Porsche looking to obtain controlling interest in Volkswagen

Porsche and Volkswagen have shared a long standing relationship that dates back prior to World War 2. It began with Volkswagen assisting Porsche to build their very first car, the ‘64’ (and no that’s not LA gangster lingo) back in 1938 an example of which you can see in the picture below.

At the moment, Porsche is Volkswagen’s largest shareholder, currently owning 30.9 percent of Volkswagen’s total shares. There has been plenty of speculation concerning Porsche’s desire to increase its stake in VW to a majority 50 percent or more.

Reports indicate that Porsche has already begun purchasing stock options that allow it buy the remaining Volkswagen shares at a fixed price and traders are tipping that the Porsche stakehold in VW will cross the magic 50 percent mark early next year.

Volkswagen currently own and operate the following manufacturers:

• Audi purchased from Daimler-Benz in 1964.

• SEAT majority owned since 1987 (Yes, Seat is still alive and well in Europe!)

• � koda purchased in 1991, currently being revived

• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles started operations in 1995

• Bentley purchased in 1998

• Bugatti name purchased in 1998

• Lamborghini purchased in 1998

Is a controlling interest in Volkswagen a wise move on Porsches part? The majority of VW shareholders are reportedly none too impressed with the idea. The key for Porsche is that it will gain access to a variety of key technologies including hybrid drive systems (soon to be seen in the Cayenne and Panamera), aluminium construction (thanks to Audi) as well as being assured it can continue to share the cost of development on products like the Cayenne SUV with Audi and Volkswagen.

Porsche is concerned about the cost of developing fuel efficient and environmentally friendly cars in the future and a controlling interest in Volkswagen helps to ensure its very survival.

Darcy