The name “Volkswagen” translates to “People’s car” in German, where the world-famous auto company began. If you’ve ever driven in Volkswagen, or if you’re thinking of buying a VW for your next car, you’ll discover that the company is aptly named with its approachable and user-friendly lineup of cars that ranges from sporty sedans to stylish SUVs and everything in between.
Volkswagen’s Origins
Volkswagen started in 1937 as a company founded by the German government. Initially, Volkswagen was founded to mass-produce low-cost cars accessible to the German population, so its name is “people’s car.” Shortly after the company was founded, a production facility opened in Lower Saxony with the intent of starting large-scale vehicle production. However, the arrival of WWII halted those plans. Instead, the manufacturing facility produced vehicles and other equipment for the German military.
WWII Complications
It didn’t take long for the world to discover that the original Volkswagen factory was being used to create German military equipment, which made it a target for the Allies. Allied bombers ultimately destroyed the factory and left it in shambles. However, the factory was rebuilt and up and running nearly ten years later under British supervision. The factory started producing Volkswagen vehicles as it was initially intended to do, and by 1946, Volkswagen was supplying large numbers of cars to the German population. Control of the company was also handed to the West German government.
Volkswagen Expands Its Reach
Volkswagen continued to expand its line of vehicles and reach new markets through the 1950s. Two of Volkswagen’s primary flagship vehicles were the Transporter van, which it launched in 1950, and the Karmann Ghia, which was a coupe that the company produced starting in 1955. Later, in 1955, Volkswagen entered the U.S. auto market. Although Volkswagen vehicles are popular choices in the country today, the company was initially met with skepticism due to the company’s affiliation with the German government and the classic Volkswagen “look” of a small vehicle with a rounded shape. With the assistance of an American advertising agency later in the 1950s, the “Beetle” was successfully launched as a car that American auto shoppers grew to adore, and it was the most popular imported vehicle.
Although Volkswagen no longer produces the Beetle, its innovative and original vehicles are still in high demand. Contact us today to learn more about VW and its cars.
