Volkswagen is currently the largest car manufacturer in Europe and the second largest in the world.
Today, the German group, which once started with the production of ultra-budget "Beetles", offers products for any buyer. All this thanks to the unification of several brands under a single management.
The group's corporate portfolio includes eight legendary brands, most of which at one time ended up in a difficult financial position. Companies were forced to ally with German manufacturer because it was a matter of their survival.
Volkswagen
The brand was founded by Adolf Hitler in 1938. Today it specializes in the mass segment. The most famous models: Golf, Passat, Polo, Tiguan.
Audi
Specializing in the premium segment. The brand was merged with Volkswagen in 1964. The most famous models: A4, A6, R8. In 1993 Management Company Audi AG acquired the Ducati and Lamborghini brands while remaining the property of Volkswagen.
Porsche
Specializes in premium and super premium segments. Although he was one of the founders of the first Volkswagen plant, the company he created joined the German giant only in 2007. Today the allies are each other's mutual shareholders. The most famous models: Cayenne, Panamera.
Bentley
In 1929, an English manufacturer premium cars was sold to Rolls-Royce. In 1997 after the financial crisis Rolls-Royce brand was sold to BMW, and the Bentley brand went to Volkswagen. The most famous models: Continental GT, Flying Spur.
Skoda
This stamp survived the German occupation, Soviet era and was merged with Volkswagen in 1991. Change of strategic partner allowed to increase production by 5 times. Today Skoda specializes in mass budget segment. The most famous models: Octavia, Fabia, Yeti.
SEAT
In 1986, due to financial difficulties, the Italian concern FIAT sold a 99.9% stake in the Spanish automaker to the Volkswagen group. Today the brand specializes in the mass segment. The most famous models: Ibiza, Leon.
Lamborghini
At the turn of the 60-70s. last century Italian manufacturer sports cars changed owners several times. In 1998, the brand was bought by Audi AG and ended up under the wing of Volkswagen. The most famous models: Aventador, Huracan.
Bugatti
In 1956 this legendary brand actually ceased to exist. In the late 80s, the Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli revived production and in 1998 sold the asset to the Volkswagen concern. Today the brand specializes in the super premium segment. The most famous model: Veyron.
What other companies belong to Volkswagen
- MAN- truck manufacturer truck tractors, dump trucks, buses, hybrid and diesel engines;
- Scania– manufacturer of trucks, truck tractors, dump trucks, buses and diesel engines;
- Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles- manufacturer commercial transport(buses, minibuses, tractors);
- Ducati Motor– motorcycle manufacturer;
- ItalDesign Giugiaro- car design studio
For some time there were rumors about Volkswagen's intention to buy the Italian-American alliance Fiat-Chrysler in order to become the world's largest automaker, but this deal did not take place.
In 1933, Adolf Hitler commissioned the famous designer Ferdinand Porsche and Jacob Werlin, one of the directors of the Daimler-Benz concern, to create a people's car that could satisfy all the needs of an ordinary buyer, while the cost of the model should not exceed one thousand Reichsmarks. Thus, the history of the Volkswagen concern began, which got its name from the German "Volks-Wagen", that is, the people's car. Jacob Werlin put forward a proposal that it was Dr. Porsche who would develop the model, and the Daimler-Benz company would be responsible for the technical side of the issue, providing its own production capacity. For the basis people's car the Porsche Typ 60 model lay down. So, the first prototype of the model saw the light in 1934, and mass production car started after 4 years.
In 1937, the company " Volkswagen", which was to become a symbol new Germany. In the shortest possible time, an ultra-modern plant was built in the city of Wolfsburg, which was laid down for the workers of the new enterprise. In 1938, army modifications of the car were presented, called Volkswagen Type 82 And 85. In general, the people's car formed the basis of a whole model range, taking a leading position in the automotive market in Germany, Austria and Holland, and the sale price of the basic version was 1550 Reichsmarks. In addition, during the years of the Second World War at the factories of the concern " Daimler"more than 30 thousand amphibians were produced based on the people's car, which were also developed Ferdinand Porsche.
