List of Companies in the Volkswagen Group

Ever wonder who makes all those cool cars you see on the road? This article is all about Volkswagen Group, a giant company that owns many famous car brands. We’ll take a trip through their history, starting from way back in Germany to where they are now, as one of the biggest car companies in the world! We’ll also see all the different car brands they own, and how they got so big. So get ready to learn all about Volkswagen Group in a way that’s easy to understand!

Volkswagen Highlights

Aspect	Description
Founder	Ferdinand Porsche
Headquarters	Wolfsburg, Germany
Industry	Automotive
Founded	1937
Slogan	“Das Auto.” (German for “The car.”)
Products	Cars, SUVs, vans, trucks, motorcycles
Brands	Volkswagen, Audi, Škoda, SEAT, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, Ducati
Market Share	One of the world’s largest automakers by sales volume
Employees	Over 670,000 worldwide
History	Founded by the Nazi government, the company has undergone significant transformation since then.
Future Focus	Electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and sustainable mobility
Challenges	Overcoming the emissions scandal, competition in the electric vehicle market
Financial Performance	Revenue of €252.6 billion in 2022

Volkswagen Group History

Few know Volkswagen emerged from a Nazi commission before growing into an auto icon through counter-culture embrace and clever brand pivots.

Adolf Hitler first tapped Ferdinand Porsche to design an affordable vehicle for German roads in the late 1930s. The result was Volkswagen’s enduring Type 1 model dubbed the “Beetle” which rolled off lines in 1938 as Hitler’s vision of “the people’s car.” Though popular in post-war Europe, VW struggled cracking important US sales until the quintessential Beetle found 1960’s bohemian fame. Surfing counterculture trends accelerated growth for decades.

Later, purchasing ultra-luxury brands Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti reinvented Volkswagen’s identity for high-end markets while better competing with Toyota and GM dominating affordable models. From Nazi origins to selling over 21 million iconic Beetles to elevating its prestige, Volkswagen repeatedly adapted itself to social trends and shifting consumer demands over its epic journey.

Top Companies Owned by Volkswagen Group

Below given is the list of top companies which is owned by Volkswagen Group:

Company Name	Acquired In	Founder
Audi	1965	August Horch
SEAT	1986	Instituto Nacional de Industria
ŠKODA	1994	Václav Klement, Václav Laurin
Bentley	1998	W. O. Bentley
Bugatti	1998	Ettore Bugatti
Lamborghini	1998	Ferruccio Lamborghini
Scania	2008	Philip Wersen, Surahammars Bruk
Porsche	2012	Ferdinand Porsche
Ducati	2012	Antonio Cavalieri Ducati
MAN	2012	Ludwig Sander
Navistar	2021	Cyrus McCormick
Scout Motors	2022	Scott Keogh
Jetta	2019	Wong Tit-shing
MOIA	2016	Ole Harms
Traton	2021	Christian Levin
Renk	2019	MAN
WirelessCar	2018	Volvo information technology AB

Volkswagen Group Business List

Here’s the list of 12 brands that comes under Volkswagen Group:

1. Audi

While founded independently in 1909, Audi has firmly solidified its position as Volkswagen Group’s crown jewel premium marque since joining forces in 1965. The iconic four rings now represent worldwide automotive prestige and performance.

On the global luxury stage, few brands command the reverence of Audi’s sculpted designs and technological wizardry. Their impeccable execution at a premium price point continues paying dividends. Despite ambitious competition and economic headwinds, Audi achieved stellar 2019 results – its 1.9 million vehicles delivered reflecting a 1.8% year-over-year increase while maintaining an impressive 8% operating profit margin.

2. SEAT

As Spain’s first homegrown automaker founded on May 9, 1950, SEAT stands as an enduring icon of the nation’s industrial might and engineering prowess under Volkswagen Group’s guidance.

What started over 70 years ago has evolved into a true automotive force to be reckoned with. SEAT’s cars, trucks and performance vehicles now traverse roads in over 75 countries driven by a dedicated workforce exceeding 15,000 employees worldwide.

3. Skoda

Founded in 1895, Czech manufacturer Skoda is one of the oldest active automakers globally selling reliable affordable cars. Now part of VW for over 30 years, Skoda maintains the group’s sustainability initiatives through an advisory board guiding development.

4. Bentley

Among Volkswagen Group’s constellation of automotive brands, few shine brighter than the illustrious Bentley marque. Founded in 1919 and based in Britain’s hallowed automotive town of Crewe, Bentley represents the pinnacle of handcrafted excellence and sustainable luxury.

Since falling under Volkswagen’s corporate umbrella in 1998, Bentley has harnessed German engineering acumen while preserving its quintessentially British spirit. Transcending mere opulence, the storied brand recently achieved carbon neutral operations – a significant milestone elevating its environmental credentials alongside peerless craftsmanship.

5. Bugatti

Beyond prestigious sedans lies Volkswagen Group’s crown jewel performance brand – Bugatti – acquired in 1998 bringing with it over a century of esteemed racing legacy from iconic European founder Ettore Bugatti.

Initially launched in 1909, Bugatti cars quickly dominated early 20th century circuits with relentless mechanical engineering and beautiful coachbuilt bodies distinguishing the marque globally until operations ceased in the 1950s.

But the name was revived in the 1990s for outrageously advanced and exclusive super sports prototypes ultimately capturing Volkswagen Group’s attention. They purchased the rights in 1998, carefully positioning Bugatti as the planetary standard for unrelenting power, luxury and style.

