How Many Brands Does Volkswagen Own?

As of the end of 2022, Volkswagen AG owns eight automotive brands. The Volkswagen Group is split into two main sections: Automotive and Financial Services, but this guide will focus on the Automotive side.

Porsche SE is the biggest shareholder with a 31.4% stake, while Qatar Holding LLC holds 10.5%. The rest of the pie is shared among foreign investors (27%), German investors (3.3%), private shareholders (16%), and the State of Lower Saxony (11.8%).

Quick note: Volkswagen no longer owns Bugatti. That brand is now under Bugatti Rimac, but Porsche AG still has a 45% stake in it. Keep an eye on that!

Car Brands Under the Volkswagen Umbrella

Volkswagen AG has a solid grip on eight car brands. Here’s the rundown, listed in the order they were acquired:

When spotting these cars on the road, remember they’re likely part of the VW family.

VW shares platforms across its brands. For instance, the Passat, Audi A4, and Škoda Superb all ride on the same B-Series platform.

Volkswagen

No surprises here! Volkswagen is the flagship brand of the group. Born in Germany in 1937, it was all about creating the “people’s car.” The VW Type 1, later known as the Beetle, became a cultural icon after WWII.

Despite a rough patch with the emissions scandal in 2015, Volkswagen has bounced back and is now leading the charge into the electric future.

Audi

Audi means “listen” in Latin, a nod to its founder’s surname. The brand’s motto, “Vorsprung durch Technik,” translates to “Being Ahead through Technology.” Audi became part of the VW family in 1964 and has since grown into a powerhouse of luxury and performance.

SEAT

SEAT, pronounced “say-at,” is Spain’s pride in the automotive world. Founded in 1950, VW took a controlling stake in 1986 and has since turned it into a thriving brand.

Cupra

Cupra is SEAT’s sporty side, offering high-performance versions of the regular models. Launched in 2018, it’s all about speed and style.

Škoda

Škoda has been around since 1924, originally as an industrial giant. VW took a 30% stake in 1991 and fully acquired the brand by 2000. Now, it’s known for its reliable and affordable vehicles.

Bentley

Bentley has been synonymous with luxury since 1919. After a series of ownership changes, VW snagged it in 1997 and has kept its prestigious heritage alive.

Lamborghini

Lamborghini started as a tractor company but pivoted to supercars in 1961. VW acquired it in 1998, and it’s now a key player in the high-performance market.

Porsche

Porsche’s roots go way back to Ferdinand Porsche, who helped create the original Volkswagen. Today, it’s a luxury brand under the VW umbrella, with a complex ownership structure that keeps it intertwined with Volkswagen.

Other Brands in the Volkswagen Family

Besides cars, Volkswagen Group also has its hands in motorcycles with Ducati and commercial vehicles through Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. They also own several heavy-duty brands under Traton SE, including MAN, Scania, Navistar, and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus.