The historic Auto Union name, made famous by the succesful 1930s grand prix cars, could be revived and used by the new Porsche-VW alliance when the two automotive powerhouses merge later in the year.
VW chairman Ferdinand Piech has confirmed that the Auto Union name is being considered for the new company that will see two of Germany’s most powerful manufacturers combine.
The decision, however, may be scuppered by the Nazi associations the Auto Union name carries. Despite being established in 1932, well before the rise of Hitler, the Auto Union brand came to symbolise the engineering aspirations of Nazi Germany.
Fortunately the four rings of the Auto Union now adorn the bonnets of Audis, and the pre-war legacy of the Auto Union Silver Arrows race cars outweighs the negative connotations of its Third Reich association.
The Porsche-VW merger is likely to be resolved in the coming weeks, a move that could spell the end for Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking. The current boss of the world’s most profitable car manufacturer is likely to be replaced when VW gains control of Porsche’s manufacturing arm, Porsche AG.
Link: PistonHeads Headlines
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Dino Scuderia
