Volkswagen: History, key figures and share price development

Publication date: September 3, 2025

 

Volkswagen AG is a leading player in the global automotive industry and is among the world's largest automakers. The company operates in virtually all segments of the market, from affordable family cars to exclusive sports cars and luxury models. In this article you can read all about Volkswagen stock with attention to its share price, performance, corporate strategy and outlook for 2025. Would you like to receive weekly updates on European stocks? Then sign up for our newsletter here and stay informed.

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- Year of establishment : 1937

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Year added to the DAX 40: 1988

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Highest price ever: €262.50 March 2015

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Average trading volume: Approximately1 million shares per day

- Price performance over the past 12 months: +2.
24%



 





Introduction about the company

 

Volkswagen AG is headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest automobile manufacturers and operates in virtually every segment of the automotive industry. The company manufactures passenger and commercial vehicles and also offers financial services through its Financial Services division. The group includes well-known brands such as Audi, Porsche, Škoda, SEAT, Bentley, Lamborghini and more.

 

Key figures & achievements

In 2024, Volkswagen AG achieved sales of €324.65 billion and realized a net profit of €16.71 billion, confirming its position as one of the world's largest automobile manufacturers. Its market capitalization reached €50.75 billion in September 2025, keeping Volkswagen firmly entrenched within the DAX-40. The company employs 682,724 workers and produced around 9.03 million vehicles in the same year.


History & development

 

Volkswagen AG was founded in 1937 on the initiative of the German government with the goal of developing an affordable car for the general public. This led to the production of the iconic Beetle, which became one of the world's best-selling cars. After World War II, the company experienced a strong reconstruction and Wolfsburg became its permanent headquarters. In the decades that followed, Volkswagen grew into an international company through acquisitions and strategic expansions. The Audi brand was added to the group in 1965, followed by SEAT in 1986 and Škoda in 1994. In 1998, prestigious names such as Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini were added, and since 2012 Porsche has also been an official part of the Volkswagen Group.

In addition to these expansions, Volkswagen developed into a pioneer in car technology and scale production. The company invested billions in electric mobility and software development, including through its subsidiary CARIAD. With the "New Auto" strategy, Volkswagen aims to make the transition from traditional car manufacturer to a broad mobility provider, focusing on electric vehicles, digitalization and sustainable production. This will allow the company to remain a defining force in the global automotive sector.

 

Sector & competition

 

Volkswagen AG operates in the global automotive industry, a sector characterized by fierce competition, high capital costs and sweeping technological changes. Traditional players such as Toyota, General Motors, Ford and Stellantis remain key rivals, while newcomers such as Tesla and Chinese brands such as BYD and NIO are also rapidly gaining market share in the electric vehicle sector.

The market has shifted significantly in recent years toward electrification, digitization and sustainable production, requiring carmakers to make significant investments in battery technology, software and new production lines. Volkswagen is distinguished by its broad brand portfolio, which includes volume brands as well as premium and luxury brands. This diversification gives the group economies of scale and spread in different segments of the market.

At the same time, Volkswagen is under pressure from stricter emissions regulations, geopolitical tensions and price wars in the EV market. The combination of innovative strength, extensive production capacity and strategic alliances means that, despite these challenges, Volkswagen remains one of the most influential players in the international automotive sector.

 

 

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Volkswagen's influence on the DAX 40

With a market capitalization representing about 1.09% (measured in June 2025) of the total DAX index, Volkswagen AG is a somewhat modest player within the DAX-40. Movements in the Volkswagen share price have a modest impact on the index's returns, and it also reacts sensitively to emissions regulations and commodity price fluctuations, which have a direct impact on industry margins. View the composition of the DAX 40 and the weighting of all companies in the DAX 40 here.

 

Investment analysis & outlook

Volkswagen AG shares showed a modest price increase of +2.24% over the past 12 months. This left it well behind the broader DAX index, which performed more strongly over the same period. This was mainly due to headwinds from high costs, stricter regulations and pressure from international competitors. In the first half of 2025, Volkswagen also faced trade restrictions and higher provisions, putting pressure on its operating margin and lowering its full-year profit forecast.

Still, there are positive signs as well. The company reported sales growth of more than 4% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the previous quarter, and its share price managed to briefly recover by more than 8% in August. Investors see this as a sign that Volkswagen remains resilient despite difficult market conditions. In addition, the broad brand portfolio from volume models to luxury brands, combined with the billions invested in electric mobility, software and battery technology, provides a solid foundation for future growth.

For the longer term, the transition to electric vehicles and digital services continues to determine the stock's valuation. If Volkswagen succeeds in reducing costs, maintaining market share in the EV segment and further reducing reliance on traditional internal combustion engines, the stock may again become more attractive to investors aiming for structural growth within the auto industry.

 


News & updates

Volkswagen AG experienced a challenging start to 2025 due to higher costs, stricter regulations and trade restrictions that put pressure on profitability. In response, the company announced a comprehensive cost-cutting program aimed at more efficient production and better utilization of plants in Germany. At the same time, Volkswagen is investing heavily in the transition to electric mobility and battery technology, seeking to strengthen its position in the future automotive sector.

Despite the difficult conditions, investors showed renewed confidence in the summer of 2025. Volkswagen's share price rebounded temporarily after reports that international trade barriers might be reduced. This combination of cost control and focus on innovation indicates that Volkswagen is sticking to its strategy to emerge stronger from the transition in the long term.



Disclaimer: Investing involves risk. Our analysts are not financial advisors. Always consult an advisor when making financial decisions. The information and tips provided on this website are based on our analysts' own insights and experiences. They are therefore for educational purposes only.