Car Service Atlanta Archives - Autobahn Performance

Why Are My Brakes Squealing?

December 20, 2022 By audi vw mechanic

Avoid causing expensive car damage by failing to address your squealing brakes. Brakes can squeal, squeak, or grind for a number of reasons, some of which must be addressed immediately for your safety on the road.

Autobahn gathered information about why your brakes may squeal, squeak, and grind, and how to get them fixed.

Reasons Your Brakes Squeal, Squeak, and Grind

When the most powerful system of your vehicle (your anti-lock brake system) starts to squeal, squeak, or grind, it’s an indication that something is wrong and should be checked out. The following are some of the reasons your brake system may squeal, squeak, or grind:

Worn Brake Pads – When the friction material on your brake pads wears down, the steel backing of the brake pad makes contact with the rotor (disk) producing a squeal and/or grinding sound.

According to cars.com Some brake pads are equipped with a wear indicator that makes contact with the rotor and emits a high pitched squeal when it is time for them to be replaced.

By allowing this scenario to persist, you risk severe damage to the rotors and brake calipers, leading to costly damages and potential brake failure on the road.

Insulation Shims – Behind your brake pads, an insulation shim, or silicone insulation gel that prevents the brakes from squealing.

If you just had your brakes replaced or serviced and they are squealing, chances are that the brake pad insulator was not properly installed.

Return to the brake shop and have them inspect the brakes to verify the proper installment of your brake pad insulators.

Glazed Pads or Rotors – A malfunction in the braking system may cause the brakes to stay partially applied. This constant contact creates friction and immense heat, which causes the pads and rotors to harden and crystallize.

When the crystallization of your pads and rotors takes place, the friction used to stop your vehicle is significantly reduced, and they will undoubtedly produce a squealing sound.

Glazed pads must be replaced, and rotors resurfaced to return stopping power to your brake system.

Warped Rotors – As your rotors wear down, the potential for them to warp becomes greater. Once they have warped, they will no longer allow the brake pads to make even contact and will result in a squeal or a squeak.

Warped rotors should be replaced as quickly as possible to avoid brake malfunction or failure while the vehicle is in operation.

Bad Rotor Surfacing – Whenever a brake job is performed, the rotors should be resurfaced to remove any glazing, grooves, or imperfections. Imperfections left on the rotors may cause squealing or squeaking when the brakes are applied.

Once the rotor surface is “true,” a non-directional finish is applied to help break in new brake pads and prevent “ride up.”

When brake pads ride up, they may cause a clicking noise, break the anti-rattle clips, or cause premature wear on the caliper pin.

Weather and Driving Conditions – Factors including dusty conditions, the temperature of the brakes, how hard you use your brakes, and even the humidity level can all cause your brakes to make some noise.

Noises from these factors are temporary and will generally go away after operating the vehicle for several minutes. However, the persistence of these noises is a clear indication that something has gone wrong with your brake system.

NOTE: If you had your brakes serviced or replaced recently, return to the shop and have them fix the issue. This repair should be covered under the terms of the brake job warranty (depending on the warranty and the elapsed time since the brake job).

How Do I Stop My Brakes from Squealing?

When your brakes are intermittently squealing or squeaking, there is a slim possibility that it will go away on its own. When the noises persist into the next day, it is an indication that you need to have your brakes looked at by a trusted mechanic.

When your brakes emit a grinding noise or a “metal on metal” sound, there is no waiting period. This is an urgent situation that requires immediate attention.

The most efficient way to stop your brakes from making noise is to get your vehicle to your mechanic. Often, there is a more significant problem brewing behind noisy brakes, which may lead to severe damage and costly repairs.

Fixing Squealing Brakes

In this article, you discovered the many reasons that brakes squeal, squeak, and grind, and what actions you should take to get them repaired.

By having your brakes inspected and serviced at the first sign of trouble, you ensure your peace of mind while operating your vehicle.

Don’t let your squealing brakes turn into a safety hazard and result in significant damages to your vehicle or a deadly accident.

Sources:
popularmechanics.com/cars/car-technology/a3092/fix-squeaky-brakes/
carkeys.co.uk/guides/should-i-worry-about-squeaky-brakes

Autobahn Performance

6476 Buford Hwy Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 409-8288

Why is My Car Shaking and Engine Losing Power?

January 21, 2022 By audi vw mechanic

Is your car shaking rattling your nerves? Cars and trucks are engineered to ride smoothly, and when they shake, it’s an indication that something is wrong and needs to be fixed.

Vehicles in good operating conditions shouldn’t shake, and knowing how to identify the causes will aid you in avoiding unnecessary expenses when you take your car to a mechanic.

autobahn-performance.com explains some of the reasons you may experience shaking, engine vibration, and power loss.

Automotive Steering Wheel and Brake Pedal Shaking

Any time your vehicle shakes, it can be worrisome and unsettling. When that shaking comes from the steering wheel or brake pedal, here are some of the more common culprits:

Out of Round – Brake rotors can become warped either by excessive braking (riding the brakes), or by sudden braking at speeds over 40mph. This warping is known as “out of round,” and will cause your steering wheel to shake or vibrate when the brakes are applied.

Sticking Brake Caliper – With similar effects to “out of round” rotors, shaking may occur when one of the brake calipers sticks on the rotor.

Unbalanced Tires – When driving at speeds between 45 and 60mph, shaking may occur in the steering wheel due to unbalanced tires or uneven wearing of the tires.

This one can be tricky because the shaking or vibration may disappear at higher or slower speeds. Nevertheless, once you have detected the problem, you should get it diagnosed and repaired as quickly as possible.

CV Axle Shaft Assembly – More commonly associated with a clicking noise while turning, a bad or failing CV axle shaft may also cause your vehicle to shake while braking.

Front Vs. Back Brakes – When steering wheel shaking or vibration is caused by an issue with your front brakes, the shaking will be more prominent when braking. Conversely, when the problem is in the rear brakes, the shaking will be felt more in the brake pedal.

Car Engine Vibration and Power Loss

Engine vibrations resonate throughout the entire vehicle and may result in power loss, indicating a need for an immediate visit to your mechanic. While there are a vast number of reasons your engine may vibrate and lose power, here are some of the more common factors (the check engine light may be triggered by any of the following):

Spark Plugs – When a spark plug fails, your motor will take on a whole new persona. In combustion engines, spark plugs fire in sequence to maintain engine pressure, and provide power to propel the vehicle.

When a spark plug stops firing, the internal pressure of the motor drops (resulting in power loss), and the remaining cylinders are left to compensate (causes vibration and possible violent shaking).

Example: To give you an idea of how to equate the stress of the motor under these circumstances, imagine the car having 3 round tires and one square tire.

Spark Plug Wires – Sometimes called ignition coils or ignition wires, your spark plug wires are responsible for carrying the electrical current to the spark plug, so it can fire in sequence.

When one of these wires fails, the symptoms are almost – if not – identical to a failed spark plug.

If your vehicle is equipped with an RPM gauge, you can catch a failing spark plug wire before it ultimately fails. When stopped at a red light or stop sign, you may notice a slight bounce or repeated dip in the RPM needle. This bounce may also be accompanied by a slight muffling of the engine’s normal sound. This is a common symptom of a plug or wire electrical current problem.

Air or Vacuum Hose – Another common cause for engine vibration and power loss is when air or vacuum hoses come loose, begin to leak, or rupture.

The three necessities for all combustion engines are air, fuel, and spark. If any of the three are delivered out of proper proportion, your engine will struggle, lose power, and vibrate.

Incorrect Gasoline Octane – It may seem counterintuitive, but higher octane gasoline burns slower than its lower octane counterpart.

If your engine is rated for an 87 octane gasoline and you use a higher octane fuel, your engine’s inability to correctly burn the fuel will result in reduced power, higher fuel consumption, and potential engine shaking.

If you’re interested in your car getting better gas mileage, visit autobahn-performance.com/audi-vw/fuel-economy-10-tips-improve-vehicle-gas-mileage/

Engine Sludge – Over time, engine oil can break down and leave deposits throughout your engine. As these deposits accumulate, they form a thick, difficult to remove sludge that can cause power loss, shaking, and can lead to expensive repairs.

Likewise, when your engine’s oil level gets too low, the engine will not be properly lubricated and can lose power, overheat, and result in complete engine failure.

This situation can be avoided by having your oil changed at proper intervals for your vehicle’s make and model. For more on this, read Why and When I Should Get My Oil Changed.

Car Shaking When Stopped or Idling

If your vehicle is shaking when you are idling at a complete stop, the problem is likely to be damaged or broken motor mounts or transmission mounts.

Broken motor or transmission mounts can result in severe motor shaking and should be fixed before causing other serious mechanical problems.

Why Does My Car Shake?

A car that shakes unusually needs to be fixed. Whether it’s the steering wheel, brake pedal, or engine, be attentive because the solution may be easy or a more complex issue.

In this article, you discovered many of the causes of shaking or vibrating in the steering wheel, brake pedal, engine, or the entire vehicle. You also uncovered some of the reasons a motor can lose power.

Your failure to have your car serviced or fixed after detecting vibrations and shaking can result in further mechanical failure, seizing of the motor, and expensive repairs that can be avoided by a simple visit to your mechanic.

Sources:
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.428.9129&rep=rep1&type=pdf
https://xwebforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/possible-causes-of-car-shake-at-70-mph.11840/#post-88444
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w204/424301-engine-vibration-when-stopping-halt.html

Autobahn Performance

6476 Buford Hwy Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 409-8288

What Does IIHS Stand For And Why Are They Important?

January 18, 2022 By audi vw mechanic

Avoid buying an unsafe vehicle or see how safe your current vehicle is by reviewing information provided by the IIHS. Knowing how vehicles perform in IIHS tests can help you avoid the ones likely to cause injuries, property damage, and death when an accident occurs.

autobahn-performance.com gathered information about the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, what their organization represents, and how their influence has consistently improved vehicle safety since their creation.

What Is The IIHS?

The IIHS is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The IIHS, an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization, founded in 1959, was initially intended to support highway safety efforts by other agencies. By 1969, the institute had been reinvented as an independent research organization with the mission to reduce deaths, injuries, and property damages resulting from motor vehicle crashes.

IIHS research looks into:

• Human Factors – behaviors
• Vehicle Research – safety features
• Physical Environment Research – bettering roadways and eliminating roadside hazards

Since 1979, fatalities on roads in the U.S. have fallen while the population and number of vehicles have increased. This improvement is attributed to IIHS research and safer vehicles. IIHS continues to seek ways of improving roadway design and driver behavior while encouraging the auto industry to continuously improve vehicle safety features.

In 1972, the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) was organized as an affiliate of IIHS with the mission of analyzing and publishing insurance loss data on most vehicle models on U.S. roadways.

To see the full list of auto insurers and insurance associations that wholly support both organizations, visit iihs.org/about-us/member-groups

What Is An IIHS Vehicle Rating?

There are two ways that IIHS tests evaluate a vehicle’s safety performance:

Crashworthiness – How well the vehicle performs at protecting its occupants in a crash. These tests include:

• Small overlap front (driver-side)
• Small overlap front (passenger-side)
• Moderate overlap front
• Side
• Roof strength
• Head restraints and seats

Crash Avoidance And Mitigation – Rates the technology used to prevent a crash or lessen its severity. These tests include:

• Headlights
• Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle
• Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-person

Test results are rated using the following scale:

• (P) poor
• (M) marginal
• (A) acceptable
• (G) good

Other results are rated as:

• Basic (one green bar)
• Advanced (two green bars)
• Superior (three green bars)

You can see the results of your current vehicle or one you want to purchase by entering the make and model in the search field found at iihs.org/ratings

Resulting from these ratings, the IIHS produces annual lists called “Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick +,” which identify the top-performing vehicles through IIHS safety tests. Many models from Audi, Lexus, BMW, Hyundai, and Chevrolet are consistently rated among the top of their respective classes.

