Currently reading: Porsche Macan to stay in UK as EU sales end

EU cybersecurity regulations cut short life of combustion-engined SUV, but it will remain in the UK

Porsche will remove the combustion-powered Macan from sale in the EU in spring 2024, as it won't meet new cybersecurity rules, but it will remain available in the UK. 

The popular SUV, on sale since 2014, was developed before the specifics of the regulation had been finalised. It will be taken off sale in the EU in April, before the regulations come into force on 1 July. 

Porsche told Autocar: “In the EU, the combustion-powered Macan will not be available indefinitely. The main reason for this is the General Safety Regulation of the European Union, to which the platform will not be converted. Any models that do not meet these requirements will no longer be eligible for new registration in the EU after 1 July 2024.

“As a result, sale of the Macan with an internal-combustion engine is expected to be discontinued in the EU during the spring, thereby ensuring that the vehicles can be delivered to customers and registered by the deadline.

"In regions outside the EU, the Macan with an internal-combustion engine can remain available for longer.”

On the Macan’s future in the UK, a Porsche spokesperson said: “The Macan is expected to remain on sale in the UK throughout 2024.”

The ICE car is set to be replaced by the new electric Macan, which is technically unrelated and compliant with the new rules.

The regulations included a separate regulatory framework called UNECE WP.29, which concerns cybersecurity and stipulates that all new cars in the EU must have a cybersecurity certificate and be fitted with electronics to protect them from hackers.

Each car must prove that it's protected against 70 vulnerabilities, including cyber attacks during development, production and post-production.

Manufacturers will face a fine of up to €30,000 (£25,732) per vehicle if they don't comply with the regulation.

The Macan has been a hugely important car for Porsche in Europe, with 20,117 examples sold so far in 2023, according to Jato Dynamics. This compares with 8205 for the Range Rover Velar and 10,076 for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio - two of its closest rivals.

Produced at Porsche's plant in Leipzig, Germany, the Macan is currently offered in four guises: Macan, Macan T, Macan S, and Macan GTS, with the former two powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and the latter two a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6.

Since production of the Macan for markets outside the EU is unaffected, the combustion Macan is scheduled to be produced at Porsche’s Leipzig plant in Germany until the end of 2025.

Automotive News Europe has reported that the UNECE WP.29 regulation is the reason why Volkswagen will take the e-Up off sale next year, because it would be too expensive to integrate a new electronic architecture to allow the 12-year-old city car to remain compliant.

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At this stage, it remains unclear whether the Audi Q5, which was developed alongside the Macan and also uses the MLB platform, is affected by the UNECE’s cybersecurity regulation.

Audi says it has established a cybersecurity management system and a software update management system for its models, under the UNECE regulation.

It remains to be seen if any other models will be taken off sale ahead of the new rules coming into force. 

Jonathan Bryce

Jonathan Bryce
Title: Editorial Assistant

Jonathan is an editorial assistant working with Autocar. He has held this position since March 2024, having previously studied at the University of Glasgow before moving to London to become an editorial apprentice and pursue a career in motoring journalism. 

His role at work involves running Autocar's sister title Move Electric, which is most notably concerned with electric cars. His other roles include writing new and updating existing new car reviews, and appearing on Autocar's social media channels including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

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scrap 15 December 2023

Another historic Brexit win! We've won the right to continue to buy a thirsty SUV built in Germany for another six months at least!

If that doesn't show the world that this is truly the second coming of Rule Britannia, what does?

Huzzah!!!

xxxx 16 December 2023

Still thoughout 2024, at least, is better than not at all for one of the best. Wonder what will be next due to stupid EU laws.

Andrew1 16 December 2023
Can someone translate into English what the brexitard wrote?
xxxx 16 December 2023

Hit the return key to early remoaner. Now if only the overpaid ones in Brussels could come up with some sensible rules inbetween filling in expense forms.

Andrew1 16 December 2023
You must be a really sad mad to repeat the same tired clichés.

Better check the expenses forms for the hugely overpaid, useless royals, including those for trafficking underage girls.

russ13b 18 December 2023

"You must be a really sad mad to repeat the same tired clichés." - are you as well?

Andrew1 18 December 2023
russ13b wrote:

"You must be a really sad mad to repeat the same tired clichés." - are you as well?

Andrew1 18 December 2023
I have actual proof - it's in the public domain, as opposed to his regurgitated far-right crap.
scrap 16 December 2023

My post has gone right over your head, bless you.

xxxx 16 December 2023

Was it meant to be sarcastic, need to be clearer or funnier. Next time ehh 

Citytiger 18 December 2023
scrap wrote:

Another historic Brexit win! We've won the right to continue to buy a thirsty SUV built in Germany for another six months at least!

If that doesn't show the world that this is truly the second coming of Rule Britannia, what does?

Huzzah!!!

Did you read the article or are you being a dick on purpose, the EU has banned it from sale in the EU, it will remain available in every other market, until 2025, its got nothing to do with Brexit, its to do with the inability of Porsche (a German company) to ensure one its best selling vehicles is compliant with EU law. Now shove your politics up your backside, this is a car forum ffs. 

Merry Christmas 

Andrew1 15 December 2023
Once again the EU is a step ahead.
xxxx 16 December 2023

Now that is sarcastic.

Marc 15 December 2023
Got to be one of the best value cars currently on sale.