Volkswagen AG CEO Martin Winterkorn has told German magazine Manager Magazin that future VW subsidiary Porsche AG could double its annual output to about 150,000 by 2013. According to Winterkorn such an event depends on the automaker adding new models to its existing range. New Porsche CEO Michael Macht apparently agrees.
A number of new Porsches such as a smaller SUV to play wingman to the Cayenne, another version of the Panamera or even something smaller than the Boxster would be suitable for the cause.
The new, bigger VW would not stop there however. Discussions are reportedly going on with Japanese small car specialist Suzuki about a possible tie-up. This would see VW increase its compact footprint quite significantly if a deal was struck.
"Suzuki would be an interesting partner because of its competency in small cars," Winterkorn said.
Sources cited by the publication claim that Germany's largest vehicle manufacturer is eyeing a 10% stake in Suzuki. It went on to say that France's Renault is also circling around Suzuki, an arousing prospect if true, considering the former's alliance with another Japanese company Nissan.
Assuming all this happens, Volkswagen could find itself managing Audi, Skoda, Bentley, SEAT, VW, Porsche, Suzuki, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Scania and MAN. Another GM in the making?
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From: Citizens of Earth
Dear sirs; DO NOT F*CK*NG BUILD A SMALL SUV!!!
Best Wishes.