January 06

Heinrich Nordhoff was born in Haste, Germany, in 1899 and studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Hanover. He joined Opel in 1923 and later became general manager of Ford Germany. After World War II, Nordhoff was appointed head of Volkswagen by the British occupation authorities in 1948. Under his leadership, the Volkswagen Beetle became an emblem of Germany's economic recovery and achieved global success. Nordhoff emphasized quality, affordability, and export markets, turning VW into one of the world's largest car manufacturers. He also supported employee welfare programs and plant modernization. Nordhoff's management style and vision left a lasting impact on the global automotive industry. He died in Wolfsburg in 1968.

Koo Chen-fu founded Taiyen Biotech and became a prominent figure in Taiwan’s business community. In 1991, he became the first chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation, facilitating dialogue with mainland China. He led historic talks with PRC counterpart Wang Daohan in the early 1990s, easing cross-strait tensions. Koo’s diplomacy paved the way for direct trade and communication between Taiwan and China. He settled disputes on fishing rights and other issues, earning praise for his pragmatic approach. His legacy endures in ongoing cross-strait engagements and his influence on Taiwanese economic policy.

Born on January 6, 1925, John DeLorean was an American engineer and executive. He began his automotive career at Packard Motor Company and later worked at General Motors. In 1975, he founded the DeLorean Motor Company to produce the stainless steel DMC-12 sports car. Despite its futuristic design and gull-wing doors, the company struggled financially and declared bankruptcy in 1982. DeLorean remained a cultural icon after his death in 2005, largely due to his car's role in the Back to the Future film series.

Eric Trump graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and joined the Trump Organization, where he oversees property acquisitions and management. Alongside his brother, he co-founded and manages the award-winning Trump Winery in Virginia. He has been active in charitable initiatives through the Eric Trump Foundation, although the foundation has faced public scrutiny. As the third child of former President Donald Trump, Eric has often represented the family business in media and on the campaign trail. His work in real estate development and hospitality has positioned him as a prominent figure in the family's commercial enterprises.