Concern "Volkswagen Group", aka Volkswagen Konzern, Volkswagen Group or VW Group is a group automobile enterprises, among which Volkswagen AG is considered the parent company. The headquarters of the Volkswagen Group is located in Wolfsburg. With the owners of the VW Group, not everything was unequivocally clear until 2012. Until then, Porsche SE had owned 50.73% of the shares of Volkswagen AG, although the latter owned 100% of the shares of Porsche GmbH. Porsche is now wholly owned by the VW Group.
Martin Winterkorn is the head of Volkswgaen AG and also the Chairman of the Management Board of Porsche SE.
The Volkswagen Group includes 342 companies, but not all of them are engaged in auto production: many of them simply provide services related to the production of cars. VW Group has repeatedly become largest automaker world where he traditionally fights General Motors, Toyota and Renault-Nissan.
In 1998 - 2002, being the owner of Bentley, Volkswagen concern group concurrently produced prestigious cars Rolls-Royce, although for this the company had to enter into an agreement with BMW. However, since 2003, when BMW bought the rights to Rolls-Royce from Vickers, car production Rolls-Royce brands remained the privilege of the Bavarian brand BMW.
In December 2009, the Volkswagen Group entered into an agreement to develop green cars With Japanese company Suzuki. At the same time, the German concern got a 20% stake in Suzuki. The alliance did not last long: in the fall of 2011, it broke up.
VW Group corporate structure
It specializes in the production of passenger cars and is directly subordinate to the management of Volkswagen AG.
The last of the former members of the Auto Union group, bought out from concern Daimler in 1964.
NSU Motorenwerke. Belongs to the VW Group since 1969 and is listed as part of the Audi Division. How independent brand not used since 1977.
Since 1986, the German concern has owned 53% of the shares (controlling stake). This year, VW Group signed a contract to buy SEAT from the state. In 1990, the VW Group became virtually the sole owner of SEAT: it owns 99.99% of the shares of the Spanish automaker.
VW Group has had exclusive rights to this Czech automaker since 1991.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. It produces commercial vehicles: minibuses, buses and tractors. Until 1995, this unit was located in part of Volkswagen AG, but thanks to Bernd Weideman it became an independent division within the VW Group.
The company became the property of the VW Group in 1998, when it was sold by the British concern Vichers. The German concern also received Rolls-Royce as a "load", but without the right to sole production of cars under this brand, since the British sold the brand itself to another German automaker - BMW.
Crashed after a failed supercar EB110 French stamp barely kept afloat until it was bought by the VW Group in 1998.
The deal to buy this Italian brand was signed with Audi in 1998.
The German concern bought a 70.94% stake in the Swedish truck manufacturer in 2009. With a majority stake in Scania, VW Group has full control over the production of truck tractors, trucks and dump trucks, buses and diesel engines under this brand.
The deal to purchase a controlling stake in MAN took place in 2011 (VW Group owns 55.9% of MAN shares). Under this brand, truck tractors, trucks and dump trucks, buses, diesel and hybrid engines are produced.
Porsche AG has been owned by the VW Group since 2009 with a 49.9% stake. In 2011, the merger between Porsche and Volkswagen failed, but in 2012 volkswagen still bought Porsche, which made it the 12th brand in this group of companies. Since then, the VW Group has owned a 50.1% stake in Porsche, for which the company laid out 4.49 billion euros.
The Italian superbike manufacturer has been owned by Audi AG since spring 2012. The deal to buy Ducati from Investindustrial SpA cost the German VW Group $1.1 billion.
Since 2009 VW Group has been one of the largest shareholders at Suzuki Motor Corporation.
As of 2013, the VW Group owns the Russian trademark Moskvich. The right to use this brand and all its emblems belongs to Volkswagen until 2021.
VW Group owns 48 automobile manufacturing enterprises: there are VW Group plants in 15 European countries ah, in six American, Asian and African countries. The enterprises of the group employ more than 370,000 people. The daily production volume exceeds 26,600 vehicles. Authorized sales and service points for VW Group vehicles are located in more than 150 countries around the world.
Volkswagen AG (Volkswagen AG), German automobile concern. Produces cars, trucks, minibuses. The headquarters is in Wolfsburg.
In 1934 Ferdinand Porsche (Ferdinand Porsche), a famous German designer (founder of the world famous German car 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 mounted. It was called "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 become familiar to many generations. appearance. 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 production " people's car» May 26, 1938 in the city of Wolfsburg began construction of the largest European car Volkswagen factory. 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 World War II, 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 fall 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 great 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.
