Volkswagen
Company: Volkswagen AG
Brand value: US$6,879 million
Change since 2018: 6%
Headquarter city: Wolfsburg/Germany
Category: Cars
Year formed: 1937
Volkswagen is one of the most successful mid-market carmakers in the world. The brand became famous for classic designs such as the Beetle, the Bulli campervan and the Golf, and is now known for models such as the Jetta saloon car and the Tiguan SUV. The brand is in the process of recovering from the “Dieselgate” emissions scandal, focusing on new mobility trends and demands for more innovative engine technology. In 2019, VW is launching an e-mobility car-sharing service in Berlin called “We Share”, with 2,000 all-electric vehicles. Under the Volkswagen Together Strategy 2025 vision, the brand is seeking to be the world’s leading provider of sustainable mobility. The I.D. Crozz electric vehicle is due to begin sales in 2020. Advertising has dropped the long-standing “Das Auto” tagline and simply uses “Volkswagen”, which means “The People’s Car”. VW sponsors sports teams and programmes in the arts, education and infrastructure. Its biggest market is China.