Volkswagen (VW) and BMW are two of Germany’s biggest car manufacturers, but many drivers often confuse their ownership structures. A common question is: “Does VW own BMW?” The short answer is no. VW Group and BMW Group are completely separate companies, each with its own brands, subsidiaries, and strategy.
In this blog, we’ll explain:
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Whether VW owns BMW (and vice versa)
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Which car brands each group controls
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How VW and BMW differ in size, focus, and market strategy
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FAQs about German car ownership that cause confusion
Does Volkswagen Own BMW?
No — Volkswagen does not own BMW.
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Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG): A global automotive giant headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany.
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BMW Group (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): A separate company based in Munich, Germany.
These are two rival corporations competing in both global and UK markets.
What Brands Does Volkswagen Group Own?
Volkswagen Group is one of the largest automakers in the world, with more than 10 brands across cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses.
Key Volkswagen Group Brands (2025):
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Volkswagen Passenger Cars
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Audi
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Porsche
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Lamborghini
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Bugatti
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Bentley
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Škoda
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SEAT & CUPRA
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Ducati (motorcycles)
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Scania (trucks)
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MAN (trucks & buses)
For the full list with ownership % and history, see our detailed guide: What Companies Does VW Group Own?
What Brands Does BMW Group Own?
BMW Group is smaller but highly focused on the premium and luxury sector.
BMW Group Brands (2025):
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BMW (cars & motorcycles)
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MINI
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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
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BMW Motorrad (motorcycles)
Unlike VW, BMW controls fewer brands but competes strongly in the premium car and luxury markets.
VW vs BMW: Business Strategy & Market Differences
|
Factor |
Volkswagen Group |
BMW Group |
|---|---|---|
|
Scale |
Largest carmaker in Europe, top 3 worldwide |
Smaller, premium-focused |
|
Brand Portfolio |
Mass-market + luxury + commercial vehicles |
Luxury & premium only |
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Luxury Brands |
Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti |
Rolls-Royce, MINI (premium compact) |
|
Commercial Vehicles |
Owns MAN & Scania |
No commercial vehicle division |
|
Market Focus |
Broad — from city cars to hypercars to trucks |
Focused on luxury, sport, and premium EVs |
German Car Giants: VW vs BMW Global Position
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Volkswagen Group: Produces more than 9 million vehicles annually. Dominates Europe with brands across every price bracket.
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BMW Group: Produces ~2.5 million vehicles annually. Stronger presence in premium and luxury markets, with BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce.
Final Thoughts
While both VW and BMW are German automotive powerhouses, their ownership and brand portfolios are completely separate. VW Group is a multi-brand empire with both mass-market and ultra-luxury cars, while BMW Group focuses tightly on premium and luxury.
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FAQs About VW vs BMW
No. VW and BMW are independent German companies.
VW owns over 10 brands including Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Škoda, SEAT, and Ducati. BMW owns BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad.
Yes. VW dominates by scale and variety, while BMW is a leader in the premium and luxury segments.
Volkswagen Group is significantly larger in terms of sales volume and revenue. BMW is smaller but commands a premium market share.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is owned by BMW Group. (Rolls-Royce aerospace is separate).
No. Mercedes is owned by Mercedes-Benz Group (formerly Daimler AG). BMW is independent.