In January 1948 it changed Volkswagen guide, his CEO became Heinrich Nordhoff, the representative of a new generation of German technocrats. The revamped leadership consisted of graduate engineers with international experience in car factories and the ability to think outside the box. With their arrival, the car was improved and modernized. In 1949, models with a new body type 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.
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 was primarily 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 2. The motto of this time in the life of the Germans is becoming a popular phrase associated with Volkswagen - "He is a member of my family" .
Years of proven reliability and affordable price machines have strengthened the export capabilities of the car. Volkswagen is already sold in 150 countries around the world. Subsidiaries appear abroad - in 1953 in Brazil, in 1956 in South Africa, in 1957 in Australia, in 1964 in Mexico (since 1998, the “beetle” has been produced here, which has become a real hit of the season with Hollywood stars) and other countries.
The first modification of the standard Volkswagen-1200 in 1955 was sports coupe Karmann-Ghia, whose brand was made up of the names of the companies that created it: the body was designed by the Italian company "Ghia", and it was assembled at the German bodywork company "Karmann" in Osnabrück. In 1961, the program was replenished with a new Volkswagen-1500 with a sedan body and an increased displacement engine, on the basis of which the next versions of the Karmann-Ghia coupe and convertible were produced.
In 1965, Volkswagen bought Audi from Daimler-Benz, creating the Volkswagen-Audi concern, known by the acronym VAG. Later, it included the Spanish company SEAT (SEAT) and the Czech plant "Skoda" (Skoda). At present, Audi AG - subsidiary concern "Volkswagen", which is given full independence.
The first result of the merger in 1968 was the VW-411 with the engine air cooling working volume of 1679 cc. The model was very reservedly accepted by buyers. In 1969, after joining the NSU company, the first Volkswagen with front-wheel drive appeared, which received the K-70 index. It could be purchased with either 1594 or 1795 cc engines. In 1969-1975, in collaboration with Porsche, they produced sports cars Volkswagen-Porsche-914 "with 4- and 6-cylinder engines in 1679 and 1991 cc. In 1970, the VW-181 appeared with a utility open body, resembling army vehicles wartime. Its development in 1979 was a light all-wheel drive army car lltis.
The ancestor of the new generation of Volkswagen is the front-wheel drive Passat, released in 1973. It was offered in numerous variants with engines ranging in displacement from 1297 to 1588 cc. The following year, a sporty Scirocco appeared with a 3-door coupe body and engines from 1093 to 1588 cc, as well as a compact 3- and 5-door Golf hatchback. In the first 30 months of production, 1 million Golf cars rolled off the assembly line, turning Volkswagen into one of the largest car manufacturers in Europe. In 1979, the Golf cabriolet appeared and was always in high demand.
The Golf I, which appeared in 1974, turned out to be the most successful: modern, economical, reliable, it was this model that could stir up international market. Golf marked a new stage of competition in the production of a class of compact cars, which became almost officially called the "golf class". If during the development of new models in 1973-1974 the concern's losses exceeded 800 million DM, then already in 1975 due to great demand they managed to cover all the costs. Just 3 years after the launch of Golf I, the millionth car of this brand was produced. In 1983 he saw the release of Golf II, and eight years later, in 1991, debuted Golf III, which, like previous models, maintained the high reputation of Golf . In the twenty-three years since the start of production, 17 million Golfs of three generations have been produced. In 1995-1996 Golf III was the leader in the number of sales in Europe. Debuted in 1997 new Golf IV, only in the first days after which more than 60 thousand orders were accepted.
At the beginning of 1975 they presented " younger brother The Golf is a three-door, front-wheel drive Polo, similar in design to the Audi-50 and offered with engines of 895-1272 cc. Derby.
Since 1980, based on the Golf, the Jetta model has been produced with a 4-door sedan body. In 1992, she was replaced similar machine(already on the third generation Golf chassis), called Vento.
In 1981 Passat and Scirocco were modernized, and a year later, the Santana sedan appeared on the basis of the Passat, which for the first time included a 5-cylinder petrol S engine with a displacement of 1994 cc.
In the period 1988-1995, the only 3-door coupe Corrado in the program, the successor to the Scirocco, was assembled.
Station wagon and convertible Variant models on third-generation chassis have continued to be produced since 1993. Two Variant Syncro models with 2.0- and 2.9-liter engines have an all-wheel drive chassis.
The compact third-generation Polo has been in production since 1994. Bodies 3- and 5-door hatchback, Polo sedan Classic and 5-door station wagon Variant. 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with a displacement of 1.0-1.9 liters and a power of 50-101 hp.
The comfortable Vento family of the first generation is equipped with 4- and 6-cylinder engines of 1.6-2.8 liters with a capacity of 75-174 hp.
station wagon increased capacity Sharan has been produced since 1995 in 5-7-seater versions, on front- and all-wheel drive chassis. The power of gasoline and diesel engines with a working volume of 1.9-2.8 liters is within 90-174 hp.
