Business Movers Rehabilitating Porsche | Journalist and author David de Jong explores the legacy of the Nazi era on Porsche | 5
Jun 19, 2025
David de Jong, a finance journalist and author of "Nazi Billionaires," dives into the unsettling legacy of Porsche's connections to the Nazi era. He reveals the complex dynamics between Ferry Porsche and his Jewish co-founder, Adolf Rosenberger, highlighting issues of restitution and corporate accountability. The discussion also covers Porsche's troubling history with forced labor during World War II and the ethical responsibilities consumers face today. De Jong challenges listeners to reflect on how historical ties influence modern brand reputations.
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Scale of Nazi Forced Labor
- Nazi Germany's largest coerced labor program forcibly exploited up to 20 million workers.
- Around two million laborers died under horrible conditions without pay if enslaved.
Business Compliance with Nazi Regime
- Virtually no major German company resisted Nazi policies or labor exploitation.
- Most companies later joined settlements to compensate surviving forced laborers.
Erased Jewish Founder’s Story Restored
- Adolf Rosenberger was forced out of Porsche due to anti-Semitic policies, receiving unfair compensation.
- Porsche erased his history though a detailed 2025 biography funded by heirs aims to restore his legacy.
