Ferdinand Prosche: Life And Achievements of A Pioneer German engineer Ferdinand Porsche is certainly one of the most important figures - if not the most imporant and influent-in the history of automobile making. This outstanding Teuton was born on September 3rd, 1875 in Mafferdorf, Germany. One of the most remarkable accomplishments of his carrer was that his work was not limited to one factory, but instead he worked in many of the most renowned car-making factories of the time. His life as an engineer started early, at the age of 22, when he designed an electric engine. In 1900 he was hired by a carmaker of the time, Lohner.