Volkswagen History

The story of Volkswagen, often referred to as the “People’s Car,” began on May 28, 1937, with the creation of the company “Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagen mbH.” A year later, it was renamed “Volkswagenwerk GmbH,” with headquarters established in Wolfsburg, a city built specifically to house workers for the new Volkswagen plant. The company’s mission was to mass-produce an affordable car for the average German citizen, a vision championed by Adolf Hitler and engineered by Ferdinand Porsche.

However, World War II disrupted these plans as the factory shifted its production to military vehicles and armaments for the German army. After the war, the Wolfsburg plant came under Allied, specifically British, control. Under the guidance of British Army Major Ivan Hirst, Volkswagen resumed production, focusing on the Type 1 model, later known around the world as the Beetle.

Early international sales were disappointing, but innovative advertising campaigns helped transform the Beetle into a global phenomenon, particularly among younger buyers. Between 1945 and 1955, Volkswagen reached the milestone of one million vehicles produced. Around the same time, the company introduced the Type 2, a multipurpose van affectionately known as the “VW Bus” or “Bully,” which became an icon of freedom and counterculture in later decades.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Beetle remained a top-selling vehicle despite its aging design. Its reliability, ease of maintenance, and fuel efficiency kept it popular across generations. On February 17, 1972, Volkswagen celebrated the production of over 15 million Beetles, surpassing the Ford Model T as the best-selling car in history—a record the model held for decades and one that cemented Volkswagen’s place in automotive history.

By the early 1970s, however, Volkswagen faced the need to modernize. The Beetle’s design was becoming outdated, and consumer expectations were shifting. The company turned to Audi/Auto Union, which it had acquired in the 1960s, for expertise in front-wheel-drive systems and water-cooled engines. This partnership marked the beginning of a new era of innovation for Volkswagen.

In 1974, Volkswagen launched the Golf, a compact hatchback that became an instant success. Known as the Rabbit in North America, the Golf revived the company’s fortunes and redefined the brand’s image. That same year, Volkswagen also introduced the Scirocco, a sporty coupe aimed at performance enthusiasts. Two years later, the Polo was launched to serve the growing small-car market, achieving widespread success across Western Europe.

The 1980s marked a period of expansion and consolidation. Volkswagen improved its existing models and expanded its portfolio by acquiring other European automakers, including the Spanish brand SEAT and the Czech manufacturer Škoda Auto. These acquisitions broadened the company’s reach and reinforced its presence in new markets.

In the 1990s, Volkswagen began repositioning its brands within the group. Audi emerged as a premium marque competing directly with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, while Volkswagen itself focused on building high-quality vehicles for the mainstream market. During this period, Volkswagen launched several new generations of its core models and introduced more luxurious vehicles, such as the Touareg SUV, which combined off-road capability with premium refinement.

In the modern era, Volkswagen has continued to push boundaries in technology, design, and sustainability. The company has made significant strides in reducing CO2 emissions and improving fuel efficiency, not only through advancements in gasoline and diesel engines but also through the development of hybrid and electric powertrains. With a commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, Volkswagen continues to shape the future of mobility while honoring its legacy as the carmaker for the people.

Volkswagen

Current Models

Volkswagen Id.7 Gtx Tourer

Volkswagen Id.3 Gtx

Volkswagen Id.7 Tourer

Volkswagen Id.7

Volkswagen Id. Buzz

Volkswagen Id.5 Gtx

Volkswagen Taigo

Volkswagen Jetta Gli

Volkswagen Touareg R

Volkswagen Id.3

Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake

Volkswagen Nivus

Volkswagen Id.4

Volkswagen T-Roc R

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen Up! Gti

Volkswagen T-Cross

Volkswagen Atlas

Volkswagen Arteon

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

Volkswagen Golf R Variant

Volkswagen Passat Variant Gte

Volkswagen Passat Gte

Volkswagen Golf Gtd Variant

Volkswagen Transporter Kombi

Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan

Volkswagen E-Golf

Volkswagen E-Up!

Volkswagen Polo Bluegt

Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

Volkswagen Up!

Volkswagen Vento

Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Volkswagen Polo Gti

Volkswagen Caddy

Volkswagen Multivan

Volkswagen Touran

Volkswagen Sharan

Volkswagen Polo Sedan

Volkswagen Polo 5 Doors

Volkswagen Golf Variant

Volkswagen Jetta / Vento / Bora

Volkswagen Scirocco

Volkswagen Golf Gti / Gtd / Gte

Volkswagen Golf 5 Doors

Volkswagen Passat Variant

Discontinued Models

Volkswagen Tiguan (Us)

Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen Beetle Cabrio

Volkswagen Cross Up!

Volkswagen Golf 3 Doors

Volkswagen Cc

Volkswagen Golf R Cabrio

Volkswagen Polo 3 Doors

Volkswagen Eos

Volkswagen Golf Cabrio

Volkswagen Phaeton

Volkswagen Xl1

Volkswagen Golf Gti Cabrio

Volkswagen Golf Plus

Volkswagen Routan

Volkswagen Lavida (China)

Volkswagen Passat R

Volkswagen Fox

Volkswagen Lupo

Volkswagen Polo Variant

Volkswagen Pointer

Volkswagen Corrado

Volkswagen Polo Coupe

Volkswagen Passat Hatchback

Volkswagen Santana

Volkswagen Derby

Volkswagen Passat 3 Doors

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