Volkswagen, The People's Car!
Volkswagen is the second biggest automaker in the world. VW owns some of the most luxurious car brands such as Audi, Bentley, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Ducati and many more that are not in the United States.
In the early 1900s, to own a vehicle had meant you owned a luxurious item. In Germany, the home of Volkswagen, Most people couldn't even afford a vehicle. 1 out of 50 Germans actually owned a car. Ferdinand Porsche created the "Volksauto" for the people with the goal of it being an affordable family vehicle.The “Volksauto” is what we commonly
know as the beetle. This prototype alone was put through rigorous testing before hitting the market, and was also the first vehicle ever tested to reach one million miles driven.
Soon after the prototype and testing, the construction of Volkswagen's first factory started. Now what we call Wolfsburg, Germany. And after that, WORLD WAR II happened. Slowing production down heavily, Volkswagen was forced to shift its focus toward military vehicles. Then came the VW Type 82, Volkswagen's most produced car over the war. With over 50,000 of them being shipped and used in the war. Post war, by 1955, one million Beetles had been sold world wide.
The hype for the Beetle began to slowly Fade. With this realization, Volkswagen began developing alternatives. The 1960's brought us a cult classic, The Karmann Ghia. While never sold in the United States, it sure is a very sought after vehicle. Along with the Volkswagen Bus. the square-back, and the Passat.
Finally, the 1970's. The First generation of the front wheel drive Golf, in opposition to its predecessor, the Beetle, was also a huge success.The 19170's production line brought a car in every class providing the opportunity for families and Individuals to own a Volkswagen. That legacy only continues to succeed and expand.
Volkswagen is known for some of their most famous engineers and stylish designs throughout generations but will always be recognized as The Peoples Car!
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