Today the Volkswagen concern is the largest car manufacturer in Europe and the second in the world.

Today, the German group, which once began with the release of ultra-budget "Zhukov", offers products for any buyer. All this thanks to the unification of several brands under a single leadership.

The corporate portfolio of the group includes eight legendary brands, most of which at one time found themselves in a difficult financial situation. The companies were forced to enter into an alliance with the German manufacturer as it was a matter of their survival.

Volkswagen

The brand was founded by Adolf Hitler in 1938. Today it specializes in the mass segment. The most famous models: Golf, Passat, Polo, Tiguan.

Audi

Specializes in the premium segment. The brand was joined to Volkswagen in 1964. The most famous models: A4, A6, R8. In 1993, the management company Audi AG acquired the Ducati and Lamborghini brands, while remaining the property of Volkswagen.

Porsche

Specializes in premium and super premium segments. Although he was one of the founders of the first Volkswagen plant, the merger of the company he created to the German giant took place only in 2007. Today the allies are mutual shareholders. The most famous models: Cayenne, Panamera.

Bentley

In 1929, the English premium car manufacturer was sold to Rolls-Royce. In 1997, after the financial crisis, the Rolls-Royce brand was sold to BMW, and the Bentley brand went to Volkswagen. The most famous models: Continental GT, Flying Spur.

Skoda

This brand survived the German occupation, the Soviet era and was merged with Volkswagen in 1991. The change of the strategic partner allowed to increase production by 5 times. Today Skoda specializes in the mass budget segment. The most famous models: Octavia, Fabia, Yeti.

SEAT

In 1986, due to financial difficulties, the Italian concern FIAT sold 99.9% of the shares of the Spanish automaker to the Volkswagen group. Today the brand specializes in the mass segment. The most famous models: Ibiza, Leon.

Lamborghini

At the turn of the 60-70s. of the last century, the Italian sports car manufacturer changed owners several times. In 1998, the brand was bought by Audi AG and found itself under the wing of Volkswagen. The most famous models: Aventador, Huracan.

Bugatti

In 1956, this legendary brand actually ceased to exist. In the late 80s, Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli revived production and in 1998 sold the asset to the Volkswagen concern. Today the brand specializes in the super premium segment. Best known model: Veyron

What other companies does Volkswagen own?

• MAN- a manufacturer of trucks, truck tractors, dump trucks, buses, hybrid and diesel engines;
• Scania- manufacturer of trucks, truck tractors, dump trucks, buses and diesel engines;
• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles- manufacturer of commercial vehicles (buses, minibuses, tractors);
• Ducati motor- motorcycle manufacturer;
• ItalDesign Giugiaro- automotive design studio.

For some time, there were rumors about Volkswagen's intention to buy the Italian-American alliance Fiat-Chrysler to become the world's largest automaker, but the deal never materialized.

Volkswagen AG, a German automobile concern. Manufactures cars, trucks, minibuses. The headquarters are located in Wolfsburg.

In 1934 Ferdinand Porsche (Ferdinand Porsche), a famous German designer (founder of the world famous German automobile company Porsche AG), received an order from the National Socialist government of Germany to develop a modern passenger car.

And already in 1935, such a car was mounted. It got the name "Volkswagen", which literally translated from German means "people's car". After two years of testing, the VW30 series was launched in 1937, and by 1938 the car had acquired a familiar appearance for many generations. Volkswagen was immediately appreciated by designers, engineers and drivers. They started talking about him, there were numerous publications, in 1938 in the New York Times article Volkswagen was dubbed a "beetle" for its external resemblance. This nickname stuck so well that it became the hallmark of the car.

For the production of the "people's car" on May 26, 1938 in the city of Wolfsburg, the construction of the largest European automobile plant, Volkswagen, began. But the impending war prevented the production of this car from being established. Only a dozen of them were produced. The fascist bosses liked the car very much. Hitler himself gladly rode it.

During the Second World War, work on the construction of Volkswagen was suspended, and the unfinished plant was redesigned for the production of military products.

After the end of the war, the company fell under the control of the British, in whose zone of occupation Wolfsburg was located. In the fall of 1945, the British authorities handed over to the plant an order for 20 thousand cars. But only almost ten years later, the serial production of the car in its initial modification began. In 1947 Volkswagen was exhibited at the Hannover Export Fair and attracted a lot of attention. The plant received the first foreign order from Holland for a thousand cars, and in 1948 orders began to arrive from Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden and other countries.

