Volkswagen Group owns some of the world's best-known vehicle manufacturers, ranging from family cars and luxury brands to supercars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles.
While many people know that Audi and Skoda belong to Volkswagen Group, there is still confusion around brands such as Porsche, Lamborghini, Bugatti, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. This guide explains who owns Volkswagen, which companies are part of Volkswagen Group in 2026, and which manufacturers operate independently.
Quick Answer: Who Owns Volkswagen?
Volkswagen AG is a publicly traded company headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. The company's largest shareholder is Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Porsche SE), which controls the majority of Volkswagen Group voting rights.
Today, Volkswagen Group owns and operates a portfolio of automotive brands spanning passenger cars, luxury vehicles, performance cars, motorcycles and commercial transport businesses.
Volkswagen Group, sometimes referred to as the VAG Group (Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Group), remains one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers.
Volkswagen Group Brands at a Glance (2026)
|
Brand |
Owned by Volkswagen Group? |
|---|---|
|
Volkswagen |
Yes |
|
Audi |
Yes |
|
Skoda |
Yes |
|
SEAT |
Yes |
|
CUPRA |
Yes |
|
Porsche |
Yes |
|
Bentley |
Yes |
|
Lamborghini |
Yes |
|
Ducati |
Yes |
|
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles |
Yes |
|
MAN |
Yes |
|
Scania |
Yes |
|
Bugatti |
Indirect ownership through Porsche's stake in Bugatti Rimac |
|
BMW |
No |
|
Mercedes-Benz |
No |
Also Read: VW vs BMW
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All Car Brands Owned by Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen
The Volkswagen brand forms the foundation of the group and produces some of Europe's most popular vehicles. Its range includes hatchbacks, SUVs and electric models such as the Polo, Golf, Tiguan, Touareg and ID. family.
Audi
Audi has been part of Volkswagen Group since 1966 and serves as the company's premium automotive brand. Its lineup includes luxury saloons, SUVs, performance RS models and electric vehicles under the e-tron range.
Skoda
Skoda focuses on practical family cars and SUVs while sharing many platforms and technologies with Volkswagen and Audi. Popular models include the Fabia, Octavia, Karoq and Kodiaq.
SEAT
SEAT remains part of Volkswagen Group and continues to manufacture affordable passenger vehicles for European markets.
Bentley
Bentley represents Volkswagen Group's luxury vehicle division and produces handcrafted grand tourers and luxury SUVs.
Bugatti
Bugatti is no longer directly owned by Volkswagen Group. In 2021, the company became part of Bugatti Rimac, a joint venture involving Rimac Group and Porsche AG. Volkswagen therefore retains an indirect interest in Bugatti through Porsche's ownership stake.
Lamborghini
Lamborghini is fully owned by Volkswagen Group through Audi. The Italian manufacturer is known for high-performance supercars, including the Revuelto and Urus.
Porsche
Volkswagen Group owns a majority stake in Porsche AG. Porsche produces luxury sports cars, performance SUVs and electric vehicles, including the 911, Cayenne, Macan and Taycan.
Commercial Vehicle Brands Owned by Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen Group also owns several major commercial vehicle manufacturers.
MAN
Heavy trucks, transport vehicles and commercial mobility solutions.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Manufacturer of vans and light commercial vehicles, including the Transporter, Crafter, Caddy and Amarok.
Scania
A global manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks, buses and transport solutions.
These brands play an important role in commercial transport and support many businesses operating vehicle fleets and business leasing programmes.
Volkswagen Group Subsidiaries
In addition to its automotive brands, Volkswagen Group operates a number of major subsidiaries supporting manufacturing, finance, software and electric vehicle development.
Key Volkswagen Group subsidiaries include:
-
Volkswagen Financial Services
-
Cariad software division
-
PowerCo battery technology business
-
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
-
Volkswagen Leasing and fleet operations
-
Global manufacturing and distribution companies
These businesses support Volkswagen Group's worldwide operations across passenger cars, commercial vehicles and mobility services.
Which Companies Are Not Owned by Volkswagen?
Several major automotive brands are commonly mistaken as being part of Volkswagen Group.
BMW
BMW is not owned by Volkswagen Group. BMW Group operates independently and owns BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is not part of Volkswagen Group and operates independently under Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Toyota
Toyota Motor Corporation has no ownership connection with Volkswagen Group.
Ford
Ford Motor Company remains independent despite previous technology partnerships with Volkswagen.
Why Volkswagen Group Ownership Matters
Many Volkswagen Group brands share vehicle platforms, engines, safety technologies and manufacturing resources. This allows brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and CUPRA to benefit from shared engineering while maintaining their own market positioning.
For drivers considering personal car leasing or business car leasing, this shared technology often results in extensive dealer networks, established servicing support and proven vehicle platforms.
FAQs About Volkswagen Group Ownership
Yes. Audi has been part of Volkswagen Group since 1966.
Yes. Volkswagen Group owns a majority stake in Porsche AG.
Yes. Lamborghini is fully owned by Volkswagen Group through Audi.
No. BMW Group operates independently and is not owned by Volkswagen Group.
Volkswagen Group controls more than ten major automotive brands spanning passenger cars, luxury vehicles, motorcycles and commercial transport businesses.