Porsche to take over VW?

Will Porsche take over VW? It’s been an industry rumour for some time. Porsche actually owns 31% of VW, but only has 20% of the voting rights. Odd? Well, yes it is, but it’s down to a ‘Golden Share’ scenario in German law, similar to situations we had in the UK with privatised companies. It was designed to stop overseas investors taking over companies that could be considered ‘National Treasures’.

After a ruling by the European Courts of Justice this week, the ‘Volkswagon Rule’ looks to be lost, paving the way for a full takeover of VW by Porsche.

What does that mean for the petrol-head? Does it mean a Porsche badged Golf or Beetle? Highly unlikely! But it could throw up some strange bedfellows. A Porsche badged Bentley perhaps? The Audi R8 reined in as it offers too much competition to Porsche? Both are possible, but probably unlikely. However, one thing that is going to be a potential problem is Lamborghini. It has long been rumoured that Porsche are uncomfortable with the Lamborghini marque being in the VW stable. It could mean a sell-off for Lamborghini at some point. Which would be a shame. Much as I loved the mad as a hatter Lamborghinis of old, they weren’t great cars. VW have changed that (with its ownership of Lamborghini through Audi) and the Lamborghinis of today are a serious competitor to Ferrari. It would be a shame to see them change hands and revert to the Lamborghini of old. But it might be interesting!

The takeover of Europe’s largest car manufacturer by the world’s most profitable car company certainly raises some interesting possibilities. Watch this space!