Porsche has now left a mark on the auto industry for 60 years. It all began in 1948 when a man by the name of Ferry Porsche, son of Ferdinand, was searching for his dream car. He didn't find it, so he decided to build it himself. So, on June 8, 1948, a first Porsche prototype hit the road.
The Stuttgart-based automaker experienced various highs and lows over these 60 years. In 1992, things were so bad that the company's future was in jeopardy. Fortunately, problems were dealt with and, through a major restructuring plan, Porsche got back on the right track. The model lineup was also revised significantly.
By 1995, the financial situation was on the upswing and continued growth ensued. In fact, Porsche has never been as financially secure as it is today -- so much so that the company recently purchased a 31-percent share in Volkswagen AG. Success comes both from the road and the track, including 16 victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Proud of its accomplishments, the German manufacturer continues to move forward, particularly with regard to greenhouse gas reduction. Porsche is also working to significantly improve the fuel economy of all its vehicles, with a 20-percent increase expected by 2012 (made possible by a new hybrid technology).
In order to give fans from all over the globe full access to its glorious past, Porsche is currently building an all-new museum in Zuffenhausen, next to the company's only production facility in the world.
photo:Porsche
The Stuttgart-based automaker experienced various highs and lows over these 60 years. In 1992, things were so bad that the company's future was in jeopardy. Fortunately, problems were dealt with and, through a major restructuring plan, Porsche got back on the right track. The model lineup was also revised significantly.
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| The first 911 Targa (model year 1967) |
By 1995, the financial situation was on the upswing and continued growth ensued. In fact, Porsche has never been as financially secure as it is today -- so much so that the company recently purchased a 31-percent share in Volkswagen AG. Success comes both from the road and the track, including 16 victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Proud of its accomplishments, the German manufacturer continues to move forward, particularly with regard to greenhouse gas reduction. Porsche is also working to significantly improve the fuel economy of all its vehicles, with a 20-percent increase expected by 2012 (made possible by a new hybrid technology).
In order to give fans from all over the globe full access to its glorious past, Porsche is currently building an all-new museum in Zuffenhausen, next to the company's only production facility in the world.
photo:Porsche
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