You’re likely familiar with Volkswagen and their popular vehicles, but did you know the Volkswagen Group encompasses a vast collection of prestigious and exciting automotive brands? As the world’s second-largest automaker, trailing only Toyota, the Volkswagen Auto Group (V.A.G.) has strategically acquired a diverse portfolio of desirable car companies over the years.
So, What Cars Does Vw Make, or rather, what brands does the Volkswagen Group own? The Volkswagen Auto Group V.A.G. boasts ownership of twelve distinguished automotive brands. These include Volkswagen, SEAT, Audi, Škoda, Bugatti, Bentley, Lamborghini, Ducati, Porsche, Scania, MAN, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
Just how significant is the Volkswagen empire? In 2019, V.A.G.’s net worth surpassed a staggering $100 billion USD, employing over 670,000 individuals globally. To put this financial scale into perspective, if the Volkswagen Group were a country, its economic output would rank it among the top 100 wealthiest nations worldwide.
But how did Volkswagen ascend to such prominence? To truly understand the Volkswagen Group’s vast reach, we need to delve into the origins of Volkswagen itself.
A Brief History of Volkswagen
How did VW evolve from humble beginnings to become a global automotive powerhouse? Volkswagen’s story began in 1937, established by the German Labour Front as a propaganda tool for the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. From these politically charged origins emerged an automotive design that would become iconic.
While Germany had a rich history of automotive engineering, cars were largely luxury items inaccessible to the average German citizen. In the 1930s, car ownership in Germany was estimated at a mere 1 in 50. Automakers like Mercedes and BMW recognized the potential for a mass-market “people’s car.”
Ferdinand Porsche, already a renowned name in racing car design, also envisioned a “people’s car.” By 1933, he had developed the “Volksauto,” a Beetle-shaped car with a rear air-cooled engine. In 1934, Adolf Hitler embraced the concept, recognizing the propaganda value of an affordable family car capable of cruising at 100 km/h (62 mph) on the newly constructed Autobahn highway network.
Porsche received government backing to develop this “people’s car,” funded by German citizens through a savings scheme. The Beetle was slated for production at a new factory and town named Wolfsburg. However, the outbreak of war in 1939 halted civilian production, with only a limited number of Beetles produced. The Wolfsburg plant shifted to wartime production, and the future of the Volkswagen Beetle hung in the balance.
Post-World War II, VW was remarkably resurrected from a failed Nazi project. It transformed into a major employer and a symbol of West Germany’s post-war economic recovery. A British Army officer, Major Ivan Hirst, played a pivotal role in Volkswagen’s post-war resurgence.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Volkswagen launched a series of successful models built upon the foundation of Ferdinand Porsche’s air-cooled, rear-engine Beetle (Type 1) platform. These included the Types 2, 3, and 4, the stylish VW Karmann Ghia, and the versatile Type 181 (popularly known as the VW Thing).
In 1960, Volkswagen went public on the German stock market, officially named Volkswagenwerk Aktiengesellschaft (abbreviated to Volkswagenwerk AG). With this newfound financial strength, Volkswagenwerk acquired Auto Union GmbH from Daimler-Benz, marking the inception of the Volkswagen Group of automakers.
Audi
Does Volkswagen own Audi? Yes, Volkswagen acquired the Audi brand through the purchase of Auto Union GmbH. The Audi brand’s history dates back to 1909, arising from the union of four companies: Horch, Audiwerke, DKW, and Wanderer. This partnership became Auto Union in 1932, eventually being sold to Volkswagen in 1965.
The first vehicle to bear the Audi name under Volkswagen’s ownership was the Audi F103. This saloon car, powered by a four-stroke engine, was produced in West Germany from 1965 to 1972. The F103’s design evolved from the DKW F102, a model initially sold with a less powerful two-stroke engine. The Audi F103 marked the return of the Audi badge to vehicles for the first time since World War II.
In 1969, Volkswagen merged Auto Union and NSU Motorenwerke to create the Audi AG brand as we know it today. Interestingly, Volkswagen inherited the design for the original mk1 1975 VW Polo from this merger.
SEAT
Does Volkswagen own SEAT? Yes, as part of its international expansion, Volkswagen acquired a stake in SEAT in 1982, marking its first venture into a non-German car brand. This collaboration deepened, leading to Volkswagen AG’s full ownership of the Spanish car manufacturer in 1985.
Prior to full acquisition, Volkswagen AG began producing Volkswagen Passat-Santana and Polo-Derby models at SEAT’s Zona Franca and Landaben factories in 1982, demonstrating the early stages of their partnership.
SEAT, established in 1950 and based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, was renowned for producing affordable and compact cars like the SEAT 600, playing a significant role in Spain’s automotive history.
Škoda
Does Volkswagen own Škoda? Yes, building on the success of the SEAT partnership, Volkswagen expanded its reach into Eastern Europe by acquiring a stake in Czech automaker Škoda. The partnership began in 1991, with Volkswagen taking complete ownership of Škoda in 2000.
Before joining the V.A.G. family, Škoda, under state ownership in the Soviet era, faced criticism for producing outdated and uninspired vehicles. This narrative was common among automakers under state control throughout the Soviet Union. However, Volkswagen recognized the underlying potential of the Škoda brand, which had a rich history dating back to its founding in 1895 by Laurin & Klement. Under Volkswagen’s guidance, Škoda has been revitalized into a successful and respected brand known for value and practicality.
