Volkswagen - A Company Deep In Tradition Rich With History

Volkswagen -How great products mold a great company

Starting from from humble war-torn beginnings Volkswagen would ride the backs of three initial vehicles to become a world-wide leader in the automotive industry. The new Beetle is a nice car a sight to see. Take a minute and learn about the original Beetle and the company it made possible.

Three great products to start a company behind

The Beetle – Volkswagen was founded in 1937 to manufacture what would become the World's most popular automobile the Beetle. History states the great Ferdinand Porsche was ordered by Adolf Hitler to develop a common Automobile. A car for the average person, a “people's' car. Ferdinand managed to develop several prototypes in various models over the next few years. No single model was chosen for mass-production prior to the start of WW2 in 1939.

The VW factory was completed shortly before WW2 began. It was converted for wartime use which subjugated it to immediate Allied bombings. The post-war years were difficult for Volkswagen as the bombed-out factory was now under British control producing vehicles for the British Army. A production limitation was placed on the number of cars the plant could produce. The factory endured and was slowly rebuilt. Over the next few years functionality became more and efficient as they produced an assortment of models. In 1948 the British Government handed the Volkswagen back over to the German state. Shortly after production of the “type 60” (Beetle) began.

The latter part of the 1940's saw the Beetle mass-produced and placed for sale on a world-wide scale. The 1950's saw the Beetle became popular, very popular in fact with production more than doubling over the next two decades to meet demand. As the Beetle continued to break sales records while proving itself both highly dependable and economical. Orders for the Beetle continued to pour in.

The VW Van – In early 1950 Still enjoying the success of the Beetle VW introduced their 2^nd model to the public, the VW van. Said to be the concept of a Dutch Importer the VW van instantly filled a worldwide void and like its predecessor immediately became a worldwide sensation. The original model had an amazing 25-year run as one of the most successful passenger vans ever.

The VW Kharmann Ghia – Debuted at the October 1953 Paris Auto Show as a styling concept the Ghia made an immediate impact and was wildly popular. Volkswagen began production in 1954. In 1955 Volkswagen launched the “Ghia” as a new model in its line-up. Just as the Beetle did the Ghia became an instant hit. Gaining World-Wide popularity selling more than 445,000 units in an almost 20-year production run from 1955-1974.

Expansion - Due to the unprecedented success of both models during the 50's and 60's Volkswagen decided to expand. On New Year's Day of 1965 Volkswagen acquired the prestigious automobile manufacturer Auto Union parent company of the famous Audi Corp LTD. As a subsidiary to Volkswagen they produced the 1^st of the post war Audi's. Which today are highly sought after collector's items.

More Expansion -During the 1970's 80's & 90's the company continued to grow exponentially. Acquiring outright or buying major stakes in several major automotive companies. Here listed are a few major moves that caused major growth.

* Epitomized in 1998 when three highly prestigious automotive marques Bentley, Lamborghini & Bugatti.were added to the Volkswagen Auto Group. The additions instantly added a touch of sport luxury to the Volkswagen A.G.

* By adding Bentley, Lamborghini & Bugatti the Volkswagen immediately became the largest automotive company in the world, via revenue.

* It shot Volkswagen to 9^th on Fortunes list of the 500 largest companies/corporations.

* Over the last decade Volkswagen largest market has been China. With such a vast new marketplace such as China opening up it could only mean even more growth potential for one one the World's most popular corporations. 

The Ultimate Encore

Bye-Bye Beetle – The run of the Beetle was seemingly nearing the its end. The 1970' s saw the company continued to grow and expand introducing new models along the way. Automotive technology had finally caught up to the Beetle and surpassed it. Volkswagen AG needed a replacement. For its flagship product the Beetle.

The VW Golf – The Golf was introduced in 1975 as the VW Rabbit in the U.S. And Canada. Although it would be produced under several models and body styles it the Golf was a great car. Based in part to an overwhelming customer demand for the Golf immediately Volkswagen knew they had another hit on their hands. The proof came shortly as the car won award after award over the next few years. Currently the 3^rd best selling car of all time the VW Golf sold more than 26 million units as of 2009.

Currently – The Volkswagen Group sells passenger cars under the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini Porsche, SEAT, Skoda and Volkswagen marques. They also sell motorcycles under the Ducati brand. Commercial vehicles under the MAN, Scania and VolkswagenCommercial Vehicles marques. From a small company started back in 1937 with a single vision, to build a “Peoples Car”. Since then Volkswagen has grown into one of the largest and most diverse corporations on the planet. Currently known as the The Volkswagen Auto Group.

The Future – 2014 looks bright for Volkswagen as they still have a number of top-selling models that are also very popular. Environmentally speaking Volkswagen will offer alternative models in both Diesel and Hybrid versions..

There is a nice selection of 2014 models to choose from. Models such as:

*The VW Jetta Small family car

*The VW Toureg Mid-size luxury crossover SUV

*The VW Beetle Compact

*The VW Passat Large family car

*The VW Golf Small family car

*VW CC Large family car

*VW Golf GTI Small family car

*VW Tiguan Compact crossover SUV

*VW EOS Compact sports car

So if your looking for a company to develop a relationship with to handle all of your transportation needs just stop by your local VW dealer. Take a look at some of the models they have to offer. The worst that could happen is you leave the proud owner of a new Volkswagen.