To see a full list of this year’s Safety Pick and Safety Pick+ winners, visit iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks You can also search previous winners dating back to 2006.

Read more about life-saving technology and features to look for in your next vehicle at autobahn-performance.com/audi-vw/new-car-safety-technology-features/

IIHS Milestones

Many of the improvements achieved on U.S. roadways over the past 60 years have resulted from IIHS work and research. The following are some of the more significant IIHS milestones:

1968 – IIHS begins bumper tests, which lead to federal bumper standards
1973 – IIHS research provides the scientific basis for making 21 the legal age for purchasing alcohol in all 50 states.
1979 – IIHS test results demonstrate a tendency for the Jeep CJ to roll over. These results lead to the government mandating rollover warnings in some vehicles.
1994 – Automakers improve vehicle designs after IIHS begins offset crash testing to rate frontal crashworthiness.
Early 2000’s – IIHS launches side-impact crash tests and a dynamic test simulating rear impacts. These tests prompt automakers to improve vehicle designs once again.
2013 – IIHS begins testing advanced crash avoidance technology.
2016 – IIHS begins rating headlights.
2019 – IIHS begins rating automatic emergency braking systems that stop vehicles for pedestrians.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and its affiliate the Highway Loss Data Institute have used their resources and data-driven influence over the decades to prompt the auto industry to continuously seek life-saving design and technological improvements for the vehicles we operate.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

In this article, you discovered information about the IIHS, what they do, and how their influence has made U.S. roadways safer.

By referring to IIHS test result data when seeking a new vehicle, you can make an informed decision about the safety features and their performance before making your purchase.

When you rely on a car dealer to tell you about safety features and ratings of a vehicle, you may not be getting entirely accurate information. And in turn, you may be purchasing a less safe vehicle than you had initially intended.

Sources:
iihs.org
loc.gov/item/lcwaN0003792/
nist.gov/system/files/documents/2019/07/12/day1_part1_cicchino_nist.pdf

Autobahn Performance

6476 Buford Hwy Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 409-8288

Why Does My Car Windshield Keep Fogging Up?

January 21, 2020 By audi vw mechanic

Stop your fogged up windshield from obstructing your view of the road or causing an accident. Knowing why your windshield is fogging up will aid you in determining how to clear it up quickly.

autobahn-performance.com gathered information about why windshields fog up and what steps you can take to stop it from reducing your visibility while operating a vehicle.

Why Do Windshields Fog Up?

The following are factors that can lead to a reduced or completely obstructed vision from a fogged-up windshield:

Temperature Differences – Moisture condenses on your windshield when there is airborne moisture inside your car, and the glass is colder than the dew point. The dew point is the temperature where moisture condenses and dew, fog, and mist form.

Did you know that the more passengers you have in your vehicle sharply increases the likelihood and intensity of your windows fogging up. Their body heat and moist breath can quickly provide the moisture needed for condensation to form.

Tip: On rainy days, the moisture you carry into your vehicle on your clothes and/or umbrella is enough to cause your windshield to fog up. Try to shake off as much moisture as possible to minimize the condensation on your windshield.

Your Windshield Is Dirty – Dust, fingerprints, smoke residue, and chemical residue from cleaning can all exacerbate the fogging up of your windshield. A dirty glass interior creates more surface space for moisture to adhere to and slows the effects of your car’s defroster.

Tip: Clean the inside of your windshield with glass cleaner and dry paper towels. It is essential to thoroughly clean the glass and avoid leaving streaks that will appear first when your windshield starts to fog up.

