What is Volkswagen’s history?
Volkswagen Group, major German automobile manufacturer, founded by the German government in 1937 to mass-produce a low-priced “people’s car. Headquarters are in Wolfsburg, Germany. The company was originally operated by the German Labour Front (Deutsche Arbeitsfront), a Nazi organization. Amongst the three largest auto manufacturing groups based in Germany, Volkswagen Group produced the most revenue from worldwide operations in 2024 with nearly 325 billion euros generated.Audi AG (German: [ˈaʊ̯di ʔaːˈɡeː]) is a German automotive manufacturer of luxury vehicles headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. A wholly owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, Audi produces vehicles in nine production facilities worldwide.When comparing the BMW brand to the Volkswagen brand, BMW has the advantage in the areas of horsepower, towing capacity and variety of models offered. Volkswagen has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, used car pricing, depreciation, fuel efficiency, overall quality, reliability, safety and retained value.Volkswagen (VW) and BMW are two of Germany’s biggest car manufacturers, but many drivers often confuse their ownership structures. A common question is: “Does VW own BMW? The short answer is no. VW Group and BMW Group are completely separate companies, each with its own brands, subsidiaries, and strategy.
Is VW owned by BMW?
No, BMW is not owned by Volkswagen. Many VW owners praise their cars for their longevity and low maintenance costs. On the other hand, BMW vehicles are known for their performance and driving pleasure. While BMWs can require more maintenance, they offer a thrilling driving experience that many enthusiasts appreciate.Do VW cars last long? Known for longevity, most Volkswagen vehicles last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles. Properly maintained models can even outlast the upper limit!Volkswagen’s maintenance costs generally fall between those of budget brands like Toyota and luxury brands like BMW.Are used Volkswagens reliable? With proper maintenance and the right model choice, they can deliver years of dependable performance, strong safety ratings, and premium German engineering—especially when backed by Volkswagen’s Certified Pre-Owned program.
Is Volkswagen owned by BMW?
Volkswagen (VW) and BMW are two of Germany’s biggest car manufacturers, but many drivers often confuse their ownership structures. A common question is: “Does VW own BMW? The short answer is no. VW Group and BMW Group are completely separate companies, each with its own brands, subsidiaries, and strategy. No, BMW is not owned by Volkswagen. BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a separate German company that owns MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW and Volkswagen are competitors in both the premium and electric car markets.BMW is an independent company that owns MINI and Rolls-Royce, and is not part of VW Group.
Is VW a luxury car brand?
However, a common question that arises is, “Is Volkswagen a luxury brand? No, Volkswagen is not considered a luxury brand. While Volkswagen does offer some higher-end models with more premium features, the brand as a whole is positioned as a mainstream automaker rather than a luxury brand. Affordability: Despite its luxurious features and superior craftsmanship, Volkswagen remains an accessible brand, providing exceptional value for money. You can enjoy the benefits of a luxury vehicle without breaking the bank.The Volkswagen Golf maintained its position as Germany’s best-selling car model at the start of 2025. It was followed by the VW T-Roc, Germany’s favorite SUV / Crossover and the VW Tiguan, the best-selling SUV Geländewagen. The VW Passat was the fourth most popular car model thus far in 2025.Volkswagen’s brand policy had been mainly focussed on Bentley cars from the outset. By its acquisition, the Volkswagen Group made a successful entry into the luxury segment.How Long Do Volkswagens Last? You’ve probably heard a neighbor say their Volkswagen went over 200,000 km, and it’s true. Many Volkswagen models are known for their longevity, especially if properly maintained. Popular models like the Jetta, Golf, and Passat are frequently spotted on the road with well over 150,000 km.
Are Volkswagens expensive to maintain?
In a list of 30 popular auto brands, Volkswagen’s service costs were lower than those of 21 different brands over ten years. That means Volkswagen cars and SUVs are relatively inexpensive to maintain compared to other brands. Why are VW repair costs so low? Audi: Over time, maintaining an Audi will generally cost more than a VW, especially once the vehicle is out of warranty. Audi’s more sophisticated engineering and luxury features mean that both parts and labor will cost more as the vehicle ages. Volkswagen: VW models tend to have lower long-term maintenance costs.Hyundai versus Volkswagen: Pricing and Value: Analyzing Hyundai versus Volkswagen pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Hyundai in 5 out of 9 vehicle comparisons. In contrast, Volkswagen has lower used vehicle starting prices in 4 out of 7 vehicle comparisons.In a list of 30 popular auto brands, Volkswagen’s service costs were lower than those of 21 different brands over ten years. That means Volkswagen cars and SUVs are relatively inexpensive to maintain compared to other brands. Why are VW repair costs so low?
How often do Volkswagens need oil changes?
In general, used Volkswagen cars need an oil change every six months or every 5,000 miles. New models, however, require less frequent care and can go longer between Volkswagen oil changes. In the past, cars typically needed an oil change every 3,000 miles, but modern lubricants now allow for a much longer interval between services — from 5,000 to 7,500 miles and even up to 15,000 miles if your car uses full-synthetic motor oil.Despite today’s remarkable advances in oil chemistry and engine technology, replacing oil every 4,500 kilometers (3,000 miles) is still considered necessary. In fact, most carmakers state in their service manuals the interval should be either 11,000 or 15,000 kilometers (7,500 or 10,000 miles).No, you should change your oil every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. Skipping oil changes for over a year can lead to serious engine damage.The Volkswagen oil change price depends on the oil your vehicle requires. Synthetic oil tends to cost more than conventional oil and costs between $45 to $70 on average. This is because it lasts longer than regular oil and is designed for vehicles with high-performance engines.In general, used Volkswagen cars need an oil change every six months or every 5,000 miles. New models, however, require less frequent care and can go longer between Volkswagen oil changes.