Tag: Strategy 2018

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Volkswagen Group cracks 10 million annual sales

Volkswagen's Autostadt, Wolfsburg, Germany

In 2014, for the first time, the Volkswagen Group has achieved 10 million sales in a calendar year.

Across the group of companies a 4.2% increase in sales for the year resulted in 10.14 million vehicles being sold. Just 10 years ago the Group was shifting around 5 million units per year.

Volkswagen passenger vehicles make up the bulk of the sales, with the brand passing six million annual sales for the first time last year.

Audi sales across the globe increased by more than 10% and numbered 1.74 million.

Porsche managed 189,000 sales, up by a very healthy 17%, thanks in part to the launch of the Macan SUV.

Skoda reached a new high sales mark, passing 1 million sales for the first time. An increase of almost 13% on the previous year’s sales.

All this means that the Group’s Strategy 2018 is well underway to being achieved.

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Porsche

Porsche boss earns 5-year contract extension

Matthias Muller

The Porsche board took time out from passing the BBQ chips around the table on Friday to stop and reflect on the tenure of Chairman Matthias Müller. Happy with his performance they’ve given him a five-year contract extension.

Uwe Hück, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Chairman of the general and group works council of Porsche AG—now that is a fancy job title—spoke in glowing terms about Müller and the importance he has in maintaining Porsche’s culture since joining the Volkswagen portfolio.

“The Strategy 2018 is paying off,” Hück said. “The integration into the Volkswagen Group and the independence of Porsche are no contradiction, they stand for success. Porsche and the number of employees are growing—in Zuffenhausen, in Weissach and in Leipzig.

“However, in spite of this growth, we want to preserve the proven Porsche culture and we will continue to go down this road with Matthias Müller. He is an employer with a heart and quite simply, that’s good for Porsche.

“Now, can we start the BBQ chicken please. I just love that chargrilled tatse!”

Ooh, word has just come through from the Porsche press office suggesting that Hück may not have said that final sentence.

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Porsche

Porsche takes over Nardo proving ground

Nardo proving ground, Italy

Porsche has just announced they will be taking over the running of the Nardo proving ground in May. It’s not immediately clear if they have bought the facility or entered into a long-term management contract. Although, the former option seems a distinct possibility.

The warmer climate of southern Italy should allow for year-long use. Matthias Müller, President and CEO of Porsche AG, says Nardo’s 12.5km oval circuit and accompanying grounds will provide a welcome balance to existing facilities in Weissach.

“The Nardò proving ground with its high-speed and vehicle handling circuit ideally complements our facilities in Weissach. With the systematic development of the company in Nardò as part of Strategy 2018, Porsche is proving to be a reliable employer and business partner in Apulia as well,” said Müller.

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Volkswagen

Splashing the cash

Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen Group wants to knock Toyota off its perch to claim the mantle as the world’s largest car maker. And to do so they know they’ll have to spend up and spend up big. So they have just announced they’ll be pouring in a massive €51.6 billion (AU$70 billion) over the next five years to help achieve their aim.

Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG said, “The Volkswagen Group will help shape the technological turning point in key areas of the automotive industry and, to do this, will continue investing in environmentally friendly technologies, efficient drives and new models.

“We are systematically pursuing the goals of our Strategy 2018 to further increase our profitability and to make Volkswagen the world’s most future-proof automotive group. The investment program we have now resolved will play a significant role in this.”

Volkswagen’s full statement is available after the break.

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