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Martin Winterkorn

48quotes

Martin Winterkorn: A Life of Innovation and Controversy


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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Martin Winterkorn was born on May 25, 1947, in Ludwigsburg, Germany. He is also known as Marti to those close to him.

Birth and Death Dates


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Martin Winterkorn passed away on July 3, 2022, at the age of 75.

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Winterkorn was a German businessman and engineer who held various leadership positions throughout his career. He is most notably known for serving as the CEO of Volkswagen Group from 2007 to 2015.

Early Life and Background


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Born into a family of modest means, Winterkorn's upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for engineering. He grew up in Ludwigsburg, Germany, where he attended the Ludwigslust Elementary School before moving to the Eugen-Weber-Realschule in Stuttgart.

Winterkorn's academic prowess earned him a spot at the prestigious Technical University of Berlin, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. His innate talent for innovation and leadership soon led him to join the renowned German automotive company, Volkswagen Group.

Major Accomplishments


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During his tenure as CEO of Volkswagen Group, Winterkorn oversaw a period of unprecedented growth and transformation. Under his leadership, the company:

Launched several successful new models, including the Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Golf VII.
 Expanded its global presence through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.
Invested heavily in research and development, solidifying Volkswagen's position as a leader in the automotive industry.

Notable Works or Actions


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In 2009, Winterkorn was instrumental in guiding Volkswagen Group through the Global Financial Crisis. He implemented cost-cutting measures, reduced production, and implemented a comprehensive restructuring plan to ensure the company's survival.

However, his tenure was also marred by controversy surrounding the Emissions Scandal, which led to widespread public outcry and calls for accountability. Winterkorn eventually resigned as CEO in 2015, taking responsibility for the scandal.

Impact and Legacy


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Despite the challenges he faced, Martin Winterkorn's legacy is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, his commitment to innovation and growth helped establish Volkswagen Group as a global leader in the automotive industry.

On the other hand, his tenure was marked by controversy and a lack of transparency, which led to widespread criticism and public distrust.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Martin Winterkorn's quotes often highlight his commitment to innovation and progress. His words continue to inspire leaders in the automotive industry and beyond:

"We are not just an automobile company; we are a mobility provider."
* "Our goal is to make Volkswagen the world's most successful and innovative automobile company."

As a leader who pushed the boundaries of what was possible, Winterkorn left an indelible mark on the world. His quotes continue to be relevant today, serving as a reminder of his vision for the future of mobility.

In conclusion, Martin Winterkorn's life is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. Despite the challenges he faced, he remains a significant figure in the automotive industry, inspiring leaders to strive for greatness.

Quotes by Martin Winterkorn

Martin Winterkorn's insights on:

The violations of these diesel motors by our company go against everything that Volkswagen stands for... at this time, I don't yet have the answers to all the questions. I'm utterly sorry that we have damaged trust in this way. I offer my deepest apologies to our customers, the authorities, and to the public at large for our misconduct.
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The violations of these diesel motors by our company go against everything that Volkswagen stands for... at this time, I don't yet have the answers to all the questions. I'm utterly sorry that we have damaged trust in this way. I offer my deepest apologies to our customers, the authorities, and to the public at large for our misconduct.
MW
Volkswagen has been, is, and will always be my life.
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Volkswagen has been, is, and will always be my life.
MW
We procrastinated in the U.S., it's true. And we are changing that.
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We procrastinated in the U.S., it's true. And we are changing that.
MW
As CEO, I accept responsibility for the irregularities that have been found in diesel engines and have therefore requested the Supervisory Board to agree on terminating my function as CEO of the Volkswagen Group.
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As CEO, I accept responsibility for the irregularities that have been found in diesel engines and have therefore requested the Supervisory Board to agree on terminating my function as CEO of the Volkswagen Group.
MW
Taking the third step before the first would be fatal.
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Taking the third step before the first would be fatal.
MW
People who, like me, grew up in the 1950s and 1960s after World War II, grew up with cars.
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People who, like me, grew up in the 1950s and 1960s after World War II, grew up with cars.
MW
2008 was a good - a very successful year for Volkswagen.
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2008 was a good - a very successful year for Volkswagen.
MW
We want to be the volume number one, but also we want to have 8 percent in operating profit.
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We want to be the volume number one, but also we want to have 8 percent in operating profit.
MW
The European auto industry made a commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an average of 140 grams per kilometer. But then there was a significant change in what customers wanted in their vehicles.
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The European auto industry made a commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an average of 140 grams per kilometer. But then there was a significant change in what customers wanted in their vehicles.
MW
#auto
The hybrid engine costs a lot of money, and customers are hardly willing to spend so much more for a car.
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The hybrid engine costs a lot of money, and customers are hardly willing to spend so much more for a car.
MW
#car
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