The fifth generation Passat model family was shown in 1996. Unlike previous machines produced since 1988, they are again unified with the same type Audi models"A4" and "A6". This made it possible to use more powerful and modern power Audi units longitudinal arrangement. Passat models are produced only in sedan and 5-door estate Variant body styles and are equipped with 4-, 5- and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines in 1.6-2.8 liters with a capacity of 90-193 hp Several Variant models in Syncro trim have all-wheel drive chassis.
In 1999, the BORA model of a comfortable sedan was released.
Several Volkswagen sites in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and China produce a number of models that differ significantly from European products. Among them are the Gol, Parati and Santana models, created on the chassis of the Golf and Passat models of previous generations.
The Mexican branch continues production of the "1.6i" model of the "Beetle" type with a 1.6-liter engine of 44 hp, and since the beginning of 1998, the production of a fundamentally new front wheel drive car"Beetle" (Beetle) on the chassis of the Golf models, outwardly similar to the famous "Beetle".
At present, the Volkswagen concern is one of the largest in terms of sales in the world, has its own factories in 15 countries, manufactures products under five trademarks Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT. Since 1998, the concern has owned the Rolls-Royce brand. In addition to passenger cars, the plant also produces trucks and minibuses. The Volkswagen Group includes: Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, SEAT S.A., Skoda Automobilova, Volkswagen-Saxony GmbH.
Website: www.vw.com
Representation in Russia:
Volkswagen AG(Volkswagen AG), a German automobile concern. Produces cars, trucks, minibuses. The headquarters is in Wolfsburg.
In 1934 Ferdinand Porsche (Ferdinand Porsche), a famous German designer (founder of the world-famous German automobile 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 mounted. It was called "Volkswagen", which literally means "people's car" in German. After two years of testing, the VW30 series was launched in 1937, and by 1938 the car had acquired a look familiar to many generations. 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" May 26, 1938 in the city of Wolfsburg began construction of the largest European car factory Volkswagen. 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 World War II, 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 fall 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, the Volkswagen was exhibited at the Hannover export fair 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.
In January 1948, the management of Volkswagen changed, Heinrich Nordhoff, a representative of a new generation of German technocrats, became its general director. The revamped leadership consisted of graduate engineers with international experience in car factories and the ability to think outside the box. With their arrival, the car was improved and modernized. In 1949, models with a new body type began to be produced - a convertible and a limousine. In serial production, the interior equipment became more comfortable, a partially synchronized engine was installed.
A network of car service and technical stations for car maintenance was established. Constant work was carried out with Western clients. Volkswagen has built a strong car distribution network.
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.
A new stage in the development of the plant began, which was primarily 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 2. The motto of this time in the life of the Germans is becoming a popular phrase associated with Volkswagen - "He is a member of my family" .
The reliability and affordable price of the car, proven over the years, have strengthened the export capabilities of the car. Volkswagen is already sold in 150 countries around the world. Subsidiaries appear abroad - in 1953 in Brazil, in 1956 in South Africa, in 1957 in Australia, in 1964 in Mexico (beetle has been produced here since 1998, which has become a real hit of the season with Hollywood stars) and other countries.
The first modification of the standard Volkswagen-1200 in 1955 was the Karmann-Ghia sports coupe, the brand of which was made up of the names of the companies that created it: the body was designed by the Italian company Ghia, and it was assembled at the German bodywork company Karmann in Osnabrück. In 1961, the program was replenished with a new Volkswagen-1500 with a sedan body and an increased displacement engine, on the basis of which the next versions of the Karmann-Ghia coupe and convertible were produced.
In 1965, Volkswagen bought Audi from Daimler-Benz, creating the Volkswagen-Audi concern, known by the acronym VAG. Later, it included the Spanish company SEAT (SEAT) and the Czech plant "Skoda" (Skoda). Currently, Audi AG is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen concern, which has been granted full independence.
The first result of the merger in 1968 was the VW-411 with an air-cooled engine with a working volume of 1679 cc. The model was very reservedly accepted by buyers. In 1969, after joining the NSU company, the first Volkswagen with front-wheel drive appeared, which received the K-70 index. It could be purchased with either 1594 or 1795 cc engines. In 1969-1975, in collaboration with Porsche, sports cars Volkswagen-Porsche-914 "with 4- and 6-cylinder engines in 1679 and 1991 cc were produced. In 1970, the VW-181 appeared with a utilitarian open body, reminiscent of army vehicles its development in 1979 was the light all-wheel drive army vehicle lltis.
