Dr Wolfgang Porsche embodies ‘75 years of Porsche sports cars’ in a very special way. He has witnessed the entire history of the company up close, since childhood. And he still plays a role in shaping the company’s successful development today – as Chairman of the Supervisory Board, as an adviser, and as a someone who exemplifies the brand for employees and fans.
Dr Porsche is particularly proud of the special anniversary being celebrated this year: “I will, of course, try to attend the most important events personally,” he says on the podcast (the recording is available in German only). “I’m very much looking forward to the numerous Porsche sports cars that represent our 75-year history and most of all to the many fans who will celebrate the occasion with us.”
Dr Wolfgang Porsche prepares to turn 80
Dr Porsche has two special reasons to celebrate in 2023: on 10 May, he will be 80 years old. “The Volkswagen Annual General Assembly, which I will take part in as a member of the Supervisory Board, will be held in Berlin on my birthday. Privately, I will celebrate my personal milestone with close family and friends.”
Even in his youth, Dr Porsche was a sports car enthusiast and enjoyed spending time at the race track. He has been a member of the Porsche Supervisory Board since 1978 and has experienced many highs, and a few lows, during that time: “In the late 1980s, there were dark clouds looming over Zuffenhausen. Our company was deep in the red; it was a very difficult time. But then the Wendelin Wiedeking-era began. It was me who brought him in at the time,” he recalls in the podcast. “With radical measures, including in our production processes, we managed to right the ship. That experience shows that success is something that you have to earn, time and again. That drive is a characteristic of mine, just as it was for my father, Ferry Porsche, in his day.”
Tradition and values
The union of tradition and innovation has defined the sports car manufacturer since the very beginning. Dr Porsche addresses this in the podcast: “Keeping tradition alive is absolutely essential for Porsche. But we can’t get stuck in the history. Porsche must always continue to develop, and indeed change.” The foundation of a strong company is also formed by the values that it conveys. Dr Porsche is clear on which values are paramount in his mind: “Practise self-discipline, take responsibility, keep your feet on the ground, and stick together, especially in times of trouble,” he says in the podcast. “Go your own way, pursuing your convictions and dreams. Passionately strive to reach ambitious goals. And shape the future in such a way that the next generation can live a contented life as well.”
Even after 75 years, the Porsche success story is in full swing – indeed, more successfully than ever. For Dr Porsche, that represents the fulfilment of one of his biggest dreams: “The Porsche legend lives and is stronger than ever before. That was beyond anyone’s wildest imagination 75 years ago.”
