The automotive industry has always suffered from the fact that the relationship between manufacturers was very difficult to understand. After the global financial crisis thoroughly crippled it in almost all countries, European and American auto giants began to frantically resell their brands. In this confusion, it became unclear who is now responsible for famous brands. Online812 traced complex history relationships between major automotive brands.Maintain your independence competitive market few succeed. Basically, these are the largest brands that are still in the hands of the families of their founders. For example, the Peugeot Citroen automaker is still 30.3% (45.1% of voting shares) owned by the Peugeot family. The shares are also owned by employees of the concern (2.76%), there are also treasury shares (3.07%). The remaining shares are in free float.
By the way, Peugeot SA acquired a 38.2% stake in Citroën back in 1974, and two years later brought this share to 89.95%. So today, Peugeot almost completely controls the formerly independent Citroen.
Bavarian concern BMW, which Herbert Quandt actually single-handedly saved from the sale in 1959, still depends on his family. At the end of the 1950s, the rival company Daimler-Benz became interested in the unprofitable German brand, but Quandt did not sell it, and invested himself. Today, his widow Joanna Quandt and children Stefan and Susanna control 46.6% of BMW shares and live quite well. Stefan Quandt even served as vice chairman of the company's board for some time. Despite the fact that in different Ford time, General Motors, Volkswagen, Honda and Fiat offered very lucrative deals, Quandt's heirs refuse to sell, as they consider keeping the brand a matter of honor for the family.
Ford motor driven by William Ford Jr., great-grandson the famous Henry Ford. Henry Ford himself always dreamed of being the sole owner of the company. In 1919, Henry and his son Edsel bought out the company's shares from other shareholders and became the sole owners of their offspring. There is no doubt that the shares were sold to them without any problems, because the first shareholders were: a coal merchant, his accountant, a banker who trusted the coal merchant, two brothers who had an engine workshop, a carpenter, two lawyers, one clerk , owner of a haberdashery and a man who produced wind turbines and air rifles.
Later, the business was always inherited. So the father of the current director, leaving the board of directors, handed over the reins of government to his son, while remaining the largest shareholder. In January 1956, the Ford Motor Company again became a public company. In the 21st century, the company has about 700,000 shareholders. At the same time, the Ford family owns 40% of the voting shares, which determines the main policy of the company, and the remaining shares are in free float.
A little earlier than others, in 2007, Ford experienced a serious crisis. He lost $12.7 billion in a year. The Ford family tried to overcome the situation, and was even forced to sell the family estate and move to a smaller estate. Nevertheless, in order to somehow get out of the debt hole, the concern had to sell Aston Martin (which was 100% owned by Ford) to a consortium of investors for $ 925 million. Until 2008, under pressure Japanese competitors the situation only worsened. Shareholders began to get rid of Ford shares. So did one of the largest investors, billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, who reduced his stake in the company to 4.89% (107 million shares).
Until recently, Ford boasted two more British brands - Jaguar (Ford bought Jaguar for $2.5 billion in 1989) and Land Rover (in 2000 it was bought by Ford for $2.75 billion). dollars from BMW). In 2008, both brands were put up for sale due to huge debts. In June 2008 they were bought by the Indian Tata Motors.
In March 2010, the Swedish auto giant Volvo reached an agreement with the Chinese company Zhejiang Geely on sale of Volvo Cars for $1.8 billion. In August this year Ford like a former Volvo owner received $1.3 billion in cash and $200 million in credit notes from Geely. By the end of the year, the Chinese will also transfer to accounts Ford still 300 million dollars.
Today, in addition to cars with its own name, Ford Motor owns the Lincoln and Mercury brands. Ford also owns a 33.4% stake in Mazda and a 9.4% stake in Kia Motors Corporation.
German Porsche is owned by the Porsche and Piech families, the heirs of company founder Ferdinand Porsche and his sister Louise Piech. The family clan owns shares of the company, giving the right to accept key decisions, and a small portion of preferred shares listed on the German stock exchanges. By the way, the cunning family has a very significant impact on the German car market. So, for example, Ferdinand Piech (grandson of Ferdinand Porsche), from 1993 to 2002 headed Volkswagen.
In 2009, the family concern acquired its first major foreign shareholder. It was the Qatari emirate, which bought out 10% of the holding's shares.