In January 1948, the leadership of Volkswagen changed, and Heinrich Nordhoff, a representative of the new generation of German technocrats, became its CEO. The updated management consisted of graduate engineers with international experience in car manufacturing and thinking outside the box. With their arrival, the car was improved and modernized. In 1949, models with a new body type began to be produced - a convertible and a limousine. In serial production, the interior equipment became more comfortable, a partially synchronized engine was installed.

A network of car service and technical stations for car maintenance was established. We were constantly working with Western clients. Volkswagen has established a strong car distribution network.

By the end of 1948, the export of the car, which gained world fame, amounted to about 50 thousand cars, about 15 thousand were sold on the domestic market.

By this time, the plant was freed from allied control of the British, and on September 6, 1949 Volkswagen was completely transferred to the Federal Republic of Germany.

A new stage in the development of the plant began, which was primarily marked by an intensive increase in production and an increase in sales.

By 1950, 100 thousand cars were produced, by 1951 - 500 thousand cars, and on August 5, 1955, a solemn ceremony took place on the occasion of the release of the millionth Volkswagen 2. The motto of this time in the life of Germans is the popular phrase associated with Volkswagen - "He is a member of my family." ...

The reliability and affordable price of the car, proven over the years, have strengthened the export capabilities of the car. Volkswagen is already on sale in 150 countries around the world. Subsidiaries appear abroad - in 1953 in Brazil, in 1956 in South Africa, in 1957 in Australia, in 1964 in Mexico (here since 1998 the beetle has been produced, which has become a real hit of the season among Hollywood stars) and other countries.

The first modification of the standard Volkswagen-1200 in 1955 was the Karmann-Ghia sports coupe, the brand of which was made up of the names of the firms that created it: the body was designed by the Italian company Ghia, and it was assembled at the German bodywork firm Karmann in Osnabrück. In 1961, the program was replenished with a new Volkswagen-1500 with a sedan body and an increased displacement engine, on the basis of which the next versions of the Karmann-Ghia coupe and convertible were produced.

In 1965 Volkswagen bought out Audi from Daimler-Benz, creating the Volkswagen-Audi concern, known by the abbreviation VAG. Later, the Spanish company SEAT and the Czech plant Skoda entered it. At present, Audi AG is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen concern, which has been given full independence.

The first result of the merger in 1968 was the VW-411 with an air-cooled engine with a working volume of 1679 cc. The model was very restrainedly accepted by buyers. In 1969, after joining the NSU firm, the first Volkswagen with front drive wheels appeared, which received the K-70 index. It was available with 1594 or 1795 cc engines. In 1969-1975, in cooperation with Porsche, sports cars Volkswagen-Porsche-914 "were produced with 4- and 6-cylinder engines in 1679 and 1991 cc. In 1970, the VW-181 appeared with a utilitarian open body, reminiscent of army cars. Its development in 1979 was a light all-wheel drive army vehicle lltis.

The progenitor of the new generation Volkswagen is considered to be the front-wheel drive Passat, released in 1973. It was offered in numerous variants with engines ranging from 1297 to 1588 cc. The next year, the sporty Scirocco appeared with a 3-door coupe and engines ranging from 1,093 to 1,588 cc, as well as the compact 3- and 5-door Golf hatchback. In the first 30 months of production, 1 million Golfs rolled off the assembly line, making Volkswagen one of the largest car manufacturers in Europe. In 1979, the Golf Cabriolet appeared, which was always in high demand.

The Golf I, which appeared in 1974, turned out to be the most successful: modern, economical, reliable, just such a model could stir up the international market. The Golf marked a new stage in the competition in the compact car class, which came to be almost officially called the "golf class". If during the development of new models in 1973-1974, the concern's losses exceeded 800 million German marks, then already in 1975, due to the high demand for them, it was possible to cover all costs. Just 3 years after the launch of the Golf I, the one-millionth car of this brand was produced. The Golf II saw the light of day in 1983, and eight years later, in 1991, the Golf III debuted, which, like previous models, maintained the Golf's high reputation. In twenty-three years since the start of production, 17 million Golfs of three generations have been produced. In 1995-1996, the Golf III was the leader in the number of sales in Europe. In 1997, the debut of the new Golf IV took place, only in the first days after which more than 60 thousand orders were taken.

