(March 17, 2011) Porsche’s board has selected its Leipzig plant to build its new junior crossover, the Cajun. The new vehicle will be based on the Audi Q5, and will become the cheapest new Porsche on sale when it arrives in 2013.

The decision was made by the supervisory board. The monitoring body authorized the board of management to finalize plans for the plant to become a fully-fledged production site for the Cajun, including body assembly line and paint shop.

The Leipzig facility currently builds the Panamera and Cayenne, and also features a high-tech test track.

Within the context of the Cajun production, at least 1,000 new jobs are to be created in Leipzig, and additional new jobs at Porsche in Zuffenhausen and Weissach. Subject to approval by the authorities, construction work at the 1.54 square mile site is scheduled to begin later this year.

“During the production of the Cayenne and the Panamera, our Leipzig plant has impressively proved that it can produce premium vehicles of highest quality,” said Matthias Müller, chairman of the Porsche AG board of management. “The decision in favor of this location is proof of our trust in the skills and qualifications of our Leipzig associates, and at the same time another contribution to the economic advancement of the region.”

With the the Cajun, Porsche extends its SUV segment which is in high demand all over the world. In addition to the new generation of the Cayenne which has clearly managed to strengthen its market position as one of the most successful sporting all-wheel drive vehicles in the premium segment, the lightweight and refined handling Cajun will create further momentum.

As a desirable entry modeI, it is expected to pave the way for new, younger customers to enter the world of Porsche, in addition to the Boxster, the market leader among two-seat mid-engined sports cars.

Since its inauguration in 2002, the highly modern Leipzig plant in Saxony, Germany, has been producing the Cayenne. After its first expansion, the four-seater Panamera Gran Turismo has been built there since 2009.