However, in 1945, after the overthrow of Hitler and the end of the war, Ferdinand Porsche was imprisoned, and the city of Wolfsburg was in the British zone of occupation, which led to significant changes in the management of the concern " Volkswagen". However, before 1948, the British army managed to get about 20 thousand copies for their own needs. various modifications people's car. In 1949, full control over the concern " Volkswagen"passed over to the government of the Federal Republic of Germany, which was forced to start exporting brand cars to other countries. It was only in 1955 that the model received the name Volkswagen Beetle, and began to be produced in the original, civilian modification. In 1950, with the money of investors from Holland, German brand engineers began work on the creation of a full-size minibus, called Volkswagen Bulli. In the years 1953-1959 were opened Volkswagen assembly plants in Brazil, Australia, South Africa and Mexico.
By 1960, 9 new models of the brand " Volkswagen", which were based on the platform Volkswagen Beetle. Thanks to the use of a base that has been proven over the years, the new modifications were completely devoid of shortcomings, which significantly reduced the cost of producing new cars, which only needed to replace the body and power unit for certain needs of the target buyer.
The next important step in the history of the German car company, was 1965, when Volkswagen Group bought the Audi brand from Daimler-Benz, including it in its composition by combining the top management and design staffs. This is how the company was born Volkswagen-Audi", later renamed to " Volkswagen Group ».
In 1969, after becoming part of the concern " Volkswagen" entered a small firm for the construction of power units called " NSU", the company's management decided to move away from the classic layout beetle proposed Ferdinand Porsche. So a year later the first front wheel drive cars brand " Volkswagen", in which the power unit was located in front. In parallel with this, there were active work to create the first joint venture with the brand " Audi» car, which became in 1974 Volkswagen Golf compact hatchback, the progenitor of the class of cars of the same name. The model differed not only in its compact dimensions, but also a good combination of convenience, dynamism and lightness, which allowed her to become the new sales leader in the German automotive market.
In the same year, the last copies of the model rolled off the assembly line at the company's factories in Wolfsburg. Volkswagen Beetle, but their production was continued by the factories of the brand " Volkswagen in Brazil and Mexico. In Europe, it was replaced by two models at once - trade wind And Golf. In just 2.5 years of sales compact hatchback Golf, over one million vehicles sold, which made the German brand one of the leaders in the European automotive industry, and the resulting profit formed the basis for the creation of a new generation of production facilities " Volkswagen". In 1975, on the wave of success Golf, its simplified modification was also presented - Volkswagen Polo, under the hood of which there was a power unit with a capacity of 40 Horse power. In addition, in 1976, a sedan version of the Volkswagen Polo was developed on the basis of the Audi 50.
In 1983, the next update of the company's model range began. Volkswagen", so were presented second generation Golf and Jetta models, compact sedan, built on the basis of a small hatchback, with the same range of engines, but in a completely redesigned body design. It was also presented New Generation sports model Volkswagen Sirocco, under the hood of which are motors with a capacity of 120 to 200 horsepower.
In 1982, the leadership of the German concern signed an agreement on close cooperation with the Spanish automaker " SEAT", which experienced financial difficulties, but successfully kept afloat, due to the release cheap cars, popular among ordinary buyers. However, financial problems still broke the Spanish brand. This led in 1986 to the transfer of a controlling stake in 51% of the company's shares under the control of the brand " Volkswagen", which paid all the debts of the company" SEAT”, and also included it in its composition, using it as a production facility for the production of its models in the automotive market in Spain and Portugal. Also in 1982, the world's first five-cylinder engines installed on Volkswagen Passat second generation.
In 1988 it was introduced Volkswagen Corrado model, which took the place Sirocco models among actual cars companies, and Sirocco has been discontinued. Successful financial performance and consistently high sales of the Group's vehicles " Volkswagen» allowed management to rethink the acquisition of a new division that would help deutsche mark occupy new niches in the automotive market.
