History
Volkswagen Group is a multinational automotive company that has its central operations in Wolfsburg, Germany. It is the second largest automotive company in the world, manufacturing more passenger automobiles than any other manufacturer. The company designs, manufactures and distributes passenger and commercial vehicles, motorcycles, engines, and turbomachinery. The Volkswagen Group sells passenger vehicles under Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Audi, Bentley, Skoda and Volkswagen marques.
Major Events
In 1997, Vickers plc sold Rolls-Royce Motors to Volkswagen AG. By 1991, Skoda was asked by the Czech government to form a joint-venture partnership agreement with Volkswagen. As a consequence, both style and engineering improved and the company became very popular. SMH set up a contract with Volkswagen in 1991 to share the development of the Smart car. NSU Motorenwerke was the first to produce the NSU Spider to the consumer market in 1964. Volkswagen Group acquired NSU in 1969 and its name was changed to Audi AG. Volkswagen and General Motors both have joint ventures with SAIC Motors. Over the years, Volkswagen has either merged or partnered with a number of auto companies including Prince Motor Company, Ford, Nissan, and Austin Motor Company.
The German Government tasked Porsche to build a car for the people and the ‘Volkswagen Beetle’ was born. It is one of the most successful automobile designs ever created. The Porsche 64, developed in 1939 used many of the same components found in the Beetle. Porsche SE holds 100% of Porsche AG and 50.7% of Volkswagen AG and agreed to merge with Volkswagen by 2011. However, in 2009 Porsche SE lost control of Porsche Zwischenholding GmbH, resulting in a joint venture between Porsche SE and Volkswagen AG. Volkswagen holds 50.1 in Porsche’s capital for €4.46 billion plus one Volkswagen share. As a result of trying to hold a majority in the Volkswagen company Porsche faced debts that exceeded €10 billion. Volkswagen has Proton Holdings Berhad assemble their cars in Malaysia.
Going Forward
Volkswagen is currently working on a number of prototypes and concept vehicles dedicated to improve fuel economy, safety and efficiency. The NILS is a single-seat electric concept car that has the performance of a sports car with zero emissions. The EcoRacer is a sports car with a top speed of 230 kmh and yet is capable of getting 100 mpg. Its carbon-fibre body means less weight which translates to better fuel economy, handling and safety. The Cross Coupe concept car has a hybrid system with low fuel consumption, capable of getting 157 mpg.
Volkswagen’s reputation was built on their Beetle’s design so it’s no surprise that an electric version capable of going 110 miles between lithium-ion battery charge is being developed. Quick charging is achieved through a system developed in cooperation with BMW, Daimler, Porsche, Ford and General Motors. In order for this newest version of the Beetle to be widespread, a uniform industry standard for sockets and plugs must come about. The E-Bugster combines sportiness and eco-friendliness, and is destined to change the face of the automobile industry.
