You probably already know that Volkswagen is known for making awesome vehicles, but did you know that they also own some of the most prestigious automotive brands in the world? As the second-largest automaker globally, Volkswagen Auto Group (V.A.G.) has acquired a plethora of desirable car companies over the years, making them a force to be reckoned with in the automotive world.
Volkswagen’s Impressive Portfolio
Volkswagen Auto Group V.A.G. owns a total of twelve automotive brands, each with their own unique appeal and charm. These brands include Volkswagen, Seat, Audi, Skoda, Bugatti, Bentley, Lamborghini, Ducati, Porsche, Scania, MAN, and Volkswagen commercial vehicles[^1^]. With such a diverse range of brands under their umbrella, Volkswagen has become a powerhouse in the industry, catering to various segments and preferences of car enthusiasts.
A Brief History of Volkswagen
To truly understand Volkswagen’s rise to prominence, we need to take a quick look at its fascinating history. Established in 1937 by the German Labour Front, Volkswagen was initially conceived as a propaganda tool for the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. However, from these troubled beginnings emerged exceptional automobile designs that would shape the future of the automotive industry.
Germany had a proud history of creating passenger cars, but they were often too expensive for the average German to afford. Recognizing an opportunity, automakers like Mercedes and BMW sought to create a more affordable “people’s car”. At the same time, renowned racing automaker Ferdinand Porsche developed a Beetle-shaped car with a rear air-cooled engine called the “Volksauto”. When Adolf Hitler became involved in the project in 1934, he saw the propaganda value of creating an affordable family car that could be driven comfortably on the new Autobahn highway network[^2^].
Although the outbreak of World War II hindered Volkswagen’s production of the Beetle, it was resurrected after the war and became a symbol of West German regeneration. A British Army officer named Major Ivan Hirst played a crucial role in Volkswagen’s post-war story, and throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Volkswagen introduced several successful models based on the Beetle design platform[^2^].
The V.A.G. Empire: A Closer Look at the Brands
Now let’s delve into some of the noteworthy brands that Volkswagen owns, each with its own rich history and unique contributions to the automotive world.
Audi
As part of the Auto Union GmbH purchase, Volkswagen inherited the Audi name. Established in 1909, Audi became a union of three interested parties: Horch, Audiwerke, DKW, and Wanderer. The brand eventually became known as Auto Union in 1932 before being sold to Volkswagen in 1965[^3^]. Under Volkswagen’s ownership, Audi has continued to thrive, offering a range of luxurious and technologically advanced vehicles.
SEAT
Expanding beyond their German homeland, Volkswagen acquired an interest in its first non-German car brand in 1982. SEAT, a Spanish car manufacturer known for producing affordable compact cars, caught Volkswagen’s attention. The partnership between SEAT and Volkswagen later led to Volkswagen taking full ownership of the Spanish car manufacturer[^4^].
Skoda
After experiencing success with the SEAT cooperation, Volkswagen turned its attention to the Czech Republic and acquired an interest in Škoda in 1991. Recognizing the merit in the Škoda name, Volkswagen eventually took complete ownership of the company in 2000[^5^]. Škoda, once associated with outdated and flawed cars, has been revitalized under Volkswagen’s ownership and has become a respected and successful brand.
Bentley
Volkswagen’s ownership of Bentley came after a legal process involving BMW. In 1997, the Rolls-Royce Motors brand became available for purchase. BMW, with its established partnership with Vickers, seemed like the logical new owner. However, Volkswagen outbid BMW and secured the purchase of the designs, property, and trademarks. Although they didn’t acquire the Rolls-Royce name or logo, Volkswagen ultimately gained ownership of Bentley in 2003[^6^].
Lamborghini
When the prestigious Lamborghini sports car manufacturer went up for sale in 1998, Volkswagen was ready to seize the opportunity. They purchased the company, adding this iconic brand to their portfolio. Lamborghini, founded in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini, has a rich history of producing high-performance Italian grand touring cars, including legendary models like the Countach and Diablo[^7^].
Bugatti
In 2000, Volkswagen acquired the rights to use the Bugatti name and incorporated the Bugatti Automobiles company. Bugatti, founded in 1909 as a French car manufacturer of high-performance automobiles, had a turbulent history before becoming part of the Volkswagen Group. Volkswagen used the Bugatti name to launch the groundbreaking Bugatti Veyron, which became the most expensive and fastest car in history at the time[^8^].
Ducati
While purchasing a sport motorcycle company may seem unconventional for a car manufacturer, Volkswagen saw the value in the coveted Ducati brand. Under the Audi subsidiary, Volkswagen purchased Ducati in 2012 for $909 million. This acquisition showcased Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piëch’s passion for both motorcycles and prestigious brands[^9^].
Porsche, Scania, MAN, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Volkswagen also has a significant presence in the commercial vehicle industry. They own Scania and MAN, both manufacturers of commercial trucks and buses. Volkswagen’s ownership of Scania was finalized in 2015, while their ownership of MAN dates back to the early 2000s[^10^]. Additionally, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) operates as a separate marque within the company, producing iconic vehicles like the Volkswagen Transporter[^11^].
FAQs
To address some common questions:
Does Volkswagen own BMW? No, Volkswagen does not own the BMW Group. BMW owns brands such as Rolls-Royce, Mini, and BMW Motorrad[^12^].
How many brands does VW own? Volkswagen Auto Group V.A.G. owns a total of twelve brands, including Volkswagen, Seat, Audi, Skoda, Bugatti, Bentley, Lamborghini, Ducati, Porsche, Scania, MAN, and Volkswagen commercial vehicles[^1^].
What brands does Audi own? Audi, as a subsidiary of V.A.G., owns companies such as Lamborghini, Ducati, and Italdesign[^13^].
Conclusion
Volkswagen has established itself as a dominant force in the automotive world, not only through its production of exceptional vehicles but also through its ownership of prestigious and desirable brands. From Audi to Lamborghini, each brand under the Volkswagen umbrella brings its own unique characteristics and contributions to the automotive industry. With its expertise, passion, and diverse portfolio, Volkswagen continues to make a lasting impact on the world of cars.
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[^1^]: Source: Veedubs – Does Volkswagen Own BMW?
[^2^]: Source: Veedubs – Volkswagen’s Brief History
[^3^]: Source: Veedubs – Audi
[^4^]: Source: Veedubs – SEAT
[^5^]: Source: Veedubs – Skoda
[^6^]: Source: Veedubs – Bentley
[^7^]: Source: Veedubs – Lamborghini
[^8^]: Source: Veedubs – Bugatti
[^9^]: Source: Veedubs – Ducati
[^10^]: Source: Veedubs – Scania and MAN
[^11^]: Source: Veedubs – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
[^12^]: Source: Veedubs – FAQs
[^13^]: Source: Veedubs – FAQs