By the way, Volkswagen itself is actually owned by Porsche, and vice versa - since 2009, Volkswagen has owned 49.9% of the shares. Porsche AG.
Initially, Volkswagen was a state-owned automaker. IN Joint-Stock Company it was reorganized only in 1960, and the federal government of Germany and the government of Lower Saxony received 20% of the shares in its capital. For 2009, the main shareholders of the concern were: 22.5% - Porsche Automobil Holding SE, 14.8% - Lower Saxony, 30.9% - private shareholders, 25.6% - Foreign investment institutions, 6.2% - German investment institutions. In August 2009, Porsche SE and Volkswagen Group reached an agreement under which Volkswagen and Porsche AG would be definitively merged by 2011.
In addition to its own production, the divisions of the Volkswagen Group are currently: Audi (acquired from Daimler-Benz in 1964), Seat (since 1990, the Volkswagen Group owns 99.99% of the shares), Škoda, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini (the company was acquired by subsidiary of Audi in 1998).
Hyundai Motor "raised from its knees" a single person - Chung Mong Koo, the eldest son of the founder of the Hyundai industrial group. In the late 90s, he seriously took up the quality of cars. For some 6 years, the Korean was able to increase sales in the US market by 360% and take fourth place among imported brands.
Today, 4.56% of Hyundai's shares are owned by the National Pension Service. South Korea, which can not stand Chung, and each time in every possible way prevents his re-election. In principle, their doubts are understandable - in 2007, 72-year-old Chung was sentenced to three years in prison for embezzling 90 billion won ($77 million) through fraudulent schemes. An appeals court later suspended that sentence and transferred Chung to public Works, but the reputation was irretrievably lost. In 2010, the Seoul District Court still ordered the ex-chairman of the board of directors to pay compensation in the amount of 70 billion won (about $60 million) for business decisions he made that were unfavorable for Hyundai.
Kia Motors is currently the second largest South Korean manufacturer and the seventh largest in the world. It is part of the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, and is mostly owned by Hyundai Motor Co. (38.67% of shares), Ford Motor (9.4%), Credit Suisse Financial (8.23%), employees (7.14%), Hyundai Capital (1.26%).
Another major Asian manufacturer, Suzuki Motor Corporation, has only 16.9% of shares on its own balance sheet. The rest are owned by: Millea Holdings - 3.86%, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group - 3.28%, General Motors - 3%, another 16.24% of the shares are in free float. In January of this year, Volkswagen AG joined the largest shareholder of Suzuki Motor, which bought out 19.9% of the shares for 222.5 billion yen ($2.5 billion). In the deal, Suzuki was entitled to half of that amount to acquire shares in the German corporation.
Concern "Reno" over the past 60 years is gradually getting out of state control. Until 1945, Renault was 100% privately owned. However, during the war, the company's factories were destroyed, and Louis Renault himself was accused of collaborating with the Nazis and convicted. A major businessman died in prison, and his company was successfully nationalized. However, over the years, the state share began to decline. And if in 1996 Renault was state-owned by more than half, then in 2005 it already owned only 15.7% of the shares. In 1999, Renault and Nissan entered into perhaps the most enduring automobile alliance. Nissan is 44.4% owned by the French manufacturer, and Renault, in turn, gave 15% of the shares to the Japanese.
Fifth largest automobile concern DaimlerChrysler was very fond of the Arabs. The owner of the top brands Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and Smart, has the Arab investment fund Aabar Investments (9.1%) as the main shareholder, the government of Kuwait owns 7.2% of the shares, and about 2% belongs to the emirate of Dubai. Next to such brands, it is surprising to see our KAMAZ, a 10% stake in which Daimler acquired in 2008. The German automaker paid $250 million immediately for KAMAZ shares and left $50 million until 2012. As a result of the deal, Daimler received one seat on the board of directors of KAMAZ. In February of this year, the concern bought another 1% stake in the truck manufacturer.
By the way, DaimlerChrysler owns a large block of shares in other companies: 85.0% of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus, 50.1% - Automotive fuel cell Cooperation, 19.9% Chrysler Holding LLC (in 2007, 80.1% of the division's shares were sold for $7.4 billion to private investment fund Cerberus Capital Management, L.P.), 10.0% Tesla Motors, 7.0% Tata Motors Ltd .
