Volkswagen – one of the largest European automobile manufacturing corporations, encompassing several brands: "Audi", "Škoda", "Seat", "Porsche" (partially), and others. Although the "Volkswagen Group" is known for its wide range of technological solutions, many wonder whether this corporation manufactures turbines itself or purchases them from specialized suppliers. The short answer: traditionally, Volkswagen does not manufacture turbines independently – almost all turbochargers are installed using products from global manufacturers such as BorgWarner (KKK), Garrett, or IHI. Occasionally, products from "MHI" or other local partners are also used.
The "Volkswagen Group" often works with several OEM turbocharger suppliers simultaneously, depending on the engine type, purpose, and requirements. For example, BorgWarner K03 or K04 turbochargers are perhaps the most well-known from older 1.8T gasoline engines, widely used in "VW Golf", "Audi A3", "Audi TT", and other group models. Meanwhile, newer TSI or TFSI versions may feature IHI or Garrett turbochargers, depending on the engine displacement, layout, and power goals.
The manufacturer aims to maintain strict quality standards, so it closely collaborates with selected suppliers, setting certain mechanical and electronic (control unit) requirements. For instance, variable geometry (in English, Variable Turbine Geometry) technologies are implemented in diesel TDI engines to maintain efficient airflow across a wide RPM range and meet strict emission standards. Collaboration with manufacturers like BorgWarner or Garrett helps update turbocharger designs to meet the latest emission, power, and fuel efficiency requirements.
Historically, there have been instances where the "Volkswagen Group" or its subsidiaries had their own R&D laboratories, where they partially designed prototypes. However, for commercial production, series turbochargers were typically still supplied by external specialists. The main reason is that such metal processing and thermal treatment processes require significant investments, engineering expertise, and technologically advanced equipment, which is more suitable for specialized manufacturers (like the aforementioned large corporations).
Additionally, the VW product range spans from small-displacement city cars (Polo, Up!) to large, powerful models (Golf R, Arteon, Tiguan TDI versions, etc.). If the corporation were to manufacture turbines itself, it would require a large internal infrastructure tailored to both gasoline and diesel engines with different control and exhaust systems. By collaborating with external expert suppliers, more flexible and rapid technological adaptations are ensured.
Over the past decades, Volkswagen has heavily invested in the downsizing trend, which involves reducing engine displacement while compensating with a turbocharger or mechanical compression (less commonly used). The "TSI" family of gasoline engines is known for its modest displacement but solid power and diesel-like torque. This is achieved through direct injection, advanced exhaust gas management systems, and, of course, turbocharger technologies, whose designs are provided by refined OEM partners.
Similarly, in "TDI" engines, VW group engineers, together with partners, implement new variable geometry (VNT / VTG) or even twin-turbo ("biturbo") configurations to maintain low emissions and a high power/efficiency balance. As the era of electric powertrains approaches, Volkswagen is also paying significant attention to electric and hybrid models, but in all diesel and gasoline engines that remain in production plans, external manufacturers' turbochargers continue to be used.
Drivers of Volkswagen brand vehicles can practically expect global, time-tested suppliers (BorgWarner, Garrett) to provide products that ensure the required reliability, technological level, and compliance with strict environmental standards. Such manufacturer cooperation results in:
Although the Volkswagen Group is a powerful player in the automotive industry with its scientific research capabilities, it entrusts turbocharger production to external specialists such as BorgWarner (KKK), Garrett, IHI, or MHI. This ensures flexibility and access to the latest innovations required by rapidly changing emission, efficiency, and power standards. Therefore, if you own a VW vehicle with a turbocharged engine, you can be sure that its "lungs" – high-efficiency turbochargers – were created by a world-renowned turbo manufacturing leader, not by the "Volkswagen" factory itself.