Porsche and VW considering the revival of Auto Union

The merger of Porsche and VW could earn them a 77-year old name called Auto Union, a name that was popularized by the success of the Silver Arrows grand prix cars of the 30s. It was revealed that the historic name was being considered to be utilized when the two companies finally merge.

VW has stolen a march on Porsche, which appears to take over VW until its obligations and the absence of available credit delayed the plan. At present VW is offering a merger that will in fact provide it control of Porsche and which could eventually end in the elimination of Wendelin Wiedeking, Porsche CEO and the person who is credited to have revived the company and transformed it into the most profitable car maker per vehicle in the world. Since the Auto Union was associated with Nazi Germany, its revival might generate some controversy.
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MrBratwurst - 5/15/2009 4:42:16 PM

+2 Boost

Auto Union sounds like United Auto Workers.

VISO - 5/15/2009 4:46:38 PM

+1 Boost

Hey Bratwurst, study some history beforing mouthing off ignorantly. Actually, Auto Union would be very interesting. However, Auto Union is really Audi and not VAG. Audi contains all the brands of Auto Union (hence, the Four Rings) as Auto Union contained Audi and Horch the forebearers of today's Audi AG. So, if they name it Auto Union, then Audi takes control. Nice!

t_bone - 5/15/2009 6:28:01 PM

+1 Boost

I'm into history at least as much as the next guy, but Bratwurst is right, it just isn't a good name.

mini22 - 5/15/2009 6:51:15 PM

+2 Boost

It sounds like due to the economic recession Porsche is going to get screwed.I just recently read that Ferdinand Piech is open to a merger provided Porsche get rid of it's accrued debt. If that is true it's checkmate against Porsche and Wendelin Wiedeking.Porsche would then have to sell it's shares in VW to get rid of it's debt.Therefore It's back to square 1 for Porsche.

Joe_Limon - 5/15/2009 8:10:45 PM

+1 Boost

Minus the interest they are paying on their multi billion dollar loans.

VISO - 5/15/2009 10:25:03 PM

+2 Boost

That would be perfect. Wiedeking would be pushed out along with his CFO henceman, and Porsche will be merged into VW-Audi Group or into the new Auto Union GmbH. It is well known Piech never liked Wiedeking due to him rubbing VW and Audi the wrong way and for leveraging Porsche to the hilt. No matter what you think of Piech, Piech is genius in orchestrating this reverse merger. And with bringing Auto Union back (Auto Union name is owned by Audi AG and the Audi/Horch family descendents) it will be a full circle in terms of German automotive history. The name may not resonate big with non-Germans, but it has much meaning in German automotive history.

ThierryHenry14 - 5/15/2009 9:31:09 PM

+3 Boost

"Since the Auto Union was associated with Nazi Germany, its revival might generate some controversy"

As oppose to Mercedes Benz, the car of the Reich officials, or Bayer, the maker of the gas in the labor camps...

Auto Union is barely controversial. As a matter of fact, I do not think many people even are aware of the name being associated with Naziz Germany. (outside the mainstream auto followers).

ThierryHenry14 - 5/15/2009 9:31:44 PM

+1 Boost

***Nazi***

izfuney - 5/16/2009 4:39:55 AM

0 Boost

Fantastic news in my not so honest opinion . The solution for VW future sales growth - yes its true !!! Another brand name !!!
three cheers for AutoUnion !!! 4 cheers if they bring back Horch tooo!!
I mean think of the auto good nesss ...
A golf as a Rabbit !!
A golf as an Audi
A golf as a Skoda
A golf as a Seat
A golf as a ...uhmm Golf !!
And deep breath here ... A golf as a AutoUnion !!!!
Yeahh ... we await it with bated breath ...

528i - 5/16/2009 5:20:16 AM

+4 Boost

Auto Union = Audi

VW and Porsche have no right to take the name. And yes I know Audi is owned by VW AG

AlexTx - 5/16/2009 10:08:55 AM

+5 Boost

Suuuuure. You keep telling yourself that.
Still think their Silver Arrows were POS??

VISO - 5/16/2009 2:25:38 PM

+1 Boost

How do you know this? Back up your POS statements with some factual documentation to prove what your saying. How could possibly know anything related to Auto Union in the thirties?

VISO - 5/16/2009 10:13:32 PM

+1 Boost

You are right about the fuel tanker. The 16 cylinder engines of the Silver Arrows guzzled gas like crazy. But those were different days. Of course cars back then would not be as safe or reliable as today - they did not have the technology as we have. So, saying they are not reliable doesn't make sense. For their day, a Horch was something to behold. But that was then.