What is VAG

Volkswagen Audi Gruppe (VAG), commonly referred to by its acronym, was a term used to refer to the Volkswagen Group from the late 1970s to 1992. While never the official name of the company, it gained widespread usage due to its association with group-wide activities such as distribution and leasing.

History

The origins of VAG can be traced back to the 1960s, when Volkswagen acquired a majority stake in the German automaker Audi. This marked the beginning of the company's expansion strategy, which would see it acquire numerous other brands over the following decades.

Brands

During the period when VAG was used, the Volkswagen Group consisted of the following brands:

• Volkswagen
• Audi
• Škoda
• SEAT
• Bentley
• Lamborghini
• Porsche

These brands offered a wide range of vehicles, from small economy cars to luxury sports cars.

Activities

In addition to its core automotive business, VAG was also involved in a number of other activities, including:

• Financing: Volkswagen Financial Services offered a range of financing products for customers purchasing vehicles from the group's brands.
• Leasing: Volkswagen Leasing offered a range of leasing products for customers who did not want to purchase a vehicle outright.
• Parts and accessories: Volkswagen Group Retail Services offered a range of parts and accessories for vehicles from the group's brands.
• Distribution: Volkswagen Group Sales International was responsible for distributing vehicles from the group's brands to dealerships around the world.

Decline of VAG

The use of the term VAG began to decline in the early 1990s, as the Volkswagen Group increasingly emphasized its individual brands. This was part of a broader strategy to differentiate the group's products and appeal to a wider range of customers.

By 1992, the term VAG had largely been abandoned, and the Volkswagen Group was now the preferred name for the company.

Legacy

Despite its relatively short lifespan, VAG played an important role in the history of the Volkswagen Group. It helped to establish the group as a major international automotive player and laid the foundation for its future growth.

Today

The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest car manufacturers. It owns a number of well-known brands, including Volkswagen, Audi, Škoda, SEAT, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Ducati. The group also has a number of subsidiaries and strategic partnerships across heavy commercial vehicles, engineering, software, financial services, and mobility solutions.

The Volkswagen Group is committed to providing its customers with attractive, safe, and environmentally friendly vehicles and mobility-related services. The group is also working to become a leader in sustainable mobility by 2030.