Audi vs Porsche

Audi begins production of the A2 e-tron; CEO unveils new electric model in Paris; Martin Sander to lead Sales and Marketing

Audi has begun production of the A2 e-tron in Ingolstadt, with development time shortened by 21 months. CEO Gernot Döllner unveiled the A2 e-tron in Paris, emphasizing its efficiency and everyday usability. Additionally, Martin Sander will take over Sales and Marketing at Audi effective October 1, 2026.

Chery hires Audi manager for Germany brand building

Chinese automaker Chery has appointed Chayne Brand, a long-time Audi marketing manager, to the newly created position of Head of Brand Marketing & Communication in Germany. Brand started the role on September 1st. The article is largely paywalled, with the full details restricted. However, the key event is a personnel appointment for brand building, which is relevant to marketing and advertising as it involves leading marketing strategy for a brand in the German market.

• Chery hires Audi marketing manager Chayne Brand for Germany.
• Brand becomes Head of Brand Marketing & Communication.
• Role is newly created and started on September 1, 2026.

Volkswagen Q2 Profit Falls One Third

Volkswagen reported a significant profit decline in Q2 2026, with after-tax profit falling 32.9% to €1.54 billion versus €2.29 billion in Q2 2025. Deliveries across the group fell about 9% to 2.08 million vehicles, while sales in China dropped by more than one third to 424,300 units. The company said it is cutting its sales outlook and plans new cost-saving measures including reviewing up to 50,000 jobs worldwide and four German plants, in addition to previously announced reductions through 2030. The plans have drawn resistance from the works council, unions and the state of Lower Saxony.

• Volkswagen Group after-tax profit in Q2 2026 fell 32.9% to €1.54 billion.
• Volkswagen's after-tax profit in Q2 2025 was €2.29 billion.
• Group deliveries fell about 9% to 2.08 million vehicles in April–June 2026.

Porsche completes Rimac stake sale for €1 billion

Porsche AG has finalized the sale of its shares in Bugatti Rimac and the Rimac Group, generating approximately €1 billion. The transaction, approved by authorities on Wednesday, follows contracts signed in April. Porsche will use €250 million of the proceeds to fund pension obligations, with the remaining amount supporting its focus on core operations amid a cost-cutting program. The sale is part of Porsche's broader strategy to divest non-core assets, including its e-bike business and consulting subsidiary MHP. The company has revised its 2026 net cash flow margin forecast for the automotive segment upwards to 5.5-7.5 percent, from a previous range of 3-5 percent.

• Porsche completed the sale of its shares in Bugatti Rimac and the Rimac Group for approximately €1 billion.
• The transaction was finalized on Wednesday after regulatory approval, following contracts signed in April.
• Porsche will allocate €250 million of the proceeds to fund pension obligations.

FIFA's 48-Team World Cup Expansion Offers CX Growth Lessons

This CMSWire article examines FIFA's decision to expand the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, framing it as a case study in balancing market expansion with experience dilution. The author, a passionate football fan, argues that the increase in teams creates more upsets and emotional moments, which drive customer loyalty. He draws parallels to brand customer experience, emphasizing that emotional engagement, generational loyalty, and the experience economy are critical for sustained growth. The piece highlights first-time qualifiers like Cabo Verde and Jordan, which ignite national pride and foster new fan bases. It suggests that brands should focus on creating memorable feelings rather than just transactional products, and that expanding into new markets must be carefully managed to avoid alienating existing customers. The article serves as a thought leadership perspective rather than a breaking news report, offering strategic insights for marketers.

• FIFA expanded the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament.
• The tournament is hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• First-time qualifiers include Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.

Porsche to Sell MHP to Tata Consultancy Services

Porsche has signed an agreement to sell its management and IT consultancy MHP to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The transaction, reported by Reuters with an enterprise value of €320 million, is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close within months. In parallel, Porsche and TCS agreed a five-year collaboration reportedly worth around €1.25 billion to accelerate AI, software and data solutions for Porsche. MHP will continue operating under its established brand and maintain operational independence while gaining access to TCS’s global delivery and technology capabilities.

• Porsche signed an agreement to sell its management and IT consultancy MHP to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
• The transaction is subject to approval by the relevant authorities and is expected to close within the coming months.
• Reuters reports an enterprise value of €320 million for the deal; Porsche did not disclose a purchase price.