The origin of Volkswagen cars dates back to 1937, when under the rule of Adolf Hilter, the German government opened up the Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagens mbH, as a government-owned automobile company. At this time, only a small number of Germans owned cars, so the government’s goal with this new company was to produce cars that were highly affordable, which earned Volkswagen vehicles the nickname of the “People’s Car”. In 1938, the company’s name became Volkswagenwerk GmbH and its headquarters was established in the city of KdF-Stat that is now Wolfsburg. In fact, this city was created to accommodate the workers at the company’s plant to expedite the mass production of Hitler’s visionary car for the average citizens of Germany. The design of the early Volkswagen was mainly the creation of Ferdinand Porsche.
Hitler Decrees Certain Characteristics of the Volkswagen
Adolf Hitler decrees that the early versions of the Volkswagen vehicles need to carry two adults along with three children. He also dictates that the car should travel at speeds of 100 km/h and that it needs to be in the similar price range as the motorbikes are at the time.
Why the Beetle Shape?
Ferdinand Porsche, the primary designer of the early Volkswagen created the cars in their signature ‘beetle’ shape for aerodynamic reasons. On top of this, the cars had torsion bar suspension and an air-cooled engine in the rear of the vehicles.
Production of Volkswagens Halted During World War II
During World War II, the production of these cars was halted to manufacture German army vehicles. After the war, production resumed, though, to return the “People’s Car” to the market.
Production Drastically Increases in 1955
As the demand for the Volkswagen Beetle increases during 1955, so does its production. Sales reach one million in this same year. The last Beetle of the original design rolled off the assembly line on July 30, 2003 in Pueblo, Mexico. By this time, the company had added a variety of styles to their lineup of vehicles, including the Rabbit and the Golf.
Volkswagen Continues to Expand
Over the years, Volkswagen continues to expand its line of cars to the point that it can afford a number of acquisitions in 1998, including the purchase of Bentley, a luxury brand in Great Britain, along with Bugatti in France and Lamborgini, an Italian sports car manufacturer. A later acquisition between 2009 and 2012 brings Volkswagen controlling interest in the Porsche car company.
Present-Day Volkswagen
As of 2016, Volkswagen has factories in over 30 countries and sells its vehicles in 153 countries. Volkswagen also is one of the largest companies in the world today. Present-day models include such ones as the Jetta, Passat, CC, Golf SportWagen, e-Golf, Golf Alltrack, Tiguan, the sporty Beetle and the Beetle Convertible along with other versions.
If you own a Volkswagen currently, turn to Golf City International for accessories, spare parts, service, repairs and maintenance. We employ only experienced Volkswagen technicians to ensure quality results.
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