24 Votes

Who Can It Be Now? Volkswagen Prepares To Aquire Two More Brands This Year

Agent009 submitted on 9/16/2009 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 4:52:32 PM

51 user comments | Category: Misc News | Source: | SOURCE: www.drive.com.au

The iconic head of Volkswagen's supervisory board, Ferdinand Piech, said Monday that Europe's biggest car maker should have two more brands.

"Twelve is a good number," Piech told media during an event organised by VW ahead of the 63rd Frankfurt auto show which opens Thursday.

VW already has 10 brands, and is integrating its latest acquisition, Porsche, among others that include Audi, Lamborghini, Seat and VW.

Piech declined however to name the brands he would like to add next.

"Talks are already underway," he noted. "Let yourself be surprised this year."

2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Photo Gallery

AutoSpies.com Photo Galleries

If you want to see your photos running on our homepage photo ticker, be sure to upload your photos on the go by sending them to Mobile@AutoSpies.com

Share on Facebook

There are photos and then there are AutoSpies.com photos!

AutoSpies.com is ranked number one on Google search for auto shows

The 2009 Franfurt Motor Show gallery is sponsored by Lexus.

Read Article

About the Author

"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
— Agent009 (View Profile)

User Comments

If you cannot build quality, then you must buy quantity!
— 009load (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 5:23:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Thats a good motto, except VW does build quality...
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 5:28:23 PM | | Votes: 1

VW is average. To say they are high quality is as correct as saying they are low quality. Just because parts cost more doesn't mean they are "worth" more.
— Joe_Limon (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 5:54:00 PM | | Votes: 3

and I suppose the article is talking about the brand VW rather than the company VW???

The VW brand is not buying the other two brand. VW company is buying it and VW AG surely has lots of quality, though it also has quantity. If you do not think VW AG has quality in its stable, you should do some research.
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 11:22:44 PM | | Votes: 0

And by that same research it shows that everyone is producing quality cars... meaning that vw is still average.
— Joe_Limon (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 2:00:44 AM | | Votes: 0

OF COURSE THEY HAVE QUALITY AFTER PURCHASING THOSE EXOTIC CAR COMPANIES AND TAKING STUFF THEY PUT OUT. VW WAS CRAP JUST LIKE GM AND CHRYSLER BACK IN THE 80'S AND 90'S AND i ALWAYS READ BLOGS WHERE PEOPLE HAVE THEIR vw'S IN THE SHOP THAN ON THE ROAD AND THIS HAS BEEN FOR YEARS SO I DONT SEE WHERE THEY ARE GETTING THEIR QUALITY FROM OR MAYBE YOU CAN EXPLAIN IT TO ME...........ThierryHenry14..........
— B7FAN (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 12:21:02 PM | | Votes: -1

B7FAN - of course. We are talking about two different items. VW as an automaker is of average mass market quality. VW as a company does have some quality in the stable ie Bentley, Audi, Bugatti, etc. They get quality out of what they purchased.

Joe Lemon - If you have five $10 million homes, that makes each home average in the group, but it does not mean that it is average. I'm not saying that VW is a $10 million house. I'm just saying that, for example, if you have NYC, where there are $20m penthouses, but there are also 500k studios. Does that mean NYC property is an average price? No, it means that certain neighborhoods lack quality, but overall, which I am talking about VW as a company overall, has quality. It doesnt mean that a particular piece has quality, it means that the company in total has quality. Now is NYC the only place to live? No. Just as VW is not the only car company.
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 2:02:17 PM | | Votes: 0

to make it simple for you guys, its all relative...
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 2:02:36 PM | | Votes: 0

Saab and Volvo?

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 5:55:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Volvo sounds good to me for one
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 8:36:44 AM | | Votes: 0

BMW and Mercedes
— sdcarguy (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 6:04:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

Good geuss, it may happen since the two where speaking of merger a few months ago.
— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 6:07:18 PM | | Votes: 1

Those two were my guess. Both Mercedes and BMW are financially hurting. Talks of Damiler and BMW combining to save themselves, partnering with Toyota or Renault.........

VW could purchase one or both cheap right now.
— Invisible (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 2:04:19 PM | | Votes: 2

I don't think that's a good idea for VW, BMW OR MB. A lack of competition can be a very bad thing for a company.

I think the best option for them would be something outside of the conventional automobile. Say, MAN plus a motorcycle company. If they buy up MAN they can finally make the big truck company they wanted with their own truck brand and Scania. And they need a motorcycle company as well. I've always wondered why they haven't resurrected the NSU brand for motorcycles.
— audispy (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 5:13:39 PM | | Votes: 1

Volvo definitely.

Who else.........time will tell.
— SteedPub (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 6:17:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

According to the latest news, Geely is going to take over Volvo.
I don't see how Volvo could benefit VW/Audi.

— MSP6 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 7:54:12 PM | | Votes: 3

009, didnt you get my article stating that the two brands are likely Suzuki so that they can have significant presence in Japan and Ducati!?! I submitted it yesterday morning!!!
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 6:57:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

They pick and choose what they want to post, and oo9 is trying to figure how to take your article and dis Obama with it.
— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 5:28:36 AM | | Votes: -1

0-60 I may have missed it, some mornings there can be 50 or so submissions so it is quite possible. 1UAW to say we pick and choose is correct, we have to, or the articles you post would be lost on page 4 by 9:00 AM.

