Understanding the Founder and History of the Volkswagen Group

The Volkswagen brand, often confused as the founder of the group, is not the original originator. Instead, the current Volkswagen AG, also known as Volkswagen Group, is the same company that has acquired numerous other brands over the years. Contrary to popular belief, the company was founded in 1937, and the word "group" in the official name merely indicates the presence of multiple brands under one umbrella. This article explores the true history of the Volkswagen Group, the role of Ferdinand Porsche, and how various brands came to be part of it.

The True Founder of Volkswagen

Ferdinand Porsche is widely recognized as the founder of Volkswagen. However, the initiative behind the development of the Volkswagen car originated in the early 1930s with the German government, primarily under the direction of the Nazi regime. Adolf Hitler, a proponent of automotive technology, saw the potential in making a car affordable enough for the masses. This vision was heavily influenced by Henry Ford's success, who had previously made the Model T accessible to the American public.

Hatred and admiration between the Nazi government and Henry Ford existed; nonetheless, during the early years of the regime, they maintained a cooperative relationship. Ford licensed their designs to the Nazis, and Ford's brand became synonymous with Nazi Germany during that period. The connection between Ford and the Nazis eventually deteriorated, with some historical evidence suggesting that Ford's opinions of the Nazi regime evolved over time. However, this did not affect the core mission of Volkswagen, which was to provide an affordable car for the people, effectively becoming what is now known as the "people's car."

The Formation and Evolution of the Volkswagen Group

The Volkswagen Group, as we now know it, began with the establishment of Volkswagen in 1937, followed by its transformation into Volkswagen AG in 1955. Over the years, this company has acquired numerous other brands, each with its own unique history. Some of these brands trace their origins back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making them older than the Volkswagen brand itself.

For example, Audi, a well-known German luxury brand, has a complex history. The company was founded in various forms in 1868, 1909, and 1932. However, it was not until 1932 that the current Audi brand emerged under the leadership of August Horch, a master craftsman in automotive engineering. The famous horch mark was later changed to Audi, which means "hear" in Latin, signifying the company's commitment to clear and concise communication.

Felipe Wander (Laurin Klement) was another early manufacturer that preceded Audi's involvement with what is now known as the VW Group. Founded in 1895, it was renamed to Klement in 1910 and later purchased by the current name, Klement Auto, in 1925. The company was then renamed to current Klement Auto and later finally to Audi in 1932 after its acquisition by the group.

The brands of Bentley, Lamborghini, and SEAT are comparatively more recent additions to the Group. Bentley, founded in 1919, was originally a manufacturer of luxury engines and later turned to automobile manufacturing. Lamborghini, established in 1963, was also somewhat of a latecomer, catering to the discerning tastes of the wealthy.