Porsche will launch the operation of its Korea branch on Jan. 1 next year, the German sports-car maker announced at the Frankfurt motor show Tuesday.

Porsche Korea, based in Seoul, will be the company’s 17th subsidiary globally and fourth in Asia.

Kim Geun-tak, former GM Korea CEO, was named the first managing director of the new unit.

“Korea is a strong market in Asia with enthusiastic sports car fans and solid sales along all Porsche models,” said Bernhard Maier, sales and marketing chief of Porsche. “We are confident that the Porsche Korea team will continue our brand’s success in Korea.”

Porsche, through its dealership network of Stuttgart Motor Cars, sold 1,516 vehicles last year and 1,357 during the first eight months of this year.

(jylee@heraldcorp.com)