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Volkswagen’s Surprising Success: Record Sausage Sales In 2024

In a twist that confounds traditional automotive expectations, Volkswagen, renowned for its cars, has taken a delicious detour. The company reported record-breaking sales of its beloved Currywurst sausages in 2024, even as its core car production faced a slight downturn.

Record-Breaking Numbers

  • Volkswagen sold an astounding 8,552,000 sausages in 2024 across self-service restaurants and supermarkets, fueled by the popularity of their Currywurst variety.
  • This figure nearly rivals their automobile sales, mirroring the 9.03 million cars sold, which included brands like Audi, Seat, and Skoda—a decrease of 2.3% from the previous year.

The Volkswagen Original Currywurst has become a cultural icon since its inception in 1973 at the Wolfsburg plant. Interestingly, recent diversification into hot dog sausages has also boosted their numbers significantly.

“With over 8 million Currywurst sausages sold, 2024 marked a new milestone for Volkswagen,” shared Gunnar Kilian, Chief Human Resources Officer, on LinkedIn.

While the car sales faced a dip, the new sausage varieties have transported Volkswagen to a culinary triumph.

The Bigger Picture

As industries evolve, Volkswagen’s foray into diverse product lines highlights its adaptive strategies. Surprisingly, the sausage has become their bestselling product, reflecting a broader trend of consumer engagement through innovative offerings.

AI and Antitrust: Could Google’s Search Monopoly Face a New Challenge?

The antitrust trial against Alphabet’s Google has commenced, highlighting significant concerns about its potential to leverage two-faced intelligence to maintain its stronghold over online search. Initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice, the case could redefine how we interact with the internet, reminiscent of past landmark judgments against corporate giants like AT&T and Standard Oil.

David Dahlquist, representing the DOJ, expressed the necessity for measures to prevent AI from further entrenching Google’s dominance.

Key witnesses from Perplexity AI and OpenAI are set to present firsthand accounts of the challenges posed by Google’s overwhelming market presence. Meanwhile, Google’s defense underscores that imposing remedies may stifle innovation at a critical technological crossroads.

Beyond the immediate issues of search engines, the trial also raises broader questions about future technological advancements and market fairness as digital ecosystems evolve. While the DOJ seeks to dismantle exclusive agreements where Google pays billions for default status on various devices, Google contends that these moves might inadvertently increase technical costs while deterring entrepreneurial growth in allied domains.

In essence, both sides align on a pivotal question: How to balance innovation with fair competition in an AI-driven future?

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