GERMANY. The Porsche Design Group and Rimowa have signed an agreement for a long-term partnership to produce and sell high-quality hard case luggage under the brand Porsche Design. The new collection will comprise bags and luggage and will be launched in summer 2006.
The deal follows similar licensing agreements recently struck with Italian group Ferragamo for Porsche Design shoes, baggage, leathergoods and accessories; Belfe of Italy for men’s clothing; and Germany’s Adidas for sports footwear, apparel and hardware.
Commenting on the new Rimowa deal, Dr Siegmund Rudigier, President & CEO of the Porsche Design Group, said: “The new hard case series is a reasonable addition to Porsche Design’s luggage and leather product range. Rimowa also has more than a century’s experience in manufacturing baggage and state-of-the-art expertise in the production of technologically innovative and functional suitcases.”
Added Dieter Morszeck, Managing Director of Rimowa: “The partnership with Porsche Design is a logical continuation of our business strategy to strengthen and extend the excellent market position of Rimowa in baggage for upmarket demands. We have now found the ideal partner in Porsche Design to round off our presence in the top segment for baggage at the high end.”
Rimowa was established in 1898 and is a leading luggage manufacturer. In the 1950s, Rimowa developed the first suitcases made of aluminum, which for reasons of stability were given the signature “grooves”. At the end of the 1990s, Rimowa combined maximum stability with minimum weight with the world’s first polycarbonate suitcase. Rimowa united both these Rimowa materials for the first time with its new Tango model range.
Porsche Design’s luggage and leather range by will now be produced with three licensees. In addition to the new partner Rimowa for hard cases, the company has been co-operating since July 2005 with the Italian luxury goods manufacturer Ferragamo. The co-operation comprises the whole leather range from Porsche Design (shoes, baggage, leathergoods and accessories). Long-standing licensee Müller & Meirer will produce and distribute soft luggage.
For details, contact Daniela Hekmat, Sales Director Duty Free & Travel Retail, worldwide, at daniela.hekmat@porsche.de
Porsche Lizenz und Handelgesellshaft mbH & Co KG, Porschestrasse 1, 74321 Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany; tel: +49 711 911 12945; web: www.porsche-design.com
MORE STORIES ON PORSCHE DESIGN
Porsche speeds up brand expansion; signs men’s clothing deal with Belfe – 18/07/05
Another link-up as Porsche inks Adidas sports deal – 11/07/05
Luxury marriage as Porsche Design partners with Ferragamo – 06/07/05
