Since the mid-50s, Volkswagen has captivated the hearts of car enthusiasts across Mexico, thanks to its iconic “Vochito” and the emblematic “combi”. From its humble beginnings in 1937, this brand has grown into a global phenomenon, with sales in over 150 countries. Today, Volkswagen is part of a prestigious group that is among the largest in the world, headquartered in Germany.
Volkswagen boasts one of the most enviable brand portfolios in the market, comprising Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Skoda, Bentley, and Lamborghini. The group also takes pride in Scania, MAN, and Ducati. In 2022, the group sold an astounding 8 million vehicles.
Each brand under the group’s umbrella possesses its unique identity and focuses on a particular market segment. Volkswagen is renowned for crafting high-quality family cars that stand the test of time, while Porsche is dedicated to producing luxury sports cars that exude speed and extravagance.
Skoda is an affordable yet chic brand that provides unmatched value for money, while Lamborghini sets the bar high with its exotic design and exclusivity. With such a diverse portfolio, it’s no wonder Volkswagen Group is a force to reckon with in the automotive industry.
Volkswagen
Embark on a journey through time as we delve into the fascinating history of the Volkswagen brand in Mexico. Back in 1954, the brand made its triumphant entry into the Mexican market with the arrival of the iconic Volkswagen Sedan, fondly known as the “Vocho.”
Fast forward to March 7, 1973, a monumental milestone was achieved when exports of 30,000 Safari units marked the first instance of cars entirely manufactured in Mexico being sold in the US market. It was a remarkable achievement that elevated the brand’s status to unprecedented heights.
Today, the Volkswagen brand continues to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence. The Puebla plant produces some of the most sought-after models, including the sleek and stylish Jetta, the rugged and dependable Tiguan, and the revolutionary Taos.
As the world continues to embrace electric vehicles, Volkswagen is at the forefront of this electrifying revolution. The brand recently announced a staggering investment of 763 million dollars to produce electric vehicles, a testament to its unwavering commitment to sustainability and a cleaner, greener future.
AUDI
In 1909, August Horch, the founder of the Horch company in Germany, lost a lawsuit and decided to found another company now with the name Audi, and on June 29, 1932, the Audi logo was born, with four interlocking rings.
Volkswagen bought Audi in 1964, although full control of the brand occurred two years later, in 1966. Currently, it is one of the three best-selling premium brands in the Mexican market, in addition to BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
SEAT
Experience the allure of a brand steeped in history and culture! Hailing from sunny Spain, the Spanish Tourism Automobile Society, or “Cupra” for short, has been at the forefront of automotive innovation since 1950. Nestled in the picturesque city of Martorell, Barcelona, Cupra’s headquarters are a testament to the company’s dedication to precision and design.
In 2018, Cupra emerged as a division of SEAT, a move that sparked a new era of automotive excellence. With a focus on performance and luxury, Cupra quickly made a name for itself in the industry. Fast forward three years to 2021, and Cupra has now blossomed into an independent company, proudly joining the illustrious Volkswagen Group.
ŠKODA
Once a humble producer of bicycles and motorcycles, a new era dawned for the company in March 1991. Through a fortuitous partnership with none other than Volkswagen, a metamorphosis took place, resulting in the birth of Škoda – a joint-stock company poised to take the automotive industry by storm.
BENTLEY
Behold, a purveyor of opulent automobiles with roots in the United Kingdom! This esteemed company was established in England on the illustrious date of January 18th, 1919.
Alas, the crushing blow of the Great Depression in 1929 saw Bentley teetering on the edge of financial ruin. However, in a stroke of fate, the iconic Rolls-Royce brand stepped in to acquire the company, preserving its legacy for generations to come. For many decades, Bentley remained under the stewardship of Rolls-Royce, until finally in 1998, the baton was passed to the Volkswagen Group.
BUGATTI
Experience the allure of Bugatti, the prestigious French automotive brand established in 1909 by the visionary Ettore Bugatti in the enchanting town of Molsheim, Italy. Despite facing bankruptcy in 1995 under Romano Artioli’s management, Bugatti rose from the ashes with a new lease on life, thanks to the Volkswagen Group, who took the reins and relocated the headquarters back to Molsheim in the late ’90s. This marked the beginning of a new era for Bugatti, culminating in the exceptional luxury vehicles and unparalleled innovation we see today.
LAMBORGHINI
Established in the iconic year 1963, Automobili Lamborghini boasts its headquarters in the picturesque Sant’Agata Bolognese, located in the province of Bologna. It is a brand that exudes the epitome of luxury and precision engineering, crafting some of the most sought-after supercars on the planet. With a rich history spanning several decades, Lamborghini has been consistently pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation. Notably, in 1998, Volkswagen Group acquired the prestigious brand, further elevating its already remarkable reputation.
PORSCHE
Porsche was founded in 1931 with partners Adolf Rosenberger and Anton Piëch. For decades, Porsche collaborated closely with Volkswagen, but they were different companies, and although in 2008 it tried to stay with VW, it did not succeed. In 2012, VW bailed out Porsche.
DUCATI
Indulge in the world of Ducati – the epitome of passion for motorcycle enthusiasts! This iconic Italian brand was introduced to the market by none other than Volkswagen Group Argentina in 2013, and it has been making hearts race ever since.
Ducati’s unbeatable track record speaks for itself, having clinched a staggering 15 out of the last 18 world rider titles. Join the league of winners with Ducati and experience the thrill of the ride like never before!
VOLKSWAGEN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
Discover a range of captivating models in this exquisite line, including the sleek and stylish pick-up, the versatile transporter, and the exceptional crafter.
Experience cutting-edge automotive technology with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ latest venture into electrification. Be among the first to witness the arrival of the highly-anticipated electric Crafter, with 320 units already making their way to Mexico by the end of last year.
SCANIA
Discover the allure of a trailblazing Swedish-based corporation renowned for crafting high-performance heavy-duty trucks, buses, and engines. With over a century of excellence since its inception in 1891, as Maskinfabriks AB Scania, in the vibrant city of Malmö, Scania AB has redefined the art of engineering and innovation in the automotive industry.
Envision the excitement that erupted when Scania AB fused with the prestigious Swedish company Saab in 1969, giving birth to Saab-Scania AB, and paving the way for even greater accomplishments. And in 1999, the iconic Scania AB rose like a phoenix from the ashes of Saab-Scania AB, carving out a new legacy of exceptionalism and creativity that has reverberated across the world.
Today, Scania AB continues to set the benchmark for excellence, with the Volkswagen Group serving as its primary shareholder. Get ready to join the legions of devoted enthusiasts and connoisseurs who have been captivated by the magic of Scania AB!
MAN
For over 15 splendid years, this remarkable company has graced the country of Mexico with its formidable presence. With a grand plant spanning a vast 18,720 square meters in the picturesque region of Querétaro, this company is dedicated to assembling more than eight of the world-renowned Volkswagen brand models.
And that’s not all! In the year 2022, the company made an electrifying breakthrough by launching the highly-anticipated e-Delivery, a 100% electric vehicle that is sure to revolutionize the Mexican automotive industry. With this eco-friendly masterpiece, this company is leading the way toward a greener and more sustainable future for all.
