Porsche

More than a century after founder Ferdinand Porsche began designing autos, Porsche is still burning rubber. Porsche's five-model lineup is just as exclusive as its vehicles: the 911, Boxster, and Cayman sports cars; the Cayenne SUV; and the Gran Turismo Panamera sedan. Branded consumer goods leverage the company's global image as a premium sports car maker. Cell phones, clocks, and leather jackets are just a few items offered by the Porsche Design unit. Volkswagen AG owns 49.9% of Porsche's sports car business, Porsche Zwischenholding GmbH, and Porsche owns 50.7% of Volkswagen. The two companies' planned merger (first announced in 2009) has hit some speed bumps will likely occur sometime in 2012.