Panamera delays mean free luggage for owners

The first nearly 200 buyers of the Porsche Panamera in the United States are getting a little something extra--the Porsche luggage set, priced at $3,580--for free.

Porsche is giving away the specially designed luggage because the first batch of Panameras are late--they've been held at the ports while a problem with the car's key and software have been fixed. The expectant owners were sent a letter from Porsche explaining the delay.

The free luggage is a way for Porsche to thank customers for their patience, a spokesman said.

There are four U.S. ports where Porsches arrive-- Brunswick, Ga.; Baltimore, San Diego and Houston.

A Porsche spokesman on Monday said 72 cars have been fixed and arrived at dealerships this past weekend. Porsche expects the remaining 123 cars to be fixed and at dealerships by Nov. 30.

The Porsche spokesman said future shipments of Panameras should leave the factory with the corrected keys and software and won't be held at the ports.

By Dale Jewett