In 1990, Europe was hit hard by the economic crisis, but due to the right strategy and huge profits, concern "Volkswagen" remained one of the few industrial enterprises on the European continent that did not suffer a significant decline in demand for its products and sharp drop arrived. However, the Czech company " Skoda, specializing in the creation of low-cost cars for the market of Eastern Europe, lucky many times less, the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. Before the engineers of the German concern, the prospect of creating another model range of cars loomed, which led to the complete absorption of the Czech manufacturer " Skoda", and for the company" Volkswagen» access to the automotive market of Eastern Europe was opened.
At the same time, the Volkswagen Group also controls another eminent brand, Porsche, which is rapidly suffering economic collapse due to spending on modernization and expansion of production that exceeds income. As a result, for the next 16 years, the brand " Porsche"was completely under control" Volkswagen", another brainchild Ferdinand Porsche. However, in 2007, after the correct distribution of excess profits, the management company " Porsche", which completely redeemed the concern" Volkswagen, ceding to him full control over the activities of the company for the production sports cars Porsche AG.
It is noteworthy that it was in the 90s that the designers of the company " Volkswagen"begin to conduct their experiments to create a universal platform for the construction of various cars of the same class, and the first experiments were carried out on models Golf, Bora, Audi 50 And SEAT Albea. Thanks to the application single platform, the concern was no longer required to conduct lengthy field tests of each of the models, and the cost of one car became 22% lower.
The next turning point in the history of the German concern " Volkswagen» began in 1998, when one of the major automakers of the world, three brands of premium cars were transferred at once - “ Bentley », « Lamborghini" And " Bugatti". A year later, under control Audi", which became an independent division of the brand" Volkswagen", the brand was transferred" Lamborghini", which received a serious technical base for the production of new sports cars. Marche " Bentley» in the new hierarchy of the German group, the share of one of the largest players in the market luxury cars, due to the fact that in addition to all the property of the English brand, under the control of " Volkswagen"also hit the production facilities of the company" Rolls-Royce". The production of a number of cars began, which, without too much modesty, began to be called cars for millionaires.
At the same time, the most difficult task was assigned to the French brand " Bugatti”, whose engineers were instructed in 2000 to create the most powerful and fast car in history, using all the most latest developments firms " Audi". After 5 years, a chapter called the Bugatti Veyron was inscribed in the history of the German concern, and a car with a power unit with a capacity of one thousand horsepower became the first hypercar in history by installing whole line speed records.
The 2000s were also marked by the massive participation of the concern " Volkswagen» in motorsport competitions. Between 2000 and 2013, factory teams " Audi" And " Bentley won 11 victories in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans marathon, setting many records, as well as providing the concern with the most advanced developments in the field of kinetic energy recovery, aerodynamics and selective dual clutch transmissions.
Also, in 2002, the first off-road vehicles of the Volkswagen brand were presented, for the promotion of which it was decided to start participating in the legendary Paris-Dakar rally, where in the middle of the 20th century the company " Porsche". Racing prototype models Volkswagen Touareg won first places in the Paris-Dakar 2009-2011 races, displacing more experienced competitors from the leading positions. In addition, these developments allowed the company " Volkswagen» start serial production of all-wheel drive chassis for light hatchbacks and sedans. And since 2011, it was decided to start performing with the factory team " Skoda» in the World Rally Championship, where in 2013 Volkswagen prototype under the control of a French rider Sebastian Ogier won in the individual competition, breaking the dominance of the brand " Citroen', which lasted almost 10 years.
By 2012, all cars of the concern " Volkswagen» were modernized, and the total number of sales markets reached 150. In addition, the company is actively investing in the development of its business in China, the third largest automotive market peace.
Released in 2013 Volkswagen e-Golf is an electric version of the "C" class hatchback. This is the most environmentally friendly version in the history of the Golf model. The car is equipped with climate control with the possibility of heating and cooling in the parking lot, a multimedia system with navigation, heated windshield and LED headlights. Volkswagen Golf GTE - front-wheel drive hatchback class "C" with a hybrid power plant. world premiere model was held at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014. In motion Volkswagen The Golf GTE is powered by a 150-horsepower turbocharged gasoline engine a working volume of 1.4 liters and an electric motor with a capacity of 102 liters. With. Released in 2015 restyled version models Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. This is a class "C" sedan with a hybrid power plant. The hybrid component left a certain imprint on the performance and design of the Jett. The electric motor and batteries completely increased the mass of the car, so optimizing the aerodynamics of the sedan was extremely important.
