Volkswagen

Volkswagen

About

Volkswagen (German for "people's car") is a global automotive marque headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Established in 1937 by the German Labour Front under the Nazi regime, it rose to prominence after World War II with the iconic Beetle. Today, Volkswagen is a major brand within the Volkswagen Group, which encompasses numerous other notable automotive brands like Audi, Škoda, Porsche, and Bentley. History The concept of a "people's car" in Germany originated in the 1930s under the Nazi regime. The intention was to create an affordable and reliable car for the masses. In 1937, the German Labour Front founded Volkswagen and enlisted Ferdinand Porsche to design the car. The resulting design, now widely known as the Beetle, was simple, functional, and relatively inexpensive to produce. World War II halted production of the Beetle, but the factory was largely undamaged during the bombings. After the war, the British occupation forces took control of Volkswagen and restarted production for the German people. The Beetle became a symbol of post-war recovery in Germany and Europe, gaining immense popularity for its practicality and affordability. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Volkswagen expanded its product line beyond the Beetle with models like the Transporter van and the iconic Type 2 microbus. The company also established itself internationally, with production facilities opening in various countries. The 1970s saw the introduction of the iconic hatchback, the Golf, which became a huge success and remains a core model for Volkswagen today. The company continued to innovate and diversify its offerings in the following decades, introducing successful models like the Passat sedan, the Tiguan SUV, and the Jetta compact car. In 2008, Volkswagen became embroiled in a financial crisis after Porsche attempted to acquire a controlling stake in the company. This led to a complex restructuring and ultimately solidified Volkswagen's position as the dominant entity within the Volkswagen Group.

Volkswagen Annual Sales (in the US only)

Units sold are x1000

Volkswagen Annual Sales (Europe only)

Units sold are x1000

Volkswagen Today Today, Volkswagen is a major player in the global automotive industry. The brand is known for its focus on practicality, reliability, and innovative engineering. The company prioritizes fuel efficiency and has made significant strides in developing electric vehicle (EV) technology. The ID. series of electric vehicles, including the ID.3 and ID.4, represent Volkswagen's push toward a sustainable future. Brand Identity Volkswagen's brand identity is centered around accessibility, practicality, and reliability. The iconic VW logo, designed in 1937, is widely recognized and evokes a sense of heritage and trust. The company's advertising campaigns often emphasize the emotional connection between people and their cars, portraying Volkswagens as reliable companions for everyday life. Challenges and Controversies (Diesel Gate) Despite its success, Volkswagen has faced challenges in recent years. The company was embroiled in the 2015 Dieselgate emissions scandal, where it was revealed that Volkswagen vehicles had been equipped with software to cheat emissions tests. This scandal resulted in significant financial penalties, reputational damage, and a loss of consumer trust. Volkswagen has since invested heavily in improving its emissions technology and regaining consumer confidence. Impact on the Auto Industry Volkswagen has played a significant role in shaping the automotive industry. The iconic Beetle revolutionized the concept of the affordable car for the masses. More recently, Volkswagen's commitment to electric vehicles has spurred innovation and competition within the EV market. The company is a leader in developing practical and affordable electric cars that can appeal to a broad range of consumers.

Volkswagen AG Sales Revenue by Year

All figures are €EURO and xBillion