What is the difference between skoda and volkswagen?

[paulmandez]

people say that skoda is a branch of volkswagen started in Czechoslovakia. is it true?
volkswagen is equal to skoda?

[passatwagon]

Yes, Skoda started out in Czechoslovakia as their own company more or less, then eventually VW bought them.

[bangoman]

Skodas are built on VW chassis, paired as follows:
- Skoda Fabia + VW Polo (?Audi A2)
- Skoda Octavia + VW Golf + Audi A3
- Skoda Superb + VW Passat until recently, now on Octavia platform, transverse engine

The Octavia particularly is a great alternative to the Golf/A3, especially in sedan form. There's even a GTI equivalent in the form of the Octavia VRS, same 2.0T engine and all.