Does Volkswagen Own Porsche? (It’s Complicated)

It’s not uncommon to hear people speculate that Volkswagen owns Porsche, or vice versa.

So, does Volkswagen own Porsche? The answer is yes, but the relationship between the two companies is a bit more complex than that.

To be more precise, Porsche is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG. Volkswagen Group is a German multinational automotive manufacturing company that owns several well-known brands, including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Volkswagen.

Porsche, on the other hand, is a manufacturer of high-performance sports cars and SUVs based in Stuttgart, Germany.

Despite being a subsidiary of Volkswagen, Porsche operates as an independent brand within the Volkswagen Group.

The Relationship Between Volkswagen and Porsche

As I researched this topic, I discovered that the relationship between Volkswagen and Porsche is quite complex. Here are a few key points that I found:

• Volkswagen AG is the parent company of Porsche AG. In 2012, Volkswagen acquired the remaining 50.1% stake in Porsche AG that it did not already own. This means that Porsche AG is now fully owned by Volkswagen AG.
• However, Porsche SE (formerly known as Porsche Automobil Holding SE) still exists as a separate company. It is primarily owned by the Porsche and Piëch families, who are descendants of Ferdinand Porsche (the founder of Porsche). Porsche SE holds a 31.4% stake in Volkswagen AG, which makes it the largest shareholder in the company.
• The relationship between Volkswagen and Porsche dates back to the 1930s, when Ferdinand Porsche designed the Volkswagen Beetle. Porsche AG was founded in 1948 by Ferdinand Porsche’s son, Ferry Porsche.
• In the 1960s and 1970s, Volkswagen and Porsche collaborated on several projects. One of the most notable was the Porsche 914, which was built by Volkswagen and sold under the Porsche brand.
• In the 2000s, Porsche attempted to acquire Volkswagen AG. However, the attempt failed and Porsche ended up accumulating a large amount of debt. This led to Volkswagen AG acquiring Porsche AG in 2012.

Overall, the relationship between Volkswagen and Porsche is a complex one that spans several decades.

While Porsche AG is now fully owned by Volkswagen AG, Porsche SE still exists as a separate company and holds a significant stake in Volkswagen AG.

The Acquisition of Porsche by Volkswagen

In 2012, Volkswagen acquired Porsche, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group.

This acquisition was a long time coming, as Volkswagen had been working towards it for years.

Here is a breakdown of the reasons behind the acquisition, the acquisition process, and the impact of the acquisition on both companies.

The reasons behind the acquisition

The acquisition of Porsche by Volkswagen was driven by several factors. First and foremost, it was a strategic move to strengthen Volkswagen’s position in the automotive industry.

Porsche was a highly-respected brand with a loyal customer base, and its acquisition would help Volkswagen expand its portfolio of brands and increase its market share.

Another reason for the acquisition was to resolve a long-standing legal dispute between the two companies.

In 2009, Porsche attempted to take over Volkswagen, but the move backfired, leaving Porsche with a massive debt and a legal battle with Volkswagen.

The acquisition was seen as a way to resolve this dispute and bring the two companies closer together.

READ ALSO: Does Volkswagen Own Ferrari? (I did not know this!)

The acquisition process

The acquisition of Porsche by Volkswagen was a complex and lengthy process. It involved a number of legal and financial hurdles, including the restructuring of both companies’ ownership structures and the issuance of new shares.

The acquisition was also subject to regulatory approval from various government agencies.

The process took several years to complete, with the final agreement being signed in 2012.

Under the terms of the agreement, Volkswagen acquired the remaining 50.1% stake in Porsche AG that it did not already own, making Porsche a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen.

The impact of the acquisition on both companies

The acquisition of Porsche by Volkswagen had a significant impact on both companies.

For Volkswagen, it meant that the company could expand its portfolio of brands and increase its market share.

It also gave Volkswagen access to Porsche’s expertise in high-performance sports cars, which could be leveraged across the Volkswagen Group.

For Porsche, the acquisition meant that the company could benefit from Volkswagen’s financial and operational resources.

It also gave Porsche access to Volkswagen’s global distribution network, which could help the company expand its reach and increase sales.

Overall, the acquisition of Porsche by Volkswagen was a strategic move that benefited both companies.

It helped Volkswagen strengthen its position in the automotive industry and gave Porsche access to the resources it needed to continue to grow and innovate.

Current State of Volkswagen and Porsche

Volkswagen’s ownership of Porsche today

As of the current date, May 3rd, 2023, Volkswagen AG owns Porsche AG.

In 2012, Volkswagen acquired the remaining 50.1% of Porsche AG that it did not already own. This acquisition was the result of a long and complex history between the two companies.

The benefits of the acquisition for both companies

The acquisition of Porsche by Volkswagen has been beneficial for both companies. Volkswagen has been able to expand its portfolio of brands, including luxury brands such as Porsche, and has increased its market share in the automotive industry.

Porsche, on the other hand, has been able to benefit from Volkswagen’s resources and expertise in areas such as production and distribution.

The acquisition has also allowed for greater collaboration between the two companies.

For example, Porsche has been able to use Volkswagen’s modular platform system for its SUV models, which has helped to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

The Future of Volkswagen and Porsche

Looking to the future, Volkswagen and Porsche are both continuing to innovate and develop new technologies.

Volkswagen has committed to investing heavily in electric vehicles and has plans to launch several new models in the coming years.

Porsche has also been developing electric vehicles, including the Taycan, which has been well-received by consumers and critics alike.

In addition to electric vehicles, both companies are also focused on developing autonomous driving technologies and improving the connectivity of their vehicles.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Volkswagen and Porsche are well-positioned to remain leaders in the field.

Overall, the acquisition of Porsche by Volkswagen has been a successful one, and both companies are poised for continued success in the future.