Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn is reportedly threatening to resign if Porsche attempts to influence the direction of any of its premium brands. Porsche’s growing stake in Volkswagen — currently 31 percent but expected to reach 50 percent — is causing concern at VW’s various subsidiaries, including Audi , Bentley , Lamborghini , and Bugatti .
While Porsche has been blocked, at least for now, from buying more than 50 percent of VW, many insiders feel a conflict of interest threatens the future of all four brands.
According to Germany’s Der Spiegel, Audi executives fear their company will be the first affected by Porsche’s newfound power. Audi, which builds the R8 and TT sports cars, is viewed as a competitor to Porsche. Likewise, Lamborghini is a clear rival and Bentley and Bugatti also compete in similar segments.
Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking has previously stated he thinks Bugatti needs to stay in the seven-figure supercar market only, rather than building cars in Porsche’s territory.
Wendelin also previously insinuated VW might be better off without Lamborghini and Bugatti, when he suggested “no toys anymore” might be a good modus operandi for VW.