Japanese Toyota Motor Corp., whose president is the grandson of founder Akio Toyoda, is 6.29% owned by The Master Trust Bank of Japan, 6.29% by Japan Trustee Services Bank, 5.81% by Toyota Industries Corporation, and 9% by treasury shares.
General Motors, for a long time occupying a leading position in automotive market, today controlled by the state (61% of the shares). Its main shareholders are: the Government of Canada (12%), the United Auto Workers Union of the USA (17.5%). The remaining 10.5% of the shares were divided among the largest creditors.
The famous automaker still owns Chevrolet brands, Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac and Opel. More recently, he also owned a controlling stake in the Swedish Saab(50%), but after the crisis, in January 2010, he sold the company to the Dutch sports car manufacturer Spyker Cars.
Summer 2008 Company General Motors decided to sell the Hummer brand, and for almost a year tried to sell it to the Chinese, then the Russians, then the Indians. As a result, the only promising deal with the Chinese Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co fell through, and on May 26, 2010, a latest SUV stamps.
In addition, General Motors was major shareholders several companies. For example, until recently he had 20% of the shares of Japanese Fuji companies Heavy Industries ( Subaru cars) and Suzuki Motor Corporation, as well as 12% of Isuzu Motors.
Brand name car companies turn out to produce a lot of by-products that have nothing to do with cars at all. Among other goods, we can mention clothes, household appliances, bicycles and much more.
Some products are made by piece, this is an exclusive product. But in most cases, it is mass production, no less massive than the production of the car itself.
Baby stroller from Audi
The famous automaker also produces baby carriages. At the same time, Audi is far from the only company that offers such products. Strollers are also produced by BMW, Aston Martin, Porsche and McLaren.
As for Audi, this company produces a hybrid stroller and car seat. If necessary, all this can be quickly assembled, turning into a regular car seat. After that, it remains only to install the seat in the car and fasten the child.
Lawn mower from Honda
Japanese Honda also produces wonderful lawn mowers that are far removed from those creaky machines that we all got used to from childhood. The fact is that Honda Mean Mower can not only cut grass, but also drive on roads at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour.
Under the hood of this lawnmower is a 110-horsepower sports bike engine, plus a 6-speed gearbox.
Ford and picnics
Ford makes ... barbecue charcoal. Yes, ordinary briquettes that are used to make a fire and fry meat or vegetables. Engaged in the production of coal subsidiary, which operates under the Kingsford brand. This charcoal is made from softwood.
General Motors: men's eau de toilette
Another auto concern, General Motors, produces men's toilet water. This perfume is called Hummer. So, having bought a bottle of eau de toilette, you can now proudly say that you have bought a Hummer. Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Bentley, Bugatti, Jaguar and even Kia eau de toilette are also produced.
Lamborghini: coffee maker
The company that produces the most famous cars can also produce coffee makers. Naturally, this is an extra-class coffee maker. It is designed for two cups at once, and the device is decorated with neon illumination, and the handles are made in the form of a gearbox handle. Such devices are assembled only manually.
Ferrari sports laptops
Partner Ferrari is Acer. As part of the cooperation, this company produces colorful laptops, which provide not only the Formula 1 team, but also everyone.
These laptops cost a lot, but they are very stylish, standing out from the crowd, so to speak. All new models use productive hardware.
Mercedes-Benz and surfboards
The Mercedes company decided to distinguish itself, and began to produce surfboards. The company's partner in this project is a famous surfer named Garret McNamara. With it, the company created the perfect (according to Garrett) tool for riding the waves.
Models differ in shape and color. Two models are available - gold and silver colors.
Nearly thirty years ago, the legendary Lee Iacocca predicted that by the turn of the 21st century there would be only a few automakers left in the world. Ex-president Ford and Chrysler perfectly saw the trends in the development of the global automotive industry, and therefore it is not surprising that his predictions were almost completely confirmed.
It only seems that there are many independent automakers in the world. In fact, the vast majority automobile firms are members of various groups and alliances. To be more precise, Lee Iacocca was right about everything - at present there are really only a few left in the world. major automakers, which actually divided the world automotive market among themselves.
