more Porsche phones.
Designed by Porsche, but engineered and manufactured by France-based Sagem, the $1,600 handset will debut in Britain, Dubai, and other overseas markets later this year. The phone is expected to reach the U.S. in early 2008, possibly through Porsche auto dealerships and the five U.S. Porsche Design stores.
This is not the first time a cell phone maker has partnered with a world-renowned automotive brand. In 2003, Motorola (MOT) unveiled two Harley-Davidson (HOG) versions of its V60i phones for the U.S. market. Detailed with leather or chrome to achieve a tough Harley look, the gadgets were engraved with the motorcycle maker's 100th anniversary logo. Similarly, Sharp teamed with Ferrari in 2005 on a red GX25 Ferrari phone that was sold by wireless service provider Vodafone (VOD) in Britain. Earlier this year, Vodafone also launched the McLaren Mercedes GX29, a square, metallic phone for fans of the Formula One racing team co-sponsored by Mercedes-Benz.
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