Iconic American Companies Owned by Chinese Investors

126. Volkswagen

Headquarters: Herndon, Virginia, USA
Bought By: Volkswagen Group
Headquarters: Wolfsburg, Germany

Volkswagen, often abbreviated as VW, is a name synonymous with reliability and innovative German engineering. The very term “Volkswagen” translates to “people’s car” in German, a testament to the company’s mission to produce affordable cars for the masses. Founded in 1937 in Wolfsburg, Germany, its history is intertwined with the Beetle – an iconic model initially conceptualized by Ferdinand Porsche at Hitler’s request.

Fast forward, Volkswagen’s reach has expanded beyond Europe, with a considerable presence in the U.S., where models like the Jetta and Passat are household names. However, amidst its global successes, the brand’s origin and ethos remain firmly anchored in German efficiency and innovation.