Who bought out Audi?
In a major automotive industry move, the Volkswagen Group has acquired the luxury car brand Audi. This acquisition, which was finalized in 2025, solidifies Volkswagen's position as one of the world's largest and most diverse automakers.
The Volkswagen-Audi Merger
The Volkswagen Group, which already owned a majority stake in Audi, moved to fully acquire the premium German automaker in a deal worth billions of dollars. This strategic move allows Volkswagen to further strengthen its portfolio of brands and expand its reach in the luxury vehicle market. Audi, known for its high-performance, technologically-advanced cars, will continue to operate as a distinct brand within the Volkswagen Group structure.
Rationale Behind the Acquisition
There are several key reasons why Volkswagen decided to acquire Audi outright:
- Synergies and Economies of Scale: By fully integrating Audi, Volkswagen can achieve greater economies of scale, streamline operations, and leverage shared technologies and platforms across its brands.
- Strengthening the Luxury Lineup: Audi's premium brand positioning and strong global sales complement Volkswagen's existing luxury offerings like Porsche and Bentley, allowing the group to better compete with other major luxury automakers.
- Access to Advanced Technologies: Audi is known for its industry-leading innovations in areas like electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and digital cockpit technologies. Bringing Audi fully under the Volkswagen umbrella will allow for faster technology transfer and development.
- Expanding Global Reach: Audi has a strong presence in key international markets, particularly in China, Europe, and North America. This acquisition will help Volkswagen expand its global footprint and customer base.
The Volkswagen-Audi merger represents a strategic move to consolidate the German automaker's position as a dominant force in the global automotive industry. By fully integrating Audi, Volkswagen aims to achieve greater operational efficiencies, technological synergies, and market dominance in the luxury vehicle segment.
Who did Audi merge with?
On 29 June 1932, on the initiative of Saxony's state bank, the companies Audi, DKW and Horch as well as the automotive division of Wanderer Werke merged to form Auto Union AG – thus creating the second largest automotive group in Germany.
Did Ford buy Audi?
Today, the Volkswagen group owns dozens of high-performance automakers, including Lamborghini, Bugatti, Porsche, and Bentley. The question of who owns Audi and who makes Audi is simply answered with: The Volkswagen Auto Group.
What company owns Audi?
Audi is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. This has allowed Audi to continue to create high-quality performance vehicles appointed with some of the most sophisticated features on the market.
What is the sister brand of Audi?
The Group comprises ten brands from five European countries: Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, ŠKODA, SEAT, CUPRA, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Porsche and Ducati. In addition, the Volkswagen Group offers a wide range of further brands and business units including financial services.
Who is the parent brand of Audi?
Volkswagen Group The German car giant Volkswagen Group is the owner of many well-known vehicle brands. Volkswagen currently holds a majority share in Audi, Scania, and Porsche, and also wholly owns Skoda Auto, Lamborghini, and Ducati.
What luxury car line is owned by Toyota?
Lexus brand
The Lexus brand is the luxury division of the Toyota Motor Corporation, a Japanese automaker. Lexus vehicles were initially developed for the American market and debuted there to the enthusiasm of drivers before eventually being sold in other markets around the world.
What is Toyota's luxury brand?
Lexus
Lexus. Lexus (レクサス, Rekusasu) is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. The Lexus brand is marketed in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide and is Japan's largest-selling make of premium cars.
Is an Audi basically a Volkswagen?
Both Volkswagen and Audi fall under the corporate umbrella of the Volkswagen Group, alongside the likes of Porsche, Bentley and Lamborghini. Volkswagen is the most affordable of these brands in the United States, while Audi maintains a reputation for luxury and performance engineering — and the price tag to match.
Are Audis better than BMW?
Both Audi and BMW are known for their luxury vehicles, but Audi comes out as the superior brand for earning its trust in providing the best features for the greatest value. Where BMW expects you to spend more for less, Audi believes you should pay less for more.
What did Audi used to be called?
On July 16, 1909 automotive pioneer August Horch founded August Horch Automobilwerke GmbH in Germany. A short time later he renamed the company after the Latin translation of his last name – making it Audi Automobilwerke. In 1932, Audi merged with Horch, DKW and Wanderer, to form Auto Union AG.
