Audi is owned and built by Volkswagen Group

Audi is a luxury car brand owned by Volkswagen Group, a German multinational automotive corporation. Volkswagen Group acquired Audi in 1966 and has owned it ever since. Audi operates as a separate brand within the group, meaning it designs and markets its own vehicles under the Audi name, but shares manufacturing facilities, engineering resources, and component suppliers with other Volkswagen Group brands like Volkswagen, Porsche, Skoda, and Bentley.

The parent company, Volkswagen Group, is headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Audi itself is headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany, where the brand was founded in 1909. While Volkswagen Group owns Audi, the brand maintains its own identity, design language, and product lineup focused on the premium and luxury segments of the market. This ownership structure has allowed Audi to grow from a regional German automaker into a global luxury brand competing with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Key Takeaways

  • Volkswagen Group, a German multinational corporation, owns Audi and has since 1966.
  • Audi vehicles are manufactured in multiple countries including Germany, Hungary, Belgium, Mexico, and China, depending on the model.
  • The brand's headquarters and primary manufacturing hub is in Ingolstadt, Germany, where Audi was originally founded in 1909.
  • Audi shares engineering, design, and supply chain resources with other Volkswagen Group brands but operates as a distinct luxury brand with its own design and marketing teams.
  • You can find where your specific Audi was built by checking the door jamb label on the driver's side, which contains the plant code.

Where Audi vehicles are manufactured

Audi operates manufacturing plants across multiple countries. The main production facility is in Ingolstadt, Germany, which builds several core Audi models. A second major German plant is located in Neckarsulm, also in Germany, which produces additional Audi vehicles including some high-performance models. These two German facilities represent Audi's largest and most established production centers.

Beyond Germany, Audi has manufacturing operations in Hungary (Győr), Belgium (Brussels), Mexico (San José Chiapa), and China (Changchun and Foshan). The specific location where your Audi was built depends on the model and year. For example, some A4 sedans are built in Germany, while certain models sold in North America may be produced in Mexico. Chinese plants primarily serve the Asian market and produce vehicles designed for regional demand.

You can find where your specific vehicle was manufactured by checking the door jamb label on the driver's side, which lists the plant code. Alternatively, your vehicle's documentation or the dealership can tell you the production location. The plant code typically appears as a letter or combination of letters and numbers that corresponds to one of Audi's global facilities.

How Audi fits within Volkswagen Group's structure

Volkswagen Group operates as a holding company that owns multiple automotive brands, each with its own market position and customer base. Audi sits in the premium segment, positioned above the mass-market Volkswagen brand but below ultra-luxury brands like Porsche and Bentley within the group's portfolio. This tiered structure allows the group to serve different customer segments across the global automotive market.

This ownership structure allows Audi to benefit from the group's scale in purchasing components, developing shared platforms, and investing in technology like electric powertrains and autonomous driving systems. At the same time, Audi maintains control over its design, marketing, and brand strategy. Many Audi vehicles share underlying platforms and engines with Volkswagen models, but the exterior design, interior materials, and feature sets are distinctly Audi. This balance between shared resources and brand independence is central to how Volkswagen Group manages its portfolio.

Audi's design and engineering teams

Audi employs its own design and engineering staff based primarily in Ingolstadt, Germany. The brand's design studio creates the visual identity and styling of Audi vehicles, while engineering teams develop powertrains, chassis systems, and vehicle architecture. These teams work independently from other Volkswagen Group brands, though they may collaborate on shared platforms or technology development when it serves both brands' interests.

Audi's research and development operations focus on areas like electric vehicle technology, battery systems, and software platforms. The brand has invested heavily in electrification, with multiple all-electric models now in production or development. This engineering work happens within Audi's own facilities and in collaboration with other Volkswagen Group resources. The brand's commitment to innovation has made it a leader in premium vehicle technology and design.

Audi's history and brand identity

Audi was founded in 1909 in Ingolstadt, Germany, by August Horch. The brand built a reputation for engineering precision and innovation in the early automotive era. In 1932, Audi merged with three other German automakers to form Auto Union, which later became known for its racing heritage and performance vehicles. After World War II, the Audi brand was revived, and Volkswagen acquired it in 1966.

Under Volkswagen Group ownership, Audi expanded from a regional German brand into a global luxury automaker. The brand introduced the Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive system in 1980, which became a signature technology and competitive advantage. Today, Audi sells vehicles in more than 100 countries and is one of the world's leading premium automotive brands. The brand's heritage of engineering excellence and innovation continues to define its market position and customer appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Audi a German company?

Audi is a German brand headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany, and owned by Volkswagen Group, also a German company. However, Audi vehicles are manufactured in multiple countries including Germany, Hungary, Belgium, Mexico, and China, so not all Audis are built in Germany.

Does Volkswagen own Audi?

Yes. Volkswagen Group, the parent corporation, has owned Audi since 1966. Volkswagen Group is a separate entity from the Volkswagen brand itself — the group owns multiple brands including Audi, Porsche, Skoda, Bentley, and others.

Are Audi and Volkswagen the same company?

Audi and Volkswagen are both owned by Volkswagen Group, but they are separate brands with different market positions, designs, and customer bases. Volkswagen is a mass-market brand, while Audi is positioned as a premium luxury brand. They may share some underlying platforms and components, but operate independently.

Where is Audi's main factory?

Audi's primary manufacturing facility is in Ingolstadt, Germany, where the brand was founded. A second major plant operates in Neckarsulm, Germany. Additional plants in Hungary, Belgium, Mexico, and China also produce Audi vehicles for regional markets.

Can I tell where my Audi was made?

Yes. Check the door jamb label on the driver's side of your vehicle — it contains a plant code that identifies which factory built your car. Your dealership or vehicle documentation can also tell you the production location if you provide your vehicle identification number.