SAEDNEWS: Porsche is a German automobile manufacturer founded in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche. The company focuses primarily on designing and producing sports cars and luxury vehicles. Porsche’s headquarters and main production facility are located in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Here, we explore the history of this iconic automotive brand.
Is there anyone in the world who hasn’t heard of Porsche or seen any of its models? Certainly not! Dr.-Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, commonly known as Porsche, is a highly recognized and prolific brand operating alongside other German automotive giants. In other words, it is another German automaker that has left a significant mark on the global automotive industry.
The name Porsche evokes images of sports and racing cars. The “Roadster No. 1,” the first model in the Porsche 356 series, was produced 70 years ago, in June 1948. Today, Porsche is one of the most profitable car manufacturers in the world, with a primary focus on designing and producing sports and luxury vehicles. Its headquarters and main production facility are located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
This popular company mainly produces sports cars, SUVs, and advanced luxury sedans. Currently, Porsche is owned and managed by Volkswagen. The company’s management center is in Stuttgart, Germany. Among its most recent models are the 718 Boxster/Cayman, 911, Panamera, Macan, Cayenne, and Taycan.
89 years ago, in 1931, Ferdinand Porsche founded Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche GmbH in Stuttgart. Initially, the company did not produce cars under its own name but focused on development and consulting. Its first commissioned project was to build a car for the German government—the “people’s car,” or Volkswagen.
This project resulted in one of the most iconic automotive designs in history: the Volkswagen Beetle. With its distinctive beetle-like shape, the Beetle had a lasting influence on automotive design. Collectors around the world still seek vintage Beetle models, and the design influenced many subsequent Porsche models, including the Porsche 64 of 1938, which borrowed many components from the Beetle.
During World War II, the Volkswagen factory was repurposed to produce military vehicles such as the Kübelwagen and Schwimmwagen, producing 52,000 and 15,584 units respectively. At the same time, Porsche designed heavy tanks like the Tiger I, whose body design later contributed to the Elefant tank destroyer. According to Fabian Müller, a biographer of Porsche, the company sometimes compelled workers to join its factories. Workers’ uniforms bore a “P,” not for Porsche, but for Poland, indicating their nationality.
After the war ended in 1945, the Volkswagen factory in KdF-Stadt fell under British control. Ferdinand Porsche lost his managerial position, replaced by British engineer and military officer Ivan Hirst. Ferdinand was later arrested for war crimes but never tried, spending 20 months in prison. During this time, his son, Ferry Porsche, unable to find a suitable car for himself, decided to design his own and manage the company in his father’s absence. Ferdinand was released in August 1947. In 1952, Porsche established another factory, now considered the company’s oldest building, marking the continuation of its operations. Post-war shortages meant Porsche initially used Volkswagen Beetle parts to produce the Porsche 356, gradually replacing components with in-house designs.
The first Porsche model emerged just a few years after the war, during a period of economic hardship. Ferdinand Porsche’s cars gradually gained market presence and commercial success.
Porsche 356
The 356 was lightweight, sturdy, reliable, and a two-seater. Many enthusiasts appreciated its use of Beetle components. It won the 1951 Le Mans race, and Porsche continuously refined it each year. The 356 became a favorite among Hollywood stars and young musicians.
Porsche 917
The 917 evolved over time and pushed the limits of automotive design and aerodynamics.
Porsche 911 2.7 Carrera RS
No list of Porsche’s greatest cars is complete without the 911. It remains one of the most iconic and historic vehicles in automotive history, representing Porsche’s first attempt at a road-racing sports car.
Despite a six-week production halt in 2020, Porsche delivered 272,162 vehicles, only 3% fewer than in 2019. Sales of key models such as the 911, 718, and Cayenne remained stable, while Macan sales fell from 99,944 in 2019 to 78,124 in 2020. Overall revenue was €28.7 billion, nearly matching 2019’s €28.5 billion, aided by the successful launch of the electric Taycan, with 20,015 units sold, contributing to €4.2 billion in operating profit.
To recognize employees working during the pandemic, Porsche awarded each a €7,850 bonus. The company continued investing in automotive technology, planning €15 billion by 2025 in electric vehicles, sustainable production, and digitalization.
Porsche is now a major player in speed and performance, with popularity growing steadily. Production increased more than threefold in a decade, from 55,000 vehicles in 2002 to 165,000 in 2013. Porsche cars are often regarded as more like precious jewels than vehicles, reflecting the brand’s enduring prestige.
In 2020, one-third of Porsche’s global sales came from electric vehicles, half being Taycan models and the other half hybrids. By 2025, electric vehicles are expected to account for 50% of sales, rising to 80% by 2030.