Bentley
Does Volkswagen own Bentley? Yes, Volkswagen became the owner of Bentley in 2003 following a complex legal battle with BMW over the Rolls-Royce and Bentley brands. Ultimately, BMW acquired Rolls-Royce, while Volkswagen secured Bentley.
In 1997, Rolls-Royce Motors, which included Bentley, became available for purchase. As a quintessential British luxury brand, Rolls-Royce was synonymous with opulence and quality. BMW, already a partner with Vickers (the then-owner of Rolls-Royce Motors), supplying engines and components for Bentley and Rolls-Royce, seemed like the natural new owner. However, Volkswagen AG had different ambitions.
Volkswagen strategically outmaneuvered BMW, bidding GBP £430 million to acquire Rolls-Royce Motors’ designs, property, and trademarks, including the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy and Rolls-Royce grille. However, this initial purchase did not include the rights to the Rolls-Royce name or logo.
Through further negotiations with BMW, Volkswagen ultimately secured full rights to the Bentley marque in 2003, while BMW retained the Rolls-Royce name and brand identity.
Lamborghini
Does Volkswagen own Lamborghini? Yes, demonstrating its appetite for exotic luxury brands, Volkswagen acquired Lamborghini in 1998 when Indonesian conglomerate SEDTCO pty decided to sell the iconic sports car manufacturer.
Lamborghini, founded in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini, evokes passion and excitement among car enthusiasts worldwide. Established to compete with established marques like Ferrari, Lamborghini quickly gained recognition for its high-performance Italian grand touring cars and iconic supercars like the Lamborghini Countach and Diablo.
Bugatti
Does Volkswagen own Bugatti? Yes, in 2000, V.A.G. acquired the rights to the prestigious Bugatti name, establishing Bugatti Automobiles company under its umbrella. Bugatti, originally founded in 1909 as a French carmaker by Ettore Bugatti, was renowned for its high-performance and luxurious automobiles. The company later moved to Italy in 1987 before being acquired by the Volkswagen Group.
Volkswagen resurrected the Bugatti name to launch the groundbreaking Bugatti Veyron. Upon its release, the Veyron was hailed as the most expensive and fastest production car in history, showcasing Volkswagen’s commitment to pushing automotive boundaries.
Ducati
Does Volkswagen own Ducati? Yes, the acquisition of Ducati, a sport motorcycle company with roots dating back to 1926, might seem like an unconventional move for a car manufacturer. However, Volkswagen chairman Ferdinand Piëch, a motorcycle enthusiast with a proven track record of revitalizing struggling luxury brands, championed the purchase. Through its Audi subsidiary, Volkswagen acquired the coveted Ducati motorcycle maker for USD 909 million.
The Ducati acquisition faced some criticism, with some suggesting it was a “trophy purchase” driven more by “VW’s passion for nameplates rather than industrial or financial logic.” Nevertheless, AUDI AG’s Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. officially completed the acquisition of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. in 2012, integrating the motorcycle brand into the Volkswagen Group family.
Porsche
Does Volkswagen own Porsche? Yes, Volkswagen currently holds a 49.9% share stake in Porsche. The merger process began in 2009 as the first step towards creating an “integrated automotive group” with Porsche AG. Full integration was initially planned for 2011, but was delayed due to “unquantifiable legal risks.” While not full ownership, the significant stake signifies Porsche’s strong integration within the Volkswagen Group.
Porsche and Volkswagen share a long and intertwined history. Ferdinand Porsche himself designed the original VW Beetle. This collaborative relationship extended to models like the Porsche 914, 912, 924, and 944, many of which shared components with Audi and NSU vehicles. Furthermore, the iconic Porsche 911 exhibits design and engineering similarities to the original rear-engine, air-cooled Beetle, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between the two brands.
Scania and MAN
Does Volkswagen own Scania? Yes, Volkswagen owns Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania, along with MAN trucks and buses, through its TRATON SE subsidiary.
Volkswagen Group’s involvement with Scania began with the purchase of Volvo’s stake in the company in 2000. This progressed to full ownership, finalized in 2015, solidifying Volkswagen’s presence in the heavy commercial vehicle sector.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) operates as a distinct brand within the Volkswagen Group since 1995, with its headquarters in Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany. This subsidiary was initially established to produce the Type 2 van, a vehicle with a captivating history rooted in the original VW Beetle.
In 1947, Dutch VW importer Ben Pon presented Volkswagen with sketches for a new van based on the T1 platform. Inspired by the Beetle-based Plattenwagen, Pon recognized the market opportunity for a lightweight commercial van. Volkswagen General Director Heinrich Nordhoff embraced Pon’s concept, and in 1950, the first “Bulli” (Type 2 Transporter) entered production. By 1954, Volkswagen had produced 100,000 Type 2 Transporters at the Wolfsburg plant, later moving production to the Hannover plant in 1956.
The Volkswagen Transporter has become an essential vehicle in the VW lineup, with the VW bus achieving iconic status and becoming a symbol of freedom and a cult classic, contributing significantly to the Volkswagen Group’s overall brand image.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Volkswagen own BMW? No, Volkswagen does not own the BMW Group. BMW Group owns Rolls-Royce, Mini, and BMW Motorrad brands. BMW and Volkswagen are separate and competing automotive groups.
How many brands does VW own? The Volkswagen Auto Group V.A.G. owns a total of twelve brands: Volkswagen, SEAT, Audi, Škoda, Bugatti, Bentley, Lamborghini, Ducati, Porsche, Scania, MAN, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
What brands does Audi own? The Audi brand is a subsidiary of the V.A.G. corporation. Under the Audi Auto Group are companies Lamborghini, Ducati, and Italdesign.