The Volkswagen concern is known all over the world. This is really the most large group car manufacturing companies. The parent company (or, as they say, the parent company) is located in Wolfsburg and is called, as everyone knows, Volkswagen AG. Well, this concern has a very rich and long history and mass interesting facts. So it is worth talking about it in more detail.
Porsche and Volkswagen
So, the headquarters of this concern is located in Germany, in Wolfsburg. The company was named "Volkswagen", which means "people's car" in German. To date, about half of the shares are owned by such a holding as Porsche SE. Nevertheless, the Volkswagen concern owns all one hundred percent of the ordinary shares of the intermediate holding, which is called Porsche Zwischenholding GmbH. In general, in fact, "Porsche" is the car that produces "Volkswagen". To date, management companies are negotiating to connect firms in single structure, which could be called VW-Porsche. It is also interesting that Martin Winterkorn (a fairly well-known personality automotive world) until September 2015 served as chairman of the board of both Volkswagen and Porsche.
But that is not all. Today, the Volkswagen Group consists of 342 companies that produce cars and provide services related to this area. This is the most major manufacturer machines all over the world. And of course, the undisputed leader of the European car market. 25% of the cars that drive on the roads of the continent are produced by Volkswagen.
About history
The Volkswagen concern begins its history in 1937. The founder of the company is Ferinand Porsche. It was he who created the so-called Society for the preparation of Volkswagen mbH. And in 1938, they began to build the first Volkswagen plant. Of course, it was in Wolfsburg. In addition to the automotive industry, the plant was engaged in another type of activity. The Volkswagen AG concern then provided logistics and financial services. And besides that, he had a small food business.
In the 1990s, the company began to experience major difficulties. There were some serious financial problems. But thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of Ferdinand Piech, everything worked out. In fact, this man saved Volkswagen. The concern switched to a 4-day working week, began to follow an offensive policy and began to develop at an even faster pace. In the end, the company managed to acquire just a huge number of popular brands.
Rolls Royce and Suzuki
From 1998 to 2002 automobile concern Volkswagen was involved in the production of cars such as Rolls-Royce. About these luxury models everyone knows, even those who are not familiar with the auto world. This topic is quite interesting. A division of the Volkswagen Bentley group was engaged in the production of these cars under an agreement with another company - BMW. Why? But because the Munich company bought from such a concern as Vickers, the rights to this brand. And since 2003, only BMW has the right to manufacture and produce cars with the eminent Rolls-Royce emblem.
In 2009, the Volkswagen Group stepped even further - it entered into an alliance with a company such as Suzuki. The firms exchanged blocks of shares (German manufacturers got 20% of Suzuki's shares) and announced the joint development of so-called ecological machines. But in 2011, the alliance broke up, which was announced to the world.
2015 scandal
In September of the current year, 2015, a worldwide scandal broke out around Volkswagen. The concern was accused of the fact that the program that the developers used in on-board computers, which they release, determined one important moment. Namely, in what mode the machine works - in normal or in test mode. This program was started in cars with diesel power units. Including VW Jetta, Audi A3, Golf, Passat, Beetle. When testing began, the car automatically switched to an environmentally friendly mode of operation. A very smart and thoughtful system, I must say. However, this turned out to be a huge disaster for the concern and financial costs.
The Environmental Protection Agency said that for absolutely every car that does not meet US standards, the company will have to pay a fine of 37.5 thousand dollars. It turns out a fabulous amount. After all, since 2008 the concern has sold 482,000 cars. And the total amount of fines can reach 18 billion! To date, half a million of its vehicles have been recalled from the United States. This is also a loss. The chairman of the company, Martin Winterkorn, apologized publicly after the incident and said that he would definitely support the investigation. By the way, the ministry is engaged in it. After that, Martin retired after more than a dozen years working at Volkswagen.
