http://www.bbc.co.uk...siness-18718087

Finally!

Hmmm don't really know how I feel about this, I understand it's down to finances but it's not great having too many brands owned by one company.

http://www.inautonews.com/volkswagen-ag-to-complete-porsche-integration-on-1-august-2012

Theres talk on another forum that porsche/piech families remain in charge of vw via porsche se

I think it was inevitable & as its taken so long should be a smooth trabsition, Octavia GT3 Rs anyone ????

Didn't read the above properly! Oops!

I thought Porsche bought VW?

[Edit] -

Porsche had been trying to takeover Volkswagen for many years.

Its attempt failed in 2009 as it fell short of acquiring the required 75% stake.

The global financial crisis and the slump in the global automotive sector made it difficult for the carmaker to raise enough money to buy the required stake.

But none the less, Porsche accumulated large amounts of debt in the process and was sued by investors who accused it of misleading them.

In a turnaround of events, the firms agreed a deal in 2009 under which Volkswagen agreed to takeover Porsche.

Edited 5 July, 201213 yr by Aspman

Interesting and very clever that a transfer of one single VW share ensures that both parties avoid a 1bn euro tax bill!

What do VW need Porsche for ??

Despite the financial **** ups Porsche is very profitable.

Porsche's profit margin came in even higher with 17.5%, making it the world's most profitable car maker.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304746604577381223275161832.html

Edited 5 July, 201213 yr by Aspman

I heard Volkswagen blew their budget buying Porsche, got carried away with the options list...

http://sniffpetrol.c...pendsonporsche/

Edited 5 July, 201213 yr by ckyliu

I remember reading somewhere that Porsche assisted Skoda in the design of the Favorit's suspension, I don't what depth of involvement they had though. I understand what folk are saying about too many brands owned by one firm. It is a really ironic turn of events and I think it's cool.

I thought Porsche bought VW?

[Edit] -

This is the bit I really don't get. How can company A be in a position to buy out company B which is trying to buy out company A?

But aren't VW going to reach a point where they're cannibalising there own sales ?, don't the super sporty £200k Porches compete with Lambourgini for sales and the run of the mill Porches compete with Audi ?

So? Doesnt Skoda compete with Seat, who then compete with VW who then compete with Audi? As long as the money goes to them over Ford/Vauxhall or Mercedes I really dont think they care.

But Seat are positioned as the sporty brand, Skoda as the value for money brand, VW as the more aspirational brand, Audi as the premium brand, but Porche and Lambourgini (top end) / Audi (bottom end) seem to occupy the same space

There are crossovers to take advantage of national bias etc but VAG will keep watch on thing to try to keep people buying the cars that make them the most money.

But Seat are positioned as the sporty brand, Skoda as the value for money brand, VW as the more aspirational brand, Audi as the premium brand, but Porche and Lambourgini (top end) / Audi (bottom end) seem to occupy the same space

In my opinion Lambourghini, Porsche and Audi don't have hardly any overlap at all.

People who buy a Porsche buy a car that has not changed in looks much in a long, long time. A classic shape with heritage.

Poeple that buy an Audi want a car that doesn't stand out and looks the same as all the other Audis. A nice car, but no visual distinction.

While a Lambo is generally a fresh design and a bit bonkers. It shouts "look at me!".

Different type of customer IMO.

Even the badges attract different customers. Which is why even similar cars with the same base like the Toureg/Cayenne work so well.

The great thing with owning your competitors is that you are very much in control of your own destiny.

The financial benefits of sharing resource and assets etc. far outway any losses through cannibilization - which by being in complete control you are able to manage.

Porsche buying VW was hilarious, lots of stockbrokers lost money betting the wrong way