‘The car of the people’ – or Volkswagen to you and me – has been a staple of the German automotive industry since it came into being in 1937.
Volkswagen produced some of the most iconic cars of the 20th century and has continued those monikers on in a new age of the brand, which has seen them evolve into one of the world’s biggest motoring companies.
Now a truly global name, Volkswagen has come a long way in its 80-year history, so we’ll now take an in-depth look at the German marque and see what they’re about…
Who owns Volkswagen?
The ownership of Volkswagen Group is split up into six groups, with Porsche Automobil Holding SE having the largest stake with a 30.8 per cent share. Porsche SE as it’s normally known is owned by the Porsche and Piëch families, with their base in Stuttgart. The remainder of the shares is split between foreign institutional investors (22.5 per cent), Qatar Holding LLC (14.6 per cent), private shareholders (18 per cent), the state of Lower Saxony – where Volkswagen is based – (11.8 per cent) and other German investors (2.3 per cent).
Who does Volkswagen own?
Volkswagen owns 12 subsidiary motoring companies and even Wolfsburg football team – showing just how much sway it holds. Those brands include Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, MAN, Scania, Seat, Skoda and both VW Commercial and Passenger sectors. Audi is also owned by VW, who are in control of Lamborghini who are in-turn in ownership of Ducati.
Where are Volkswagen models made?
Although there are over 100 Volkswagen Group facilities around the world – which cater for all of the 12 companies – there are 24 factories just for Volkswagen, with all of its world models produced in them.
Volkswagen models 2017
Including the commercial vehicles, Volkswagen currently produce 17 models, which range from superminis to pick-up trucks. Here we’ll take a look at nine of them…
up!
The smallest car VW currently makes and arguably the most reminiscent of the original cars of the people that the brand originally offered. As the city car of the line-up, it also is the base for the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo and comes in three- and five-door guises. Coming in petrol for the majority of the market, there is also an electric version.
Polo
Having gone through five generations before this year, the Polo is now entering its sixth with an all-new style and a larger footprint than before. The latest version is the most advanced yet and comes with new angular styling and a high-powered GTI model. It comes with manual and automatic transmissions, as well as both diesel and petrol engine options.
Golf
Arguably the brand’s most iconic models, the Golf has now been through seven generations since its inception in 1974 – and has made the GTI moniker a world famous one. Coming with practicality for the masses for over 40 years, it also has a people carrier SV version and an estate model. It is also comes in some of the sportiest guises on the hot hatch market, with the GTI Clubsport S one of the fastest hatchbacks around the Nürburgring.
Beetle
The original car of the people has maintained the same recognisable shape since being originally built in 1938, but has gone through a few considerable updates. The Mk1 lasted for 65 years until 2003, while the European market had a revamped model in 1997, which was much more upmarket than the original. A new version was released in 2011, which was slightly more refined and offered a more premium finish.
Arteon
One of the newest models in the line-up. The Arteon is an unofficial replacement for the Passat CC and currently only comes in two trim levels. The coupe/fastback model is already an award-winner and comes with some of the latest assistance technology to be one of the most advanced in the range.
T-Roc
The latest car in the VW line-up and the first crossover that it offers. Coming with hatchback-like looks and a raised ride height, it can also come with the latest tech in the interior – including an interactive screen in the instrument binnacle. It’s a new sector for the brand and one that could prove to be popular.
Tiguan
Now in its second generation, the Tiguan is the compact SUV of the range and comes in two guises – the standard and Tiguan Allspace, which is due to be released at the start of 2018. Although there is a larger SUV – the Touareg – the Tiguan is more popular and offers a great overall package in the affordable SUV market.
Amarok
As one of the commercial options, the Amarok offers an alternative to most other vehicles with its pick-up form. It even has a V6 option, which offers plenty of torque for commercial activities and for off-roading, which is where the Amarok belongs. It offers premium finishes in higher specs, which some other pick-ups don’t really do.
Transporter
In one form or another the Transporter has been around for over 60 years, and the Type 1 is arguably the most recognisable van ever. Coming with the split-screen at the front and multiple body types throughout its life, the Transporter is arguably the brand’s most practical model in its history.
