Ferdinand Piech Quotes

Powerful Ferdinand Piech for Daily Growth

About Ferdinand Piech

Ferdinand Karl Piëch (April 19, 1937 – July 25, 2019) was a German engineer, businessman, and politician who significantly influenced the automotive industry as the Chairman of Volkswagen Group from 1993 to 2002. Born in Bavaria, Germany, Piëch grew up in a family deeply rooted in the automobile world. His grandfather, Karl Benz, is recognized as one of the pioneers of the automobile industry for inventing the first practical internal combustion engine vehicle, and his father, Ernst Piëch, was an engineer at Mercedes-Benz. Piëch studied mechanical engineering at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and joined Audi's technical development department in 1958. His contributions to Audi were substantial; he led the team that developed the groundbreaking Audi Quattro, a four-wheel drive sports car that revolutionized rally racing in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1962, Piëch moved to the United States, working for Ford Motor Company and then at General Motors' Opel division. Returning to Audi in 1963 as Technical Director, he was instrumental in turning the brand into a competitive force within the automotive industry. Piëch's major works extend beyond his technical accomplishments. In 1988, he became the Chairman of the Volkswagen Group Supervisory Board and oversaw the acquisition of Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Ducati, and Skoda. His vision for a unified brand strategy helped create one of the world's leading automotive groups. Piëch retired from VW in 2002 but remained an influential figure in the industry. His quotes reflect his strong leadership style and deep understanding of the automobile industry: "In my life, I have always tried to do only two things: leave a company better than when I found it, and then move on," and "The secret is to know what you want, and then get up every morning and work at it with all your might."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The secret to successful innovations is to study and understand the customer's true needs."

This quote emphasizes that successful innovation arises from a deep understanding of customers' genuine needs. In essence, Piech is suggesting that the key to creating something valuable lies in empathizing with the user, comprehending their pain points, desires, and expectations. By catering to these true needs, innovations can provide real solutions, enhancing customer satisfaction and, ultimately, driving success.


"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."

This quote emphasizes the importance of living a meaningful and fulfilling life rather than simply prolonging one's existence. It suggests that it is not just the number of years a person lives, but what they do with those years that truly matters. The quality of experiences, achievements, relationships, and personal growth during those years are what make a life rich and worthwhile. This perspective encourages people to live their best possible lives, to strive for impact, and to cherish the time they have on this earth.


"Success is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration."

This quote by Ferdinand Piech emphasizes the importance of hard work in achieving success. He suggests that while inspired ideas (1% inspiration) may be crucial to the conception of a project or goal, it is relentless effort (99% perspiration) that ultimately leads to its fruition. In other words, it's not just about having good ideas, but also executing them through dedication and perseverance.


"If something is supposed to be impossible, then I don't want to do it."

This quote by Ferdinand Piech reflects a mindset that values challenge and innovation. He suggests that if an idea or task is labeled as impossible, it is not discouraging but rather an invitation to prove otherwise. It encourages pushing boundaries, exploring new frontiers, and embracing the spirit of ingenuity and determination.


"Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master."

This quote emphasizes the dual nature of technology, which can be beneficial when used as a tool to serve our needs, but becomes perilous when we allow it to control or dominate us. It serves as a reminder that humans should maintain their autonomy and use technology wisely, rather than becoming overly reliant on it, which could lead to unintended consequences.


During my career several people have tried to push me out the door... Nobody has succeeded yet.

- Ferdinand Piech

Door, Career, Several, Push

If you fire people, you fire customers.

- Ferdinand Piech

Business, Fire, People, Customers

In my career quite a few people have tried to force me out, but so far no one has succeeded.

- Ferdinand Piech

People, Career, Out, Succeeded

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.