The History of Volkswagen

Volkswagen is one of the most prominent names in automotive history. Perhaps the most recognizable VW is the Volkswagen Beetle, but the Golf, Passat, and Jetta are just a few examples of successful models. Not to mention the Volkswagen van, which could soon be resurrected as the electric Volkswagen Microbus. There’s a lot to see at your local Volkswagen dealership, but there’s even more to tell about Volkswagen history.

The Beginning

Volkswagen Group was founded in 1937 as an economical mass-produced car. The German company’s headquarters was established in Wolfsburg, Germany. The original design of the car can be attributed to Ferdinand Porsche, an Austrian automotive engineer. Although production was delayed in 1939 at the start of World War II, Volkswagen began mass production in 1946.

After the war, the Transporter van was introduced in 1950, while the Karmann Ghia sports coupe was launched in 1955. The first Volkswagens were exhibited and sold in the U.S. in 1949. They were briefly sold as Victory Wagons in the U.S., but, in 1955, the company formed Volkswagen of America (today, it has manufacturing and assembly facilities throughout the world).

The Jetta

Introduced in 1979 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the Jetta was part of Volkswagen’s product line expansion that began in the mid-1970s. The 7th generation was launched in 2019 and incorporates heated front seats and ten-color customizable ambient lighting. A touchscreen multimedia system is standard while the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit is optional.

When it was originally launched, the Jetta was a modified first-generation VW Golf hatchback. Production ran until 1984 and, in 1985, the second generation was introduced as a heavier, larger model, transforming the Jetta from a subcompact car to a compact sedan that could fit five people. The third generation launched in 1993 became more aerodynamic, while the 1999-2005 Jetta was curvier with an arched roofline. Redesigns in 2006 and 2011 made the VW Jetta a sleeker, more technological, and safer vehicle.

A Robust Production Line

By the mid-1970s, VW’s range of cars was on par with other large European manufacturers. The Golf was launched in 1974, marking an expansion of production, while the Rabbit was introduced in the United States in 1978. Sales dropped in the 1980s, but a brief spike in sales came when the second-generation Golf, GTI, and Jetta models were introduced.

The company’s production remained robust through the 1990s, and additional expansion was seen in the 2000s. A range of models was introduced, including the sixth-generation VW Golf in 2008. The company opened its Chattanooga Assembly plant in Tennessee in 2011. By mid-2015, it briefly became the world’s largest car manufacturer by volume.

Electric Vehicles

Volkswagen announced a strong focus on electric vehicles (EVs) in 2017, which included plans to launch at least 30 different EV models by 2025. It also announced the all-electric I.D.R. race car as part of its return to motorsports. In September 2019, the company unveiled a program for converting old Beetle models with an electric motor and battery.

Get Your New or Used VW in Downingtown, PA

At Jeff D’Ambrosio Volkswagen, we have a wide selection of vehicles, so you can pick the Volkswagen car of your choice. You can shop for top models online or in person. We offer reasonable prices, convenient financing regardless of your credit situation, and an on-site parts and service department to help maintain and repair your vehicle. Call our Volkswagen dealership at 888-585-7794 to learn more.

Tags: Automobile company, History of Volkswagen, Mass production
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