Air Quality – Vehicles manufactured after 2000 are equipped with cabin filters that regulate the air quality within the cabin. These filters prevent dust, pollen, and other contaminants from entering the cabin.

Your air conditioning and heat are also filtered through these filters. When they are dirty, it can result in more dust inside the vehicle, better conditions for windshields to fog up, and render the defroster less effective.

Consult your owner’s manual on when these filters should be replaced. If that information is not available, consider changing your cabin filters every two years. If you operate your vehicle in a location with heavy airborne pollutants and/or dust, have them replaced annually.

Tip: Contact your mechanic if there is a musty or moldy odor in your vehicle, this is a sign that your filters need to be replaced, and your ventilation system sanitized.

How To Clear The Fog Away from Your Windshield

You can clear up your windshield in many ways. The following are several highly effective methods of eliminating fog from your windshield:

Wipe It Off – If you are driving when your windshield fogs up, physically wipe it clean from your line of sight until you can pull over to a safe location.

It is NOT recommended to operate a vehicle when your vision of the road and surroundings is impaired.

Open A Window – It can be as simple as opening a window to allow the moist air out of your vehicle.

Evaporate The Condensation – When your windshield begins to fog up, turn on the heater and run it through the defrosters. This technique works best when there are colder temperatures outside.

Run The Air Conditioner – Engaging your air conditioner will dry the cabin air out. This technique works best when outside temperatures are above freezing and during damp or rainy conditions.

Depending on the temperature and humidity level, it may take several attempts to eliminate the fog from your windshield. It is essential to remain calm and avoid any travel until you have restored your unobstructed vision of the road ahead.

Tip: Whether using the A/C or heating system to eliminate a foggy windshield, make sure that the vehicle’s ventilation system is set to allow fresh air into the cabin. Recycling or recirculating the air will only make it more difficult to remove moisture from the vehicle.

Foggy Windshield Prevention

The following measures can be taken to reduce or prevent your windshield from fogging up:

• Keep your windshield clean
• Apply an anti-fog coating
• Use a dehumidifier
• Shake off excess rain or snow before entering the vehicle

Always be prepared with paper towels or a cloth within your reach to remove sudden condensation that may cause you to lose sight of the road, day or night.

How To Deal with Foggy Windows

In this article, you discovered some of the reasons your windshield can fog up and how to eliminate it.

By addressing a foggy windshield immediately, you are preserving your vision of the road and keeping your commute safe.

When you allow your windshield to fog up, your vision becomes increasingly impaired and may contribute to your being involved in an accident or being severely injured.

Sources:
consumerreports.org/car-safety/how-to-clear-up-foggy-car-windshield-windows/
bestride.com/research/tips-and-tricks/how-do-i-keep-my-interior-windshield-glass-from-getting-foggy
van.physics.illinois.edu/ask/listing/1511
anthonyvolkglass.com/blog/4-reasons-windshield-fogs/

Autobahn Performance

6476 Buford Hwy Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 409-8288

7 Signs You Need New Tires

December 23, 2019 By audi vw mechanic

Your old or balding tires could result in loss of control of your car, a collision, or severe injury. By knowing when to get new tires, you can take action to avoid flat tires, potential accidents, and expensive repairs.

autobahn-performance.com compiled the following list of signs that tell you when to get new tires for your vehicle, and pro tips to help you check them regularly.

1. Your Tires Are Bald – Low Tread

The surface of a tire that contacts the road is called the tread. When the tread wears down to the “wear bars” or reaches 2/32”, your tires need to be replaced. You can determine this measurement quickly by performing a penny test.

Tip: Place a penny in the valley of your tire’s tread with Lincoln’s head straight down into the tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tire tread is below 2/32” and are bald.

Wear bars are small strips of rubber located deep in the tread valley that indicate (once the tread wears down to their level) when a tire should be replaced.

Driving on bald tires creates several hazards that may only become apparent in rainy conditions (skidding, hydroplaning, and increased stopping distances) and driving at higher speeds (reduced steering control and potential blowouts).

