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Porsche (ETR:P911_p) is investing in battery production and securing key technology
Porsche has taken an important step towards future technology by acquiring a majority share in the production of V4Drive batteries from manufacturer Varta. By acquiring 70 per cent of the shares in the Varta subsidiary, the sports car manufacturer is securing the special battery that is of crucial importance for the planned turbo-hybrid drive in the 911 Carrera GTS.
These state-of-the-art batteries enable particularly fast energy absorption and release, which is essential for the innovative drive concept of the cult sports car. The cooperation envisages Varta providing the technical expertise and the production facilities in Nördlingen, while Porsche is providing financial support for the industrialisation. The aim is to launch this special battery in 2025.
However, Varta's economic situation is tense. The company is under a lot of pressure due to debt and the threat of insolvency. This environment has prompted Porsche to also become involved as a shareholder in Varta AG. Together with majority shareholder Michael Tojner and other creditors, a restructuring plan was drawn up in accordance with the StaRUG procedure, which provides for a debt cut and fresh capital. As part of this, Porsche is contributing 30 million euros to help stabilise Varta. However, many shareholders are expressing concerns that they will lose their shares without compensation.
Strategic challenges for Porsche and the automotive industry
In addition to developments in battery production, Porsche is voicing concerns about the future of the German automotive industry in view of the planned ban on combustion engines in 2035. After a weaker third quarter, the sports carmaker is making it clear that a complete abandonment of combustion engines could place a heavy burden on the industry.
Porsche warns of possible economic setbacks that could endanger not only carmakers but also numerous suppliers. CFO Lutz Meschke points out that a move away from combustion engines could lead to deindustrialisation and thus endanger social peace in Europe. He even speaks of ‘Europe as a poorhouse’.
Despite these challenges, Porsche remains committed to its strategy of electrifying around 80 per cent of its vehicle fleet by 2030, while at the same time maintaining its commitment to the combustion engine. Developments at Varta and the strategic focus on electric drives illustrate how Porsche is trying to position itself in a rapidly changing market.
These difficulties are also reflected in the share price. The stock has been moving sideways since August 2024 and is not making any headway. That is not a good sign. We are not currently being pushed into a purchase. We remain sceptical. This also applies to Volkswagen (ETR:VOWG_p) and Mercedes-Benz. Detailed analyses and clear forecasts for the stocks mentioned can be found on our website.
In this context, it is all the more important not to focus on just one industry or region. Despite all the problems in the automotive industry, we are seeing a real boom in other places and in other industries, causing share prices to skyrocket. There are always opportunities, you just have to recognise them in time and seize them.
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