The ancestor of the new generation of Volkswagen is the front-wheel drive Passat, released in 1973. It was offered in numerous variants with engines ranging in displacement from 1297 to 1588 cc. The following year, a sporty Scirocco appeared with a 3-door coupe body and engines from 1093 to 1588 cc, as well as a compact 3- and 5-door Golf hatchback. In the first 30 months of production, 1 million Golf cars rolled off the assembly line, turning Volkswagen into one of the largest car manufacturers in Europe. In 1979, the Golf cabriolet appeared and was always in high demand.
MModel Golf I, which appeared in 1974, proved to be the most successful: modern, economical, reliable, it was such a model that could stir up the international market. Golf marked a new stage of competition in the production of a class of compact cars, which became almost officially called the "golf class". If during the development of new models in 1973-1974 the concern's losses exceeded 800 million German marks, then already in 1975, due to the large demand for them, it was possible to cover all costs. Just 3 years after the launch of Golf I, the millionth car of this brand was produced. In 1983, the Golf II saw the light of day, and eight years later, in 1991, the Golf III debuted, which, like previous models, maintained the Golf's high reputation. In the twenty-three years since the start of production, 17 million Golfs of three generations have been produced. In 1995-1996 Golf III was the leader in the number of sales in Europe. In 1997, the debut of the new Golf IV took place, only in the first days after which more than 60 thousand orders were accepted.
At the beginning of 1975, the "little brother" Golf was introduced - a three-door front-wheel drive Polo, similar in design to the Audi-50 and offered with engines with a displacement of 895-1272 cc. The inexpensive and practical Polo also became very popular and strengthened Volkswagen's financial position. Based on the Polo, a three-volume Derby sedan version was offered.
Since 1980, based on the Golf, the Jetta model has been produced with a 4-door sedan body. In 1992, it was replaced by a similar car (already on the third generation Golf chassis), called the Vento.
In 1981, the Passat and Scirocco were upgraded, and a year later, the Santana sedan appeared on the basis of the Passat, which for the first time included a 5-cylinder petrol S engine with a displacement of 1994 cc.
In the period 1988-1995, the only 3-door coupe Corrado in the program, the successor to the Scirocco, was assembled.
Station wagon and convertible Variant models on third-generation chassis have continued to be produced since 1993. Two Variant Syncro models with 2.0- and 2.9-liter engines have an all-wheel drive chassis.
The compact third-generation Polo has been in production since 1994. Bodies 3- and 5-door hatchback, Polo Classic sedan and 5-door Variant station wagon. 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with a displacement of 1.0-1.9 liters and a power of 50-101 hp.
The comfortable Vento family of the first generation is equipped with 4- and 6-cylinder engines of 1.6-2.8 liters with a capacity of 75-174 hp.
The high-capacity station wagon Sharan has been produced since 1995 in 5-7-seater versions, on front- and all-wheel drive chassis. The power of gasoline and diesel engines with a working volume of 1.9-2.8 liters is within 90-174 hp.
The fifth generation Passat model family was shown in 1996. Unlike previous cars produced since 1988, they are again unified with the same type of Audi models "A4" and "A6". This allowed the use of more powerful and modern power units Audi longitudinal arrangement. Passat models are produced only with sedan and 5-door station wagon Variant bodies and are equipped with 4-, 5- and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines of 1.6-2.8 liters with a capacity of 90-193 hp. Several Variant models in Syncro trim have all-wheel drive chassis.
In 1999, the BORA model of a comfortable sedan was released.
Several Volkswagen sites in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and China produce a number of models that differ significantly from European products. Among them are the Gol, Parati and Santana models, created on the chassis of the Golf and Passat models of previous generations.
The Mexican branch continues production of the "1.6i" model of the "Beetle" type with a 1.6-liter engine of 44 hp, and since the beginning of 1998, the production of a fundamentally new front-wheel drive car "Beetle" (Beetle) on the chassis of the Golf models has been mastered, outwardly similar to the famous "Beetle".
Currently, the Volkswagen concern is one of the largest in terms of sales in the world, has its own factories in 15 countries, manufactures products under five trade names. Volkswagen brands, Audi, Skoda, SEAT. Since 1998, the concern has owned the Rolls-Royce brand. In addition to passenger cars, the plant also produces trucks and minibuses. The Volkswagen Group includes: Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, SEAT S.A., Skoda Automobilova, Volkswagen-Saxony GmbH.
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 release more than 30 complete electric cars new generation 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.
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 found themselves in a difficult financial situation. 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 Brand Bentley got 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 Italian concern FIAT sold 99.9% of the shares of 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– manufacturer of trucks, 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 of commercial vehicles (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.