Acquired companies before 2000
So, it is worth talking in more detail about what is included in the Volkswagen concern. Naturally, its main part is the Volkswagen company, which produces cars. The company is not formalized as a “daughter” of the parent concern, but is a division directly reporting to the management of VW AG.
In 1964, the company "Audi" was attached to this structure. It was purchased from Daimler-Benz. Next after Audi was a company such as NSU Motorenwerke. She was bought in 1969. This brand not used as an independent for a long time - since 1977. And before that, the company produced motorcycles and cars.
They took over the Spanish brand Seat, which has existed since 1950. Volkswagen owns 99.99% of the company's shares. Most interesting models began to appear after Seat joined the German structure. For example, SEAT Bocanegra with a 180-horsepower engine, which was designed by Lamborghini specialists.
In 1991, the company acquired the Czech Škoda, and then returned to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. This company was once part of VW AG, but in 1995 it became an independent brand. Or rather, a division. Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini - these brands are known all over the world today. And these are concerns owned by Volkswagen since 1998. That year was a shock year for the company. After all, these cars are considered one of the most popular, well-known and actively bought by people.
Acquired firms after 2000
The Volkswagen Group continued to acquire shares further. In 2009, he bought almost 71% of Scania AB. This production is engaged in the development and production of dump trucks, buses, trucks, truck tractors and diesel engines. Another company, MAN AG, bought in 2011, produces all of the above, as well as hybrid power units in addition. VW AG owns 55.9% of the company's shares.
Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A and ItalDesign Giugiaro are two other manufacturers bought by Volkswagen. The first of these companies is one of the leading manufacturers of premium motorcycles. And the second is a studio engaged in the design of cars. Interestingly, 90% of the shares of this company in 2010 were bought by the Lamborghini holding. So Volkswagen was already the owner of the studio, but after the paperwork was completed, it also became the official owner.
And one more interesting information. VW AG acquired the Russian Aleko in 2013 (it was under this TM that the well-known cheap Moskviches were sold for some time). The right to use this brand and any emblems belongs to the German concern until 2021.
Financial questions
In 1991, in March, in order to optimize the organizational structure, German concern decided to form an internal division that would deal with financial matters. It was named Volkswagen Finanz. In 1994 it became closed joint stock company. This banking and financial structure gets full access to international financial markets, as well as the ability to finance at a very favorable conditions. This division deals with important issues. For example, financing the development, production and purchase of machines for corporate and individual customers. It also provides banking, leasing and insurance services to these individuals. In general, useful activity and, most importantly for the company, profitable.
About profit
And a couple of interesting facts in the end. In 2010, VW AG made a huge amount of money, amounting to 57.243 billion euros! But out of all this, the net profit turned out to be only 1.55 billion. It seems small compared to the revenue. However, this is actually a lot of money. After all, all expenses that go to almost 350 companies are taken into account. Because the profit is really solid. Therefore, it is not surprising that Volkswagen is by far the largest, richest and most famous company.
The Volkswagen Group, headquartered in Wolfsburg (Germany), is one of the world's leading and largest European automakers. In 2018, 10,834,000 vehicles were handed over to customers worldwide (2017: 10,741,500 vehicles; 2016: 10,297,000 vehicles; 2015: 9,930,600 vehicles; in 2013 - 9,731,000 vehicles).
The group includes twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen - passenger cars, Audi, Seat, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial vehicles, Scania and MAN.
The lineup concern covers a wide range Vehicle from motorcycles and economical small cars to luxury cars. In the commercial vehicle segment, various options from pickups to buses and heavy trucks.
The Volkswagen Group is actively involved in other business areas, such as large diameter diesel engines for marine and stationary applications (turnkey power plants), turbochargers, gas and steam turbines, compressors and chemical reactors. The concern also manufactures automotive transmissions, special gearboxes for wind turbines, plain and clutch bearings.
In addition, the Volkswagen Group offers a wide range of financial services, including dealer and customer finance, leasing, banking, insurance and fleet management.
The Volkswagen Group has 123 plants in 20 European countries and 11 countries in North and South America, Asia and Africa. Every weekday, the group's 642,292 employees around the world produce about 44,170 vehicles and work in other business areas. The Volkswagen Group sells its vehicles in 153 countries around the world.
The Group's mission is to produce attractive and safe cars, competitive on modern market and setting world standards for their class.
Strategy TOGETHER 2025
"Strategy TOGETHER 2025" is a program of the Volkswagen Group, which is the beginning of the largest restructuring in the history of the company. Changes to one of the best automakers aimed at achieving a leading position as a provider of sustainable mobility. To do this, the Volkswagen Group is transforming automotive production and plans to launch more than 30 next-generation all-electric vehicles by 2025, focusing on Special attention technology to charge such vehicles and autonomous driving. The development of cross-branding and intelligent mobility solutions will also become one of the company's key activities. Strategic partnership with Gett, installed in 2016, was the first step in this direction; in the coming years, services such as robotic taxis and car sharing will merge. Successful transformation of the company also implies the development of innovation. The Volkswagen Group is driving digital excellence across all brands and across all industries. At the same time, the Volkswagen Group continues to develop partnerships and strategic investments, increasing the efficiency of its activities.
History of the Volkswagen brand
In 1934, Ferdinand Porsche (Ferdinand Porsche), a famous German designer (founder of the world famous German automobile company Porsche AG), received an order from the National Socialist government of Germany to develop a modern passenger car.
And already in 1935, such a car was developed. He received Volkswagen name("Volkswagen"), which literally means "people's car" in German. After two years of testing in 1937, the VW30 series was launched, and by 1938 the car had acquired a look familiar to many generations.
Because of the resemblance to a beetle, journalists gave Volkswagen VW30 nickname Beetle. Later it became the name of the car.
Volkswagen was immediately appreciated by designers, engineers and drivers. They started talking about it, numerous publications appeared, in 1938, in a New York Times article, Volkswagen was dubbed the “beetle” for its external resemblance. This nickname has taken root so much that it has become the hallmark of the car.
For the production of the "people's car" on May 26, 1938, the construction of the largest European Volkswagen car factory began in the city of Wolfsburg. But the impending war prevented the production of this car. Only a dozen were produced. The car really liked the fascist bosses. Hitler himself rode it with pleasure.
During the war Volkswagen factory refocused on production military equipment. Such as the passenger all-terrain vehicle Kubelwagen (type 82).
During the Second World War, work on the construction of Volkswagen was suspended, and the unfinished plant was converted to the production of military products.
After the end of the war, the enterprise fell under the control of the British, in whose zone of occupation Wolfsburg was located. In the autumn of 1945, the British authorities gave the plant an order for 20,000 vehicles. But only almost ten years later, mass production of the car in its original modification began.
In 1947, Volkswagen was exhibited at the export fair in Hannover and attracted a lot of attention. The plant received the first foreign order from Holland for a thousand cars, and in 1948 orders began to arrive from Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden and other countries.
Volkswagen Beetle was made in many different modifications - among them was even a pickup truck.
In January 1948, it changed Volkswagen guide, his CEO became Heinrich Nordhoff, the representative of a new generation of German technocrats. The updated leadership consisted of graduate engineers who had international experience in car factories and were able to think outside the box.
With their arrival, the car was improved and modernized. In 1949, models with new body types began to be produced - a convertible and a limousine. IN serial production interior equipment became more comfortable, a partially synchronized engine was installed.
A car service network was established and technical stations car maintenance. Constant work was carried out with Western clients. Volkswagen has built a strong car distribution network.
Volkswagen Type 87 Kommandeurswagen.
By the end of 1948, the export of the car, which gained worldwide fame, amounted to about 50 thousand cars, about 15 thousand were sold on the domestic market.
By this time, the plant was freed from British allied control, and on September 6, 1949 volkswagen was completely transferred to the Federal Republic of Germany.
Has begun new stage development of the plant, which, first of all, was marked by an intensive increase in production and an increase in sales.
By 1950, 100 thousand cars were produced, by 1951 - 500 thousand cars, and on August 5, 1955, a solemn ceremony was held to mark the release of the millionth Volkswagen. The motto of this time in the life of the Germans becomes a popular phrase associated with Volkswagen - "He is a member of my family."
