Porsche Changes Tack

The automotive industry globally involves the processes of manufacturing as well as sales of cars and other automobiles. The business of this industry is also inclusive of retailing activities like services; sale of spare parts, gas-station retails etc. by the year 2015, and the growth rate of the industry is expected to have a rise of 5.5% (Market Line, 2012). Moreover, as per International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, this industry is the leading driver in terms of global economic progress and the largest employer. The changing trends and rising demand for technically advanced cars are giving out more opportunities. This essay is going to be a presentation on the analysis of the Volkswagen positioning strategy with respect to the Porters models of competitive strategies. This essay would be vital, as this analysis would help in revealing the company’s competitive and strategic position in the industry.

Dr.-Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, alias Porsche AG is a German automobile manufacturer specializing in high-performance sports cars, SUVs and sedans and the introduction of Boxter in 1996 created a lot of furore for the simple reason that this was the first time that the manufacture of the car would happen outside Germany and for the first time Porsche would be entering the fast growing sport-utility vehicle (SUV) market by 2002.

To maximize shareholder value through a systematic, disciplined, reliable, ethical, and ongoing process of supply of goods or services.

However the author emphasizes that the issue actually is the other way around that the shareholder value principle has not betrayed the management rather it is the management that has betrayed the principle. In basic, delivering value to the shareholders means that the organization has been able to grow the earnings, the dividends of the organization and the share price. Thus in analyzing the delivery of shareholder value by Wal-Mart these three elements will be focused upon.

Exhibit 6, 8, and 9 (figures in $ millions) provides selected balance sheet items for Ford, General Motors, and DaimlerChrylser. The given information indicates that Ford carries the highest amount of cash and marketable securities among the three companies. In 1999, Ford had $25,173 of cash and marketable securities while General Motors and Daimler-Chrylser have only $12,140 and $9,163. Comparing at an industry level, we as a team

In addition to both short and long term solvency, a company’s return on invested capital should be analyzed when determining its financial health. Ford’s

The amount of cash that Ford is carrying on its balance sheet is too much considering that additional money not used for the advancement of the company belongs to the owners of the firm, the shareholders. Having too much cash on its balance sheet will be a disincentive to Ford’s employees who consequently will feel not feel an urgency to perform and add value to the company. Notwithstanding the fact that the company is always on the lookout for acquisition targets even after already purchasing Jaguar Cars, Volvo Cars, and Land Rover in the past ten years, it is imperative that the company does not engage in such activities for the sole purpose of “empire

Although Porsche is publicly traded, the company is controlled by only two stockholders, the Porsche and Piéch families. As the quotation by Holger Härter makes clear, the two families hold exclusive shareholder influence over management. An interesting point for class discussion is whether the families actually ever exercise these rights. It is not clear from the information or evidence presented that they influence or direct current management headed by Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking. They may simply agree with current leadership and therefore remain quietly

A financial analysis of Ford Motor Company’s (Ford) statements will identify their solvency in today’s automobile market. Elements such as liquidity, leverage, profitability, and activity ratios will demonstrate Ford’s financial health and stability. A further assessment of their technological advantages, global strategies, and benchmarking analysis will indicate the future prognosis of this company.

Well, throughout this case there was a sense of internal war between the executives of two of the world’s largest automobile companies. Wiedeking, the CEO of Porsche, can be seen as a dominating personality throughout this case. Wiedeking was famous for his efficient production and astute marketing, which turned Porsche into world’s most profitable car company. Therefore, keeping this same attitude in mind, he wanted to make some major changes in the Volkswagen group(VW) because he was aiming to achieve something big. He wanted to remove inefficient operations and also insisted on shutting down the production lines of some cars like ‘Phaeton’ and ‘Buggati’, which according to him were not highly profitable and were a commercial failure. On the other hand, Ferdinand Piech, the CEO of Volkswagen group, had something else in his mind. Unlike Wiedeking, who only focused

Furthermore, if an organisation does not have enough cash resources in order to settle its current liabilities, this will highlight great inefficiency with stock turnover not being sold. A good company such as Sainsbury’s we see is healthy because revenue is recognised from inventories sold – this revenue allows cash to flow in order to pay for short term and long-term liabilities. It is evident that there are insufficient cash flowing into the company from investing activities and financing activities, which are shown by the brackets.

1) The buyer decision process of traditional Porsche customers relies on the motivations that determine these people to select this brand. Their purchasing decision process is based on the exclusivity of the brand that is connected with the car owner. In their opinion, by purchasing a Porsche, traditional customers purchase the exclusivity and luxury associated with the brand. These customers want to purchase a car that reflects their social status and their financial power. In addition to this, they are not interested in the utility of the car, but in the characteristics that differentiate it from utility cars. These traditional buyers are rather interested in their feeling while driving a Porsche in comparison with the size, price, or fuel economy of the car.

The financial analysis of the balance sheet shows that the percentage of equity in the sources of funds is decreasing while the debt is escalating. Short term liability has compounded from 14% to 39% while long term liability had increased from 16% to 24%. The Debit/equity ratio shows an almost double increase in dependence on borrowed funds between 2007-2008, leading to a greater obligation of fixed interest payment, and a lessor safety margin for long term creditors. An increasing Debit-equity ratio can also create difficulties in raising additional loans. This triggered a potential lack of future financing, considering that Gerhard Schroder property developer had indicated that he was unwilling to continue to provide financial support to the organization. Additionally, they

Volkswagen has been one of the leading motor vehicle manufacturer for a long time. With all the competition in the automotive industry, it has been challenging for Volkswagen to get into the position that they are in now. They are involved in almost every type of car market out. Teenagers can enjoy the Volkswagen Jetta, while parents would love the Tourareg. Volkswagen has even put a foot into the exotic car industry with expensive automobiles such as the Bentleys and Lamborghinis.

Volkswagen has set a bold goal of dethroning Toyota as the world’s largest auto maker. This goal includes significantly increasing the North American market share, as Volkswagen currently holds only 2.2 percent of the United States market. Volkswagen’s strategy includes cutting prices and tailoring its cars to better fit the American lifestyle and tastes. This includes increasing the size of its vehicles and modifying certain amenities, such as increasing the cup holder size to fit the larger sized beverages which Americans are known to drink. In order to become the world’s largest auto maker by 2018, Volkswagen’s management team has set a lofty goal of selling 800,000 vehicles per year