Volkswagen, a German automobile manufacturer, is one of the largest and most successful car companies in the world. Founded in 1937, Volkswagen's mission was to create affordable and reliable cars for the masses. Over the decades, it has grown into a global automotive giant, producing a wide range of vehicles, including luxury brands and electric cars. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technological advancements, Volkswagen continues to lead the automotive industry.
Volkswagen is renowned for its best-selling models, including the Volkswagen Beetle, Golf, and Passat. In recent years, the company has expanded its focus on electric mobility, launching its ID series of electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its ambitious goal to become a leading player in the EV market by 2030. Headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany, Volkswagen operates in over 150 countries, employing more than 600,000 people worldwide.
CEO and Founder of Volkswagen
Volkswagen was founded in 1937 by the German Labour Front under the direction of Adolf Hitler, with the aim of producing affordable cars for the average German citizen. The brand’s original design for the "people's car" eventually became the iconic Volkswagen Beetle. Over time, Volkswagen evolved into a publicly traded company. The current CEO of Volkswagen AG is Oliver Blume, who took over in September 2022. Under Blume’s leadership, the company has accelerated its transition towards electric vehicles and digitalization, striving to remain competitive in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.
List of Top Companies Under Volkswagen (Germany)
Volkswagen Group owns and operates several well-known automotive brands across different market segments, from luxury to commercial vehicles. Below is a list of the top companies owned by Volkswagen, along with their approximate valuations:
| Company Name | Year Acquired/Founded | Valuation | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi | 1965 (Acquired) | $35 Billion | Luxury Automobiles |
| Porsche | 2012 (Merged) | $70 Billion | High-Performance Sports Cars |
| Bentley | 1998 (Acquired) | $5 Billion | Luxury Automobiles |
| Lamborghini | 1998 (Acquired) | $12 Billion | High-End Luxury Sports Cars |
| Bugatti | 1998 (Acquired) | $3 Billion | Ultra-Luxury Sports Cars |
| SEAT | 1986 (Acquired) | $4 Billion | Economy Automobiles |
| Škoda | 1991 (Acquired) | $10 Billion | Economy Automobiles |
| Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles | 1995 (Founded) | $11 Billion | Commercial and Light Trucks |
| MAN | 2011 (Acquired) | $10 Billion | Commercial Trucks and Buses |
| Scania | 2008 (Acquired) | $12 Billion | Heavy Trucks and Buses |
FAQs About Volkswagen
Q1: When was Volkswagen founded, and by whom?
A: Volkswagen was founded in 1937 by the German Labour Front under Adolf Hitler’s government, initially aiming to produce affordable cars for the masses.
Q2: Who is the current CEO of Volkswagen?
A: The current CEO of Volkswagen AG is Oliver Blume, who took over the leadership role in September 2022.
Q3: What brands are owned by Volkswagen?
A: Volkswagen Group owns several top automotive brands, including Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti, SEAT, Škoda, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
Q4: What is Volkswagen’s position in the electric vehicle market?
A: Volkswagen has made significant strides in the electric vehicle market with its ID series of EVs. The company aims to become a leading global player in electric mobility by 2030.
Q5: What is Volkswagen’s most iconic car model?
A: The Volkswagen Beetle is arguably the brand’s most iconic model, known for its distinctive design and global popularity.
Q6: Where is Volkswagen headquartered?
A: Volkswagen’s headquarters are located in Wolfsburg, Germany, where the company’s main production facilities are also based.
