'Plans motivated by a desire to hit the successful'

Porsche's global chief executive Dr Wendelin Wiedeking said the Mayor's congestion charging plans would damage London's standing in the international business community.

It sent a "damaging message about the capital as a place to live and do business".

Mr Wiedeking, 55, seen as a corporate hero in Germany after steering Porsche from near bankruptcy to become the world's most profitable carmaker, said: "We hope Mr Livingstone will take into account the impact of these proposals on business and how London is seen internationally.

"It is not just the direct effect on business of these steep rises for driving in London. It is also the message that such a large and apparently arbitrary increase sends out to the business community. London - and the Mayor - have put huge efforts in recent years into attaining and maintaining the city's position as the world's business and financial capital. This success has brought huge benefits to the capital and the country as a whole. At a time of economic uncertainty and increased global competition, the last thing London needs are unnecessary and unfair proposals which appear to be motivated more by a desire to hit those who are successful than helping the environment or reducing congestion."

Mr Wiedeking, who earns up to £50 million a year, said: "I recognise that a 'fair deal for Porsche owners' is unlikely to be a rallying cry that will see millions marching on the streets of London.

"But the Mayor's plans to increase the congestion charge by up to 3,000 per cent on some car owners will affect all Londoners, directly or indirectly."