The Macan, Porsche’s best-selling car, is being discontinued in the EU over its failure to meet modern cybersecurity regulations. Porsche has stated it doesn’t tend to update the Macan to fit with the new regulations.
Under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, regulation WP:29, all modern cars being sold need to have certain modern tech. These include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Automated Driving Systems, and Cyber Security Provisions set in place to prevent accidents and hacks.
Porsche taking down their most successful car worldwide could have a ripple effect on the company. Since the start of the year, Macan’s sales have been up 15%. Now, the entire model will be pulled across the EU come spring.
“In regions outside the EU, the Macan with an internal combustion engine can remain available for longer,” says Porsche. It’s worth noting that other major countries are likely to implement similar laws over time.
While it’s unknown if any other Volkswagon-family vehicles will be discontinued over the new regulations, the Macan shares a lot in common with the Audi Q5.
This isn’t the first major crackdown on internal combustion engines (ICE’s) either. Last year, the EU voted on a complete ICE ban, noting that they are in favor of a complete ban on gasoline and diesel-based vehicles by 2035.
ICE bans have been picking up steam in the US as well. California has recently rolled out its “phase out gasoline” plan, which sees a state-wide ban on ICE’s. That said, the movement hasn’t caught on a national level yet.
The meeting at the United Arab Emirates saw the closest our world leaders have ever been to a global ban on gasoline-based cars. If you are a fan of the Macan, you’ll have to transition over to the electric version, which will most likely pass the WP:29 regulations.