I’m always pleased when someone stands up to Trump and tells him to ‘get stuffed.’ It doesn’t matter to me if it’s domestic or foreign resistance as long as it’s a clear go screw yourself to wannabe King Donald. Luxury automaker Porsche has stepped up and done just that so good on them.
When I learned about this earlier today my first thought was one that goes back decades to the movie Risky Business and that car chase which ends with the main character citing the classic advertising slogan “Porsche-There Is No Substitute.” I’ve been lucky enough to get to drive one a few times (a 911) including once on a winding rural road with hills where I could cut loose. The owner was sitting in the passenger seat and urged me to do so I should add! It was awesome and I’ve driven other luxury cars but nothing equals that experience. However it IS a luxury brand and doesn’t sell in huge numbers in this or any other country. Still, it’s a known and highly regarded name and when something with/about them pops up it’s news.
As you know, Trumpty and his pal Elon who made his fortune with Tesla have undergone a messy divorce this past week. It’s not like it finally happening was news because we all saw it coming. It was the nastiness and the escalating feud that made it so newsworthy. Trump had been gifted a couple of Tesla vehicles. That funky-clunky ‘truck’ which every time I see it gives me Pontiac Aztec flashbacks and at least one ‘regular’ Tesla. The actual cars are you have to admit nice looking, and some models are downright sleek and ‘cool’ looking. Well, like the USNS John McCain staff would be well advised to hide Trump’s Teslas away.
Porsche on the other hand is Trump’s kind of car. A brand in which he sees himself via his delusions of grandeur about being sleek, fast, powerful and just downright ‘cool’ in every way. It stands to reason that if Trump wants to be associated with a ‘cool’, ‘hot’ car Porsche which has been just that and for decades before Tesla was ever conceived would do just fine.
Even better in Trump’s mind would be forcing them via his tariffs to shift production to the United States. I can imagine him after the bad days he’s had in the last month or so finally nodding off to happy thoughts of him standing next to the first one off the line (with the head of the company gifting it to him, handing him the keys!) and bragging about having brought such an iconic car company to heel.
Well, as this article from GB News tells us that ain’t happening. From what I can piece together folks in the administration convinced Bloomberg to speculate Porsche was considering shifting production to the U.S. to avoid tariffs. ‘Discussions’ were taking place they said. Porsche has quite clearly and firmly said no freaking way. Even if they gave two-sh*ts about humoring Trump, it would be a truly dumbass business decision.
They don’t sell (and never have) anywhere near enough units in this (or any) country to warrant investing billions in a new production facility! The linked article says in 2024 Porsche set a record for U.S. sales in 2022. Of a little over 76k units! It IS after all a high end luxury brand and any car enthusiast can tell you in addition to the high initial cost to by a high-performance sports car owners will spend a small fortune in maintenance costs! So yes, it would be downright stupid to capitulate to Trump. Those who can afford a Porsche aren’t I believe going to be deterred by a 25% tariff!
So what we have is the impending breakup of Trump and Musk and the inevitable trashing of Tesla which meant no more photos of Trump with that sporty red Tesla. He needed a new cool brand to be associated with. Having it under his thumb, forcing it to shift manufacturing to the U.S. would make him feel like a big shot. Apparently his trade people thought they could make it happen for Trump, and snookered Bloomberg into suggesting talks were underway. Ah, but reality has set in:
Reports had claimed that Porsche CEO Oliver Blume, who is also CEO of the Volkswagen Group, was exploring the possibility of moving final assembly stages to the US.
Citing unnamed sources, the report claimed that this would include installing interior components and fitting tyres.
However the linked article states a Porsche spokesperson confirmed to Reuters “no such plans were in place.” Nor, according to Reuters does Porsche have plans to shift ANY of its production here. Reuters goes on to say on Friday they dismissed the Bloomberg report claiming they were considering such a move to mitigate the effects of tariffs. Really, we shouldn’t be surprised by Porsche’s Friday rejection of Trump:
Porsche’s finance chief Jochen Breckner said in late April that localisation made no sense given its low vehicle sales, even if the group were to team up with another VW brand.
Well, given everything else it’s not the biggest embarrassment for Trumpty. Still, anytime someone tells him NO an angel gets their wings turbocharged so again I say good on ya Porsche! Every person or entity that stands up to him is another whack in his MAGA armor and cracks are showing!
***From Ursula*** Zoomers, if you’re able to contribute in any way, we could use help. I’ve been ill and recuperating from a brief hospitalization. Times are tough for political commentary to begin with, and that’s been the case since November 5. Half the country is in a major depression. But we need to keep on keeping on. This too shall pass and there will be a brighter, post-Trump day if we work for it. Please join us and help if you can. Thank you. Ursula
