Who is Audi owned by?
Audi is owned by Volkswagen Group (VW Group), the parent company behind a family of automotive brands including Volkswagen, Skoda, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Audi itself. As of 2024/2025, Audi remains a wholly owned subsidiary of VW Group.
When people ask who owns Audi, they are asking about corporate control rather than branding. In practice, Audi does not have external owners or publicly traded shares separate from VW Group. The VW Group’s governance structure oversees Audi’s strategy and performance, while Audi’s day-to-day management operates under its own leadership but ultimately reports to VW Group. This article explains the ownership arrangement and how it has evolved over time.
Current ownership structure
The following points summarize Audi's ownership arrangement and its place within VW Group.
- Audi is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG (VW Group).
- Volkswagen AG is the parent company that oversees multiple brands, including VW, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, Skoda, and Seat.
- Audi’s day-to-day management operates under its own leadership, but strategic decisions are overseen by VW Group’s corporate governance bodies (the Supervisory Board and Management Board).
- The VW Group is a publicly traded company with a complex ownership structure; a significant portion of its governance is influenced by large shareholders and associated family-held entities that own stakes in VW Group, but Audi remains within VW Group’s umbrella rather than owned independently.
In short, Audi’s ownership is tied to VW Group, making it part of a larger corporate family rather than an independently owned brand entity.
Historical background
Audi’s lineage extends back to Auto Union, a 1932 merger of four German carmakers that produced the four-ring emblem still associated with Audi today. The path to VW Group ownership unfolds across decades, culminating in Audi becoming a core premium brand within the Volkswagen Group.
Origins and early years
The roots of Audi lie in Auto Union AG, formed in 1932 through the consolidation of four brands—Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer—whose combined identities gave rise to the Audi brand’s iconic four rings.
The milestones below capture the key moments in Audi’s journey toward its current status within VW Group.
The following milestones outline the pivotal moments in Audi's integration into Volkswagen Group.
- 1932: Auto Union is formed from the merger of four German manufacturers—Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer—creating the four-ring logo now associated with Audi.
- 1964–1966: Volkswagen Group begins acquiring a controlling stake in Auto Union, setting the stage for Audi’s eventual inclusion in the VW Group.
- 1969: Auto Union merges with NSU Motorenwerke to form Audi NSU Auto Union AG, consolidating the Audi name under one umbrella.
- 1985: The company is renamed Audi AG as part of Volkswagen Group’s corporate restructuring.
- 1990s–2000s: Audi becomes a core premium brand within VW Group, sharing technology and platforms with other VW brands and expanding its global footprint.
These steps illustrate Audi’s evolution from a collection of brands into a central, premium brand within the Volkswagen Group.
Summary
Audi is owned by Volkswagen Group (VW Group), making it a subsidiary within a larger corporate family rather than an independent company. The group’s governance and strategy shape Audi’s direction, and Audi’s historical path—from Auto Union to its current status—reflect a long-standing integration within VW Group.
Is a BMW or Audi better?
Neither Audi nor BMW is definitively better; the choice depends on personal priorities, as BMW generally excels in performance and driving dynamics, while Audi is often preferred for a comfortable, technologically advanced, and high-quality interior experience. If you prioritize a sporty, engaging drive and powerful engines, a BMW may be a better fit. If you value a smooth ride, refined and comfortable interior, and advanced tech, an Audi might be more appealing.
This video compares the driving experience and performance of BMW and Audi: 44sExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Nov 30, 2022
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Experience | More focused on a smooth, comfortable, and refined ride. | Known for a sportier, more engaging, and driver-focused experience with sharper handling. |
| Performance | Engines are more refined and quieter. | Typically offers more powerful and responsive engines. |
| Interior & Technology | Praised for high-quality materials, excellent ergonomics, and advanced technology like the MMI infotainment system. | Also has high-quality interiors and uses the iDrive system, but some sources suggest Audi has a slight edge in interior comfort and technology features as standard. |
| All-Wheel Drive | quattro all-wheel-drive offers excellent traction and stability, especially in adverse weather. | Offers both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, providing a more engaging driving experience in rear-wheel-drive configurations. |
| Reliability | Generally seen as reliable, though some models may have lower predicted reliability ratings compared to BMW, according to J.D. Power. | Often ranks higher in J.D. Power dependability studies, indicating fewer problems over time. |
| Resale Value | Has a strong reputation for resale value. | Also has good resale value, though it may not match Audi in this specific area. |
| Styling | Sporty and modern, with a sleek and understated design. | Bolder, more aggressive, and sporty styling. |
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You can watch this video to learn about the reliability of Audi and BMW: 31sExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Feb 19, 2022
Who is the parent brand of Audi?
Audi's parent brand is Volkswagen Group. The German automotive giant has owned Audi as a subsidiary since 1965 and is also the parent company for other brands like Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Bugatti.
- Parent Company: Volkswagen Group
- Acquisition: Volkswagen acquired Audi in 1965
- Other brands: Volkswagen Group also owns brands such as Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Bugatti
- Headquarters: The Volkswagen Group is headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany.
Are Audi and BMW owned by the same company?
No, Audi and BMW are not owned by the same company; Audi is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, while BMW is the namesake brand of the BMW Group, which also owns Mini and Rolls-Royce. The two German luxury automakers operate independently from each other.
- Audi: Is part of the Volkswagen Group, which also owns brands like Porsche, Lamborghini, and Skoda.
- BMW: Is part of the BMW Group, an independent company that also owns the Mini and Rolls-Royce brands.
Who is the real owner of Audi?
the Volkswagen Group
A wholly owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, Audi produces vehicles in nine production facilities worldwide. The origins of the company are complex, dating back to the early 20th century and the initial enterprises (Horch and the Audiwerke) founded by engineer August Horch.
