Porsche CEO chides critics

Porsche bites back

In a speech this afternoon in London, Wendelin Wiedeking, the boss of Porsche has hit back at critics.

Speaking at the Autocar Awards, where he received the award for Outstanding Achievement, he joked that the award must have been decided before the announcement that Porsche had bought a major shareholding in Volkswagen. "That announcement had the same effect on my chances of this award as dropping a concrete block into a lake." He was adamant that the tie up made sense for both companies as it permitted long-term strategic planning. He said that the criticism in the British financial press was a result of hedge funds, "based just down the road from here" being disappointed that they could not buy VW and make a quick buck.

He also said that there is no particular limit to how big Porsche could become. Wiedeking believes that there is no reason why Porsche could not grow past 100,000 units a year and keep its exclusivity. Given that Audi, BMW and Mercedes will all be over a million cars a year by 2008, that seems reasonable.

Source: Verdict on Cars

TauronLB - 11/17/2005 5:13:50 PM

+1 Boost

Since Porsche owns a stake in VW that means that they also own a stake in Audi and Lambo right? So with that being said what does it mean for Porsche? Will Porsche get a version of the Passat later on in the years, the Jetta another Taureg, a version of the A4, 6 & 8? Or even better willt he next Carrera GT be based on the Murcialago (sp)? Will the Panamera get VW architecture or maybe get some RS6 work or Quattro all wheel drive? Imagine the possibilites.
T

Matthew1 - 11/17/2005 10:05:24 PM

+1 Boost

Why would it be good for the next Carrera GT to be based on the Murcielago?

The Carrera GT is an absolutely stunning car in every regard, and is a step up from the Lambo.

The Carrera already employs a carbon-fibre tub for its construction, with all bespoke suspension and engine components.

Relatively speaking, the Murcielago is mass-produced, whereas the GT is an ultra-special, limited run supercar. For the GT to be based on a Lamborghini (although a great car) would be sacrilage.

Porsche, with the GT, has engineered one of the most balanced and pure road cars of this decade. Why should the next version be diluted of its Porsche heritage and engineering talent?

I don't think anything you have mentioned will eventuate. It's too far fetched.