As for the former place of work of Lee Iacocca - Ford and Chrysler, these pillars of the American auto industry, along with General Motors, suffered the most serious losses during the economic crisis, and they did not know such losses in their entire history. General Motors and Chrysler went bankrupt, and Ford survived only by a miracle. However, survival was paid very expensive price. Ford lost its premium division of the Premiere Automotive Group, which included Jaguar, Volvo and Land Rover. In addition, Ford was forced to sell the British supercar manufacturer Aston Martin, get rid of a controlling stake in Mazda and liquidate brand Mercury. Currently, only two brands remain from the once huge Ford empire - Ford itself and Lincoln.
General Motors suffered no less serious losses. The Americans lost SAAB, Hummer, Saturn, but, despite the bankruptcy, they were able to defend Opel and the most valuable brand - Daewoo. General Motors currently includes Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Holden and Vauxhall. Plus, the American concern has a Russian joint venture GM-AvtoVAZ, which produces Chevrolet SUVs Niva.
As for Chrysler, the American concern is now a strategic partner of Fiat, which has already brought under its "wing" such brands as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Maserati, Lancia. Now Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram have been added to them.
The situation in Europe is quite different than in America. The crisis also made adjustments to the balance of power, but this did not affect the position of the giants of the European auto industry. Volkswagen continues to add to its collection of brands by acquiring Porsche in 2009. Now the Volkswagen Group includes nine brands - Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Skoda, Seat and truck manufacturer Scania. It is possible that soon this company will be supplemented by Suzuki - in 2009 volkswagen Group bought a 20% stake in Suzuki Motor.
Two other major German automakers, Daimler AG and BMW, cannot boast of such an abundance of brands. Daimler AG manufactures cars under Mercedes brands, Maybach and Smart, and BMW, in addition to the brand of the same name, also owns Rolls-Royce and Mini.
Another world's largest automaker is the Renault-Nissan alliance, which owns such brands as Renault, Dacia, Nissan, Infiniti, Samsung. In addition, Renault owns a 25% stake in AvtoVAZ, so from now on Brand Lada also enters the orbit of influence of the French-Japanese alliance.
Another major French automaker is PSA concern owns brands Citroen and Peugeot.
Of all the Japanese automakers, only Toyota boasts a good "collection" of brands - Lexus, Scion, Daihatsu and Subaru. In addition, the truck manufacturer Hino is part of Toyota Motor.
Honda's achievement is much more modest. In addition to the premium brand Acura and the motorcycle department, the Japanese have nothing else to brag about.
In recent years, the Hyundai-Kia alliance has rapidly become one of the leaders in the global automotive industry. The alliance currently manufactures cars under brands Hyundai and Kia, but in the near future, the Koreans plan to create a premium brand. According to unconfirmed information, it will be called Genesis.
Of the mergers and acquisitions of recent years, I would like to note the transition Volvo brands under the control of the Chinese Geely and the purchase of the Indian Tata Motor English premium brands– Jaguar and Land Rover. The most curious in this series is the acquisition by the tiny Dutch supercar manufacturer Spyker of the Swedish brand SAAB.
From the once powerful British car industry now there are only memories. The most famous British automakers have long lost their independence, but even small English firms have passed to foreign owners. The legendary Lotus company is owned by the Malaysian Proton, and MG was bought by the Chinese company SAIC. At the same time, SAIC sold the Korean SsangYong Motor to the Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra.
All these acquisitions, mergers, alliances and strategic partnerships once again prove Lee Iacocca right. In today's world, single firms can no longer survive. There are, of course, exceptions such as the English Morgan, Japanese Mitsuoka or the same Malaysian Proton. But these firms are independent in the full sense of the word. Absolutely nothing depends on them in the global automotive industry. But in order to sell hundreds of thousands of cars a year, not to mention millions, you need to have very strong “rear”. Which are provided either by partners, as in the case Renault-Nissan Alliance, or a whole brood of brands, as the Volkswagen Group practices. But firms such as Mazda or Mitsubishi will experience more and more difficulties in the future. And if Mitsubishi partners from PSA are ready to provide all possible assistance, then Mazda has to deal with all the hardships alone. And this is becoming more and more difficult every day in the modern world. What Lee Iacocca warned about thirty years ago.
Alexander Plekhanov
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 factory, the accession of the company he created to the German giant occurred 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 brand survived the German occupation, the 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 has 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. of the last century, the Italian sports car manufacturer has changed hands 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 Volkswagen Group. 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 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.