It doesn't do anyone much good to post everything, that is unless you want to see the same Lexus article 9 times in one day, or want to sort through personal injury lawyer ads disguised as news.

It isn't perfect by any means but it does work.
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 8:44:55 AM | | Votes: 2

Good call Agent009. Yes, many forums are overrun with UAW employees posting ""news"" about other car companies where they have scoured the web looking for articles on ambulance chasing lawyers looking for a quick buck from a big auto corporation.
— Invisible (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 2:08:51 PM | | Votes: 2

It's actually gonna be three, according to what I heard. They exclude the truck manufacturer MAN (that VW has had a really good relationship with over the years) from this bit of news.
— tango (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 8:27:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Piech, the madman is at it again. Delusions of grandeur. Remind you of someone named "Adolf"? VW will be "biggest-selling" brand in the world only because it will gobble up the competition.
If you can't beat them, join them.
— avanti64 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 11:40:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Gobbling up the competition worked for Microsoft, why beat em when you can buy em?

I have to admit every time I hear of VW taking over someone it seems I can hear a mad scientist laughing in the background.
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 8:56:21 AM | | Votes: 1

The Volkswagen Group's 10 marques already cover every segment of the auto industry. Why would they want two more?
— Audiphile (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 11:53:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

There are lots of deals out there right now, and they need a motorcycle line, and maybe another luxury unit.
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 8:58:18 AM | | Votes: 1

TOYOTA is who Piech is in talks with. VW is looking to pull a Porsche by buying Toyota because that's the only way they can beat Toyota. It looks like they might be able to do it since Toyota blew billions on hybrids as no one else wants to license the technology so all R/D costs are wasted. They also lost billions in this GOP sponsored economic mess. It's the end of the road for Toyota.
— Badgewhore (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 12:10:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I didnt even Consider that one Badge, good one!!!
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 12:17:17 AM | | Votes: -3

HA the country of Japan is part owner of Toyota and will never sale, You cant even buy a mojority of the stock offerd cuz it will be blocked.
— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 5:30:51 AM | | Votes: -1

-1UAW "You cant even buy a mojority of the stock offerd cuz it will be blocked."

That sounds just like GM. Owned by the USA, and no stocks are available to buy period!
— Invisible (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 2:12:10 PM | | Votes: 2

1. I can see VW Capturing a Chinese Make to justify selling even lower cost cars than what they currently sell in China.

2. I can see VW taking over MG/Roewe.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 12:11:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

3. I can see VW taking over Pontiac.

4. I can see VW taking over Suzuki.

5. I can see VW taking over Honda, but thats 10-20 years out. They will be more than willing to pay the steep sum it will cost to buy a Majority Stake in Honda.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 12:15:21 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

You don't have a clue Buddy, Pontiac is not an automaker, it's a brand. It still exist, the brand is own by GM and being shelved.
— MSP6 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 1:27:14 PM | | Votes: 3

Hyundaismoke,

8 - I can see VW taking over Hyundai/KIA a close them so you get PISSED
— MSP6 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 1:31:34 PM | | Votes: 4

That would be comical. VW buys out Hyundai/Kia just to shut them down.
— Invisible (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 2:13:52 PM | | Votes: 3

It's easy Volvo cars and Volvo Trucks
— OBSERVER1984 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 5:06:34 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

That's the beginning of the end for VW. We all saw what happens with companies with many brands - GM, Ford, Daimler-Chrysler, FIAT and so on. The gold formula is "small" corporation with 2-4 brands like:

1. Toyota - Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu, Hino
2. Honda - Honda, Acura
3. Renault-Nissan - Renault, Dacia, Nissan, Infiniti
4. BMW - BMW, Rolls-Royce, Mini
5. Daimler - Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Maybach
6. Hyundai-Kia - Hyundai, Kia
7. PSA - Peugeot, Citroen

That's why I believe that New Ford (Ford, Mercury,Lincoln +/- Volvo and Mazda) and New GM (Buick, Chevy, GMC, Cadillac and Daewoo) will have good future. But huge corporations like FIAT-Chrysler (9 brands)and VW (10 +/- 2 brands) are doomed!
— OBSERVER1984 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 5:22:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

When listing Toyota brands, you forgot SCION, percentages of Subaru, Isuzu...
— Invisible (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 2:15:23 PM | | Votes: 3

Hyundai/KIA is 4th global sales already. There has to be a major change in the market for us to go back to 6.

This is more Probable:

1. VW/Audi and the 8 others #1

2. Hyundai/KIA

3. Toyota/Lexus/Scion/Subaru/Hino/Daihastsu, GM?

4. Renault-Nissan-and the rest, GM?

5. Honda? PSA? BMW? Ford?

Global sales trends show that this will occur in 5 years, and this market cycle will last that long, and product lines from these brands will improve or Deteriorate depending on OE.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 6:34:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

VW will definately buy something asian. Perhaps even more than just one asian brand. It would make sense to buy something that has a global image and something that has local image. Honda would be expensive, but smart buy probably. Hyundai would be interesting. Or something china only, even though they already rule the market there.