Note: Tread depth is what allows water to escape through the tire’s grooves. Since water can’t be compressed, hydroplaning may occur if it cannot escape from under the tire.

2. Your Tires Have Bulges, Gouges, or Cracks on the Sidewalls

Bulges, gouges, and cracks found on the sidewalls of your tires are indicators that your tires have aged and are breaking down. This may also indicate a flaw in manufacturing if the tires are brand new or relatively new.

The danger of driving with tires in this condition is a blowout. Depending on where a blowout occurs, it may be challenging to maintain control of your vehicle, and you may wind up crashing into another car or swerving off the road.

3. Your Tires Have Uneven Wear Patterns

Uneven wear patterns are commonly attributed to tires being out of alignment. However, this common condition may also result from driving with overinflated or under-inflated tires.

The danger of uneven wear patterns is from reduced steering control and an increased risk of sudden blowouts.

If any of your tires have unevenly worn down to the “wear bars” or the tread has reached 2/32”, those tires need to be replaced.

Tip: One way to detect and resolve this issue is to have your tires rotated and checked each time you have your oil changed or have your car serviced.

4. Your Tires Constantly Lose Air Pressure

The two main reasons are loss of the mounting seal and valve stem damage or failure. These issues are resolved by replacing the valve stem or remounting the tire.

The age of your tires, stress, balding, and punctures may also lead to air pressure loss. If your tires are balding, have started to crack, or have been punctured, you may need to have them replaced.

5. You Can See Metal in the Tread

If you can see wires in your tire’s tread, it is time to replace the tire. Exposed wires indicate that the tire has worn down to the carcass or casing.

In radial tires, the wires you are seeing compose the #1 steel belt, or the #2 steel belt. When tires have worn to this point, only the body ply and the inner liner remain to keep the tire inflated and functioning.

When tread wear has reached this point, air pressure loss and blowouts are all but certain to occur.

6. You Have Been Driving Excessively on A Spare Tire

If you have been unfortunate enough to get a flat, and you put on a donut spare tire, you have about 70 drivable miles to get to a service center without causing mechanical damages to your car.

Driving excessively on a donut spare tire puts immense strain on your vehicle’s differential. It causes uneven wear to occur on the tread of your tires.

Treadwear on the other tires can result in the need to replace them.

Tip: For safety purposes, do not drive at speeds above 50mph and limit your driving distance to 70 miles while using a donut spare.

Read more about driving on donut spare tires at autobahn-performance.com/audi-vw/how-long-drive-donut-spare-tire/

7. You Frequently Skid, Spin Your Tires, or Hydroplane

Loss of tread or the use of improper tires for your environment can cause skidding, spinning, or hydroplaning. When these conditions occur frequently, take your car to a service station immediately to evaluate the cause.

You may need to replace your tires to accommodate your region’s weather conditions or replace the tires due to tread wear/balding.

How Many Miles Do Tires Last

Tires that come on a new vehicle are expected to last at least 50,000 miles. Tires last as long as there is sufficient tread (2/32”), and no degradation of the material it is made from occurs.

That number may dramatically decrease depending on the following factors:

• Prolonged driving on over or under-inflated tires
• Driving with wheels out of alignment
• Seldom to no tire rotation
• How the vehicle is driven
• Poor road conditions
• Driving in regions with extreme temperature variations

Tip: When the need to replace a single tire arises, have the other tires assessed for tread wear. If they are significantly worn (beyond 4/32” of the original tread), it is recommended to replace all four of them.

Depending on the vehicle you drive and the necessity of the region you drive in, you can expect to spend from $75 to $350 or more per tire when the time comes to replace them. By rotating your tires frequently, making sure they are at the correct air pressure, and driving your vehicle more reasonably, you can extend the life of your tires by thousands of miles.

How Often Should Tires Be Replaced

In this article, you discovered seven indicators that your tires need to be replaced, the dangers of driving under those conditions, and tips on preventing tread wear or balding.

