Are American porshe owners proud to support the Porshe CEO who made anti-American statements?

Question

What is surprising, though, is the fact that this CEO heads a company deriving most of its sales and profits from catering to the rich in – America. The name of the company is Porsche, and the CEO is Wendelin Wiedeking. He had this to say about America in an interview with the German weekly SPIEGEL (Issue 39-2006):



Wiedeking: We mustn’t copy one to one everything
that works in the Anglo-American realm,
particularly since we have proof
delivered over the centuries that our
idea about economies works too. We have
a tradition. Europe’s culture is
decidedly older than that of the USA.
The Fuggers were doing business, while
hunting was still the order of the day
in America. Right now 37 million people
in the USA live below the poverty line.
The gulf between poor and rich has
widened brutally. Do we want to have
a situation like that in Europe and
particularly in Germany?

Answer 1

Were American car owners proud when John Delorean was busted for selling drugs? It's kind of a silly question, and one that is meant to be inflamatory. First, the quote itself is translated, and a translation which has only appeared in a few right wing blogs as a way to show how terrible upper class Europeans view America. Having seen many interviews in English with Wiederking over the years, it strikes me as odd that he would say this. I'm certainly more than willing to allow he might think this, but being the business man that he is, and very well aware that Porsche considers the US market key to it's financial success, I don't think he'd come close to saying this in an interview he knew would be published.

He was asked a specific question in regards to how western/American economic influences were integrating in Europe. He responded that there are some strong traditions in Europe, that have proven to work, and as such it they really don't want to make an exact copy of the American system. Especially since that system is showing an increasing rift between the haves and have nots. Now, just how inflamatory you find this will probably be based on who translates, and just what there agenda may be. After looking for mainstream press coverage of his comments from Spiegel, I found mostly commentary about Porsche's purchase of a stake in VW, and economic growth in Europe... this just tends to make stronger that it looks like someone took a small comment that could be translated as such... and now here we are.

As for if this makes Porsche owners proud? Regardless of the translation, it makes them indifferent, since it Wiederking's thoughts on macro-economics and how to intigrate European trade traditions into a new market economy probably wasn't a driving factor in the original purchase decision.

Answer 2

I don't know because I can't think of anyone I know who owns a Porsche. But what I would say to this Euro trash windbag is to zip it and mind his own business. What about the glaring differences between the rich and the poor in Europe, even in the EU?

Does his house not have glass windows? Not that I'm going to worry about whatever anyone has to say on much of anything.

Answer 3

As an owner of a 911, and a coupe MBZ...

What part of the truth can't you handle? This country is fast going down the tubes, and becoming 3rd world.

If you think education is expensive...try poverty...

We don't put a book in out childrens hands...we give them video games, and DVD players, and we rip into their teachers when Johny/Jane is doing poorly in school.
We blame McDonalds for our incredibly poor food choices, we blame EVERYONE else for OUR problems.


When you don't confront a problem, it NEVER goes away, and as a nation, we don't confront anything(just ask your doctor why he/she won't tell you the truth about losing weight, stop smoking, eat less garbage, excersise, etc)

You want the truth? You obviously could not handle the truth! We're fat, dumb, lazy, and incredibly stupid.

Answer 4

When reading his statement, I don't really interpret it as him trashing the US, more that he is stating the obvious. Knowing that he has concern for the politics and economy of his country, makes me prouder than ever to drive a Porsche.

Answer 5

he was making an informed analysis of the differences in the american and german economies. Nothing about it was anti american. He said americas economy has a large income gap compared to europe, which is true.

whats not to be proud about?

Answer 6

I think you mis-interpreted his statements as being anti-American. Also in fairness, it would have been nice to include the exact wording of the question that was put to him so the context would have been preserved, don't you think? Basically, it sounds like he is making statements of fact. Re-read his statements and tell us what you find so anti-American...as opposed to being fact.

Answer 7

i don't care about what he has to say because its just bull@#!! talk or hype. I personaly dont care about his personal issues or his feelings as long as he keeps making them great vehicles. ALL people from every country talks about one another and it doesn't matter to me. I've owned a porsche as well as american vehicles and i've seen good vehicles from both.

Answer 8

Forget all about that "political stuff" !!!
That's kindergarten...

Driving a Porsche is something, You'll never forget
for the rest of Your life...
Porsche is for MEN; Toyota for f*g*s ...

Aaron.

Answer 9

I am from europe...now look PORSCHE is a GERMAN aka EUROPEAN CAR. i think that we have the right to think to who to sell them and to who not to sell. If you dont like something, go buy one of ur plastic dodge vipers srt watever 10

Answer 10

Dont know