Volkswagen Group is undoubtedly one of the largest companies in the world. And not just in the automotive segment but across all segments globally. In fact, the Volkswagen Group is ranked as one of the top 10 companies in the world by revenue, controls 12 brands, with over 50 subsidiaries and is majority-owned by the Porsche-Piech family (yes, that Porsche). Volkswagen has cemented itself as an automotive powerhouse, consistently outselling its competition. And it’s no mystery as to why. Some of the most recognisable vehicle brand names in the world find themselves under by the Volkswagen Group. So, let’s take a look at all the companies that are driven by the company.
Audi
Audi has been a part of the Volkswagen group since 1965 though it was founded in 1909 as an independent company. Audi is one of the leading premium brands in the world. The Audi automotive company has set a standard for premium deliveries, so much that notwithstanding the challenges and difficult markets it encountered, at the beginning of 2019, it still went on to sell a total of 1.9 million vehicles to customers (plus 1.8%) and achieved an operating return on sales of 8 per cent.
Lamborghini
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. is an Italian brand and manufacturer of luxury sports cars and SUVs based in Sant’Agata Bolognese. The company is owned by the Volkswagen Group through its subsidiary Audi. Lamborghini currently produces the V12-powered Aventador and the V10-powered Huracán, along with the Urus SUV powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine. In addition, the company produces V12 engines for offshore powerboat racing. Lamborghini Trattori, founded in 1948 by Ferruccio Lamborghini, is headquartered in Pieve di Cento, Italy and continues to produce tractors.
Bentley
Since 1998, this British marketer and manufacturer of SUVs and luxury vehicles has been a Volkswagen AG subsidiary. Bentley Motors Limited’s main office is in Crewe, England. Eventually, Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley in 1931. However, the engineering corporation Vickers managed to acquire Rolls-Royce Motors in the later years. By 1998, Vickers finally decided to sell Rolls-Royce to no other than Volkswagen AG.
SEAT
Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo or SEAT is a manufacturer of automobiles from Catalonia, Spain. The industrial company Instituto Nacional de Industria or INI founded SEAT S.A. in May 1950. It is one of the earliest subsidiaries of Volkswagen AG as it was acquired in 1986.
Porsche
German automobile manufacturing company Porsche, founded by Ferdinand Porsche in 1931, initially wasn’t involved in the production of cars until its first vehicle production in 1939. In fact, during WWII, Porsche was involved in the manufacture of military tanks. Also, it is true that its designs are similar to the popular Volkswagen beetle. This is due to the fact that the two companies have had a long relationship even before deciding to merge in 2009 with Volkswagen holding a majority of the shares in 2015.
MAN
Started in 1758, MAN manufacturing company focuses on activities in the areas of transport and energy. It supplies trucks, buses, vans, diesel engines, turbo-machinery, and special gear units and holds top market positions in all divisions. Volkswagen took interest in the company in 2011 by purchasing a 55.9% stake which was increased to 73% in 2012.
Ducati
Ducati is a motorcycle manufacturing company whose headquarters are in Bologna, Italy. Antonio Cavalieri started the company with his three sons in 1926. Initially, they started with the production of condensers, vacuum tubes, and radio components. The company survived the effects of World War 2. Volkswagen showed an interest in taking over the company in April 2012 when its Audi subsidiary announced that it would be buying the company for 1.2 billion dollars.
SCANIA
SCANIA is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy-duty trucks, urban and intercity buses, coaches and industrial and marine engines. The company has been a Volkswagen Group brand since 2008. SCANIA focuses on producing efficient, low-carbon solutions that boosts customer profitability, well aware that success in these efforts depends on close collaboration and solution-finding partnerships along the entire value chain.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars
It is probably not very shocking that Volkswagen Group is the owner of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. Volkswagen Group was founded in 1937 in Berlin, Germany. Volkswagen’s main office and factory is located in Wolfsburg in Germany. Volkswagen is now one of the most popular car brands in Europe.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Volkswagen does actually build commercial vehicles like small buses and other vehicles, depending on where in the world you are looking. This company was founded in 1995 in Hanover, Germany.
Bugatti
Founded in 1909, Bugatti manufactured lots of successful race cars for decades, but stopped production in the 1950s. The Bugatti marque was revived as a maker of super-fast, limited-production sports cars with the introduction of the EB110 in 1991. The Volkswagen Group bought the brand in 1998, and still owns it today.
Skoda
Simply called Škoda, this automobile company from Boleslay, the Czech Republic started in 1895. It was first named Laurin & Klement. Škoda Works acquired Laurin & Klement in 1925. The latter was eventually owned by the state due to communism. Its brand name fully merged into Škoda Works. In 1992, Škoda changed into a private company. Then, in 2000, Volkswagen finally acquired Škoda.
Highlights
- Popular brands like Audi, Ducati and Bentley are owned by VW Group
- One of the 10 largest companies in the world
- Originated in Germany
Keyword: 12 Brands Under The Volkswagen Group Umbrella