By taking action to replace balding or defective tires, you increase your vehicle’s overall performance while increasing your safety on the road.

Allowing your tire tread to wear down to unsafe levels or ignoring defects in your tires places your car and the well-being of its occupants at risk.

Sources:
coefs.uncc.edu/ptkacik/files/2014/01/PneumaticTire_HS-810-5611.pdf
cars.com/articles/how-long-do-tires-last-1420668941828/
one.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle-Safety/Tires/Tire-Safety:-Everything-Rides-On-It

Autobahn Performance

6476 Buford Hwy Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 409-8288

The Volkswagen Group Subsidiaries and Brands

September 20, 2019 By audi vw mechanic

The Volkswagen Group is one of the largest companies in the world, responsible for some of the most recognizable vehicle brands on the road today.

autobahn-performance.com gathered information about the Volkswagen Group, its brands, and subsidiaries.

Volkswagen in History

Founded by the Nazi lead German Labour Front in Wolfsburg, Germany, 1937, Volkswagen was owned by the German government and originally carried the name “Volkswagenwerk” which translates to “The People’s Car Company.”

You may be surprised to learn that the Beetle (the company’s first vehicle), known as the Type 1, was commissioned by none other than Adolf Hitler. The Type 1 rolled off the assembly line in 1938 and was designed by the Austrian automotive engineer, Ferdinand Porsche (yes, the founder of the Porsche car company).

Already widely popular in Europe, it was in 1949 that Volkswagen entered the U.S. market. In that first year, the automaker sold a whopping 2 (two) units. Initially marketed as “Victory Wagon,” it wasn’t until April 1955 that Volkswagen of America was formed to standardize sales, and services in the United States.

For the entire 20th century, the Volkswagen Beetle was one of the best-selling cars, selling more than 21.5 million vehicles.

1998 saw Volkswagen navigate a significant turning point in its history when it acquired control of Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti setting off a phase of luxury and sports car production.

Today, the Volkswagen Group is ranked as one of the top 10 companies in the world by revenue, controls 12 brands, consists of over 50 subsidiaries and is majority-owned by the Porsche-Piech family (yes, that Porsche).

Volkswagen Group Brands

Volkswagen has cemented itself as an automotive powerhouse, consistently outselling its competition. And its no mystery as to why. Some of the most recognizable vehicle brand names in the world find themselves “driven” by the Volkswagen Group.

Those brands include:

• Volkswagen Passenger Cars
• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
• Audi – Acquired in 1965
• SEAT – Acquired in 1986
• ŠKODA – Acquired in1994
• Bentley – Acquired in 1998
• Bugatti – Acquired in 1998
• Lamborghini – Acquired in 1998
• Scania – Acquired in 2008
• Porsche – Acquired in 2012
• Ducati – Acquired in 2012
• MAN – Acquired in 2012

As Volkswagen begins an aggressive move from combustion to electric vehicles, be on the lookout, as your favorite car brand may soon come with a plug instead of a gas tank.

Volkswagen Group Subsidiaries

The Volkswagen Group is comprised of 51 subsidiaries, with 122 production plants, employing more than 660,000 employees in 153 countries.

With its collection of brands and subsidiaries, Volkswagen has placed itself as the top-selling automaker and one of the largest employers in the world.

The Volkswagen Group

It is awe-inspiring how many world-famous brands like Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley, and Ducati are connected to Volkswagen, one of the largest companies in the world.

In this article, you discovered historical information about the Volkswagen Group, the company’s brands, and its many subsidiaries.

Next time you are traveling by car, take note of the brand names that are sharing the road with you. You’ll be surprised at how many vehicles are under the Volkswagen Group umbrella.

Sources:
vw.com
idaoffice.org/posts/the-history-of-volkswagen/
neqclub.org/about-us/audis-history.html

Autobahn Performance

6476 Buford Hwy Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 409-8288