6. Lamborghini

Among Volkswagen’s prestigious automotive holdings, few generate as much stare-stopping excitement as Lamborghini. The Italian marque is universally revered for breathtaking supercar designs oozing provocative style and stratospheric performance capabilities.

Based in the small northern town of Sant’Agata Bolognese, Lamborghini operates under Volkswagen’s subsidiary brand Audi while maintaining its distinctly Latin flare. Current production centers around two flagship models – the V12 Aventador and V10 Huracán delivering eye-watering acceleration alongside the world’s first super-SUV, the twin-turbo V8 Urus.

7. Scania

From minority stakeholder to outright owner, Volkswagen strategically acquired total control over Sweden’s iconic Scania truck and engine manufacturer through methodical purchases over 15 years of partnership.

Formed in 1911 through a merger, Scania produces heavy commercial vehicles like buses and industrial diesel engines. In 2000, VW gained entry purchasing Volvo’s shareholding, joining Traton – the group’s commercial vehicle division with MAN.

After establishing an initial 36.4% beachhead stake in 2007, Volkswagen bought out major investor Investor AB for 70.94% ownership just a year later. This set the stage for complete domination by 2015, as VW assumed 100% control integrating Scania’s trucking might fully into their sprawling automotive empire.

8. Porsche

Legendary for curvaceous sports cars today, Porsche’s origin stems from military machinery needs before its first consumer vehicle design spawned both the iconic Porsche and Volkswagen Beetle models.

Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the eponymous German automaker, primarily consulted on military vehicles as early revenues in 1931. This included tanks and other equipment during World War II preceding civilian auto production.

In 1939 Porsche unveiled its first car – a sleek fastback later dubbed the Type 64. Its efficient rear-engine layout directly inspired the postwar Volkswagen Beetle under a special contract. This close engineering relationship cultivated merger talks culminating in Porsche officially joining the Volkswagen Group in 2009.

9. Cupra

Seeking to ignite more youthful excitement, Volkswagen’s Spanish subsidiary SEAT unveiled new automotive sub-brand Cupra in 2018 – tapping into their high-performance motorsports lineage for fresh millennial appeal.

Initially launched within SEAT as a sporty trim level selection, overwhelming popularity with tuner crowds inspired spinning Cupra off into an edgy standalone marque alongside the mass-market models.

With Cupra, Volkswagen fosters Sportier alternatives to entice Gen Z and millennial buyers less compelled by practical transportation. Peppy personality and motorsport flair widen their demographic reach.

10. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

While the Volkswagen name is synonymous with iconic passenger cars worldwide, the automaker’s dedicated van, truck and bus division stands tall in its own right. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) specializes in manufacturing reliable haulers and sturdy people-movers suited for work across industries and borders.

Established in 1995 with headquarters in Hanover, Germany, VWCV channels Volkswagen’s engineering excellence towards utility-focused mobility. Their expertise spans everything from compact panel vans to heavy-duty distribution trucks and shuttle buses serving construction sites, delivery fleets, airports and more.

What began as a skunkworks offshoot now supplies crucial commercial transportation solutions globally. Unmistakable designs like the Transporter van, Crafter panel van, and Amarok pickup have achieved cult classic status among tradespeople and commercial customers seeking hardworking, value-driven transportation.

11. MAN Truck & Bus

Volkswagen again demonstrated strategic vision securing Germany’s MAN Truck & Bus to spearhead heavy truck manufacturing for their integrated commercial vehicle unit.

Headquartered in Munich, MAN has created trucks since the 19th century – even collaborating with France’s Saviem for European light truck production for a decade until 1977. This established relationships ultimately allowing addition into VW’s emerging truck group decades later.

After forming the Traton truck and bus holding entity (later renamed Traton Group), Volkswagen shifted their existing MAN shares into the new commercial subsidiary. This aggregation of shared resources and manufacturing power between truckmaking brands Scania and MAN strengthened Volkswagen’s strategically critical but often overlooked commercial vehicles business beyond passenger cars.

Conclusion

Isn’t it fascinating how Volkswagen, one of the world’s biggest companies, is linked to renowned brands like Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley, and Ducati? This article unveiled some historical insights into the Volkswagen Group, exploring its various brands and subsidiaries.

The next time you’re on the road, pay attention to the car brands around you. You might be amazed at the number of vehicles cruising under the Volkswagen Group’s broad influence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What companies fall under Volkswagen’s umbrella?

Volkswagen boasts a diverse range of subsidiaries, including Bugatti, Traton, MAN, IAV, Renk, WirelessCar, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Scania, Skoda, Audi, Seat, and MOIA.

2. Does Volkswagen own Bugatti?

Indeed, Volkswagen acquired Bugatti in 1998 through a $50 million all-stock deal.

3. Is BMW part of the Volkswagen family?

No, BMW is not part of the Volkswagen group. During the 1980s and 90s, Volkswagen expanded by acquiring SEAT and Skoda, and later added prestigious brands like Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. In the 21st century, Volkswagen also acquired Porsche, but BMW remains independent.

4. Does VW have ownership of Ferrari?

No, Volkswagen does not own Ferrari. Ferrari maintains its independence with a significant portion of its ownership being public, distinguishing it as one of the few truly independent supercar brands globally.

5. Is Lamborghini owned by VW?

Yes, Volkswagen Group, the German automotive giant, is the parent company of various well-known brands. Volkswagen holds a majority share in Audi, Scania, and Porsche, and fully owns Skoda Auto, Lamborghini, and Ducati. The headquarters of the Volkswagen Group is located in Wolfsburg, Germany.