We can forget about european brands, too expensive. Something american would make sense, since the value of american brands is probably the lowest in the world, but they still have presence and some IPR.

If I were Volkswagen, I would buy Honda/Hyundai and something with great India presence.
— andraz (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 6:39:38 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

It would make since to buy out Hyundai, as you would have a lower class vehicle to appeal to shoppers who are just looking to get from point A to point B.
— PerformanceGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 1:48:17 PM | | Votes: 3

VW/Audi-Improve
Hyundai/KIA-Improve
Ford-Improve

Toyota-Deteriorate
Renault-Nissan -Deteriorate

Honda-Stay the same

PSA-Toss Up
GM-Toss Up
BMW-Toss Up

That's what I see in 5 years, and in 2 years with a banquet of new product on the lot we will know so much better about the next 3 afterwards.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 6:40:17 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

this is a very american view to be honest.
— andraz (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 9:19:02 AM | | Votes: 2

With Hyundai's superior capital, I actually see them Buying VW, maybe even a future GM in turmoil (In which that will happen again). However, keeping them as a friendly competitor that shares parts (they do already with computers-VW uses Hyundai Comps now) would be better.

Cars are a small but growing part of the Hyundai business, remember that. The big wigs in the company, and the SK government wouldnt allow it. Hyundai is up there with Walmart in terms of capital, and probably nobody can buy Hyundai except Walmart, HSBC, etc...

Its a very underestimated sleeping giant that is being woken by current market forces. Like China is Militarilly, and America used to be Pre- WWII Militarilly.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 6:52:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

All you people claiming that this is the end for VW really need to look deeper. The problem is not how many brands you have, it's how they are managed. Plain and simple.

GM did a shit job with most of their acquired brands. There is no other way to put it. It was their demise. Plus, their own products were mediocre and unappealing. Crap products and crap management = crap future for you. Plain and simple.

VW's management has generally ruled with more insight and deeper long-term planning. True, there have been some mistakes along the way like the Passat W8, perhaps the Phaeton (did well in Asia and Europe) and Passat R36, but hey, every management makes mistakes sometimes - and you learn from them.

I can see VW doing a job ranging from ok to splendid in terms of management. It won't be their downfall, that's for sure.
— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 12:24:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I could see them buying out Hyundai/Kia.
— PerformanceGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 1:42:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

How Performance? Thats like Target buying SAM's Club, or Woodforest Bank from Walmart. The Question is, why would Walmart allow that?

Maybe you dont realize that Hyundai makes more money off Trailers for Tractor trailers in America than Cars, or Oil Tankers than cars as well?

Maybe you dont realize Hyundai Construction Equipment such as backhoes and cranes are selling like hot cakes in the US and around the world?

Maybe you dont realize that Hyundai has a very profitable truck and bus business that we in the US never get to see?

Maybe you dont realize that Hyundai owns its own steel processing plants and doesnt just use them to make their products, but sells the steel to other companies as well?

Maybe you dont realize that Hyundai has an electronics business which sells computers to BMW, Merc, and VW/Audi?

Did I also mention that Hyundai has stakes in department store chains etc?

VWs Business=cars

Hyundais business=Almost everything else, then cars.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 4:35:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Cars are just the Cherry to the Sundae for Hyundai, and Hyundai cars are the way to get people to know about their other products.

If Hyundai didnt have cars that were reliable, etc..... its other products wouldnt be half as profitable. Hyundai cars are PR for the rest of the Company.

It would be absolutely stupid for them to sell the car brand.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 4:40:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Performance, you sound like one of those 50-60 year old Suburban White guys who always underestimates everything new, becuase anything new that challenges the status quo= a threat to your world.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 4:44:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

hmm, Mercedes almost aquired BMW back in the day, would be interesting to see what would happen if they did merger. Could VW aquire Opel? Or Mitsu or Honda?
— Inline6 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/18/2009 10:49:09 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I think VW, Hyundai, or the Chinese will end up buying Mitsu. They are in Trouble and Peugeot might drop them and look for another partner.

I know Hyundai and Mitsu have a long history. We went from borrowing Mitsubushi engines to designing them. The Gen Coupes 2.0 Turbo Engine is an upgraded Hyundai Motor that was tested in the Eclipse for 2 years before it went into a Genesis. Mitsubushi is a Hyundai engine testing bed, we use them to work out the kinks in our products, and put them in our products when its tried and true.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/19/2009 11:02:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

It saves us Tons of R&D money, and we have the comfort of knowing that we will have outstanding engines to drop in our cars.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/19/2009 11:05:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Add your Comments

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters): [img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent001.myautospies.com/images/sample.jpg[/img]

Email Me When Someone Replies To My Message

Who Can It Be Now? Volkswagen Prepares To Aquire Two More Brands This Year

About the Author

User Comments

Add your Comments

Submit an article

Photo Galleries

Cars

Autoshows

Latest Articles