At the beginning of 1975, the "younger brother" Golf was presented - a three-door front-wheel drive Polo, similar in design to the Audi-50 and offered with engines with a working volume of 895-1272 cc. The inexpensive and practical Polo also became very popular and strengthened Volkswagen's financial position. On the basis of the Polo, a three-volume variant with a Derby sedan body was offered.

Since 1980, based on the Golf, the Jetta has been produced with a 4-door sedan body. In 1992, it was replaced by a similar machine (already on the third generation Golf chassis) called the Vento.

In 1981, the Passat and Scirocco were modernized, and a year later, the Santana sedan appeared on the basis of the Passat, which was equipped for the first time with a 5-cylinder petrol S engine with a displacement of 1994 cc.

In the period 1988-1995, the only Corrado 3-door coupe in the program was assembled, the successor to the Scirocco.

The Variant station wagon and convertible models on the third generation chassis have continued to be produced since 1993. Two Variant Syncro models with 2.0- and 2.9-liter engines have all-wheel drive chassis.

The compact third generation Polo has been in production since 1994. Bodies 3- and 5-door hatchback, Polo Classic sedan and 5-door Variant station wagon. Engines petrol and diesel 4-cylinder with a working volume of 1.0-1.9 liters, 50-101 hp.

The comfortable family Vento of the first generation is equipped with 4- and 6-cylinder engines in 1.6-2.8 liters with an output of 75-174 hp.

Sharan wagon of increased capacity has been produced since 1995 in 5-7-seater versions, on front- and all-wheel drive chassis. The power of gasoline and diesel engines with a working volume of 1.9-2.8 liters is within the range of 90-174 hp.

The fifth generation Passat family of models was shown in 1996. Unlike previous cars, produced since 1988, they are again unified with the same type Audi A4 and A6 models. This allowed the use of more powerful and modern Audi powertrains in the longitudinal arrangement. Passat models are produced only with sedan and 5-door Variant station wagon bodies and are equipped with 4-, 5- and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines in 1.6-2.8 liters with an output of 90-193 hp. Several Syncro Variant models have an all-wheel drive chassis.

1999 saw the release of the BORA comfortable sedan model.

Several Volkswagen plants in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and China produce a range of models that differ significantly from European products. These include the Gol, Parati and Santana models, based on the previous generation Golf and Passat chassis.

The Mexican branch continues the production of the "1.6i" model of the "Beetle" type with a 1.6-liter engine of 44 hp, and since the beginning of 1998 the production of a fundamentally new front-wheel drive car "Beetle" (Beetle) on the chassis of Golf models has been mastered. outwardly similar to the famous "Beetle".

Currently, the Volkswagen concern is one of the largest in terms of sales in the world, has its factories in 15 countries of the world, manufactures products under five brands Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT. Since 1998, the concern has owned the Rolls-Royce brand. In addition to cars, the plant also produces trucks and minibuses. The Volkswagen concern includes: Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, SEAT SA, Skoda Avtomobilova, Volkswagen-Saxony GmbH.

Website: www.vw.com

Representative office in Russia:

The Volkswagen concern is known all over the world. It is truly the largest group of car manufacturing companies. The parent company (or, as they say, the parent company) is located in Wolfsburg and is called, as everyone knows, Volkswagen AG. Well, this concern has a very rich and long history and a lot of interesting facts. So it's worth telling about it in more detail.

Porsche and Volkswagen

So, the headquarters of this concern is located in Germany, in Wolfsburg. The company was named "Volkswagen", which means "people's car" in German. Today, about half of the shares are owned by such a holding company as Porsche SE. Nevertheless, the Volkswagen concern owns all one hundred percent of the ordinary shares of an intermediate holding called Porsche Zwischenholding GmbH. In general, in fact, "Porsche" - these are cars that are produced by "Volkswagen". Today, company managers are negotiating to merge the firms into a single structure that could be called VW-Porsche. It is also interesting that Martin Winterkorn (a fairly well-known personality of the automotive world) until September 2015 served as chairman of the board of both Volkswagen and Porsche.

But that is not all. Today, the Volkswagen concern consists of 342 companies that produce cars and provide services related to this area. It is the largest car manufacturer in the world. And of course, the undisputed leader of the European car market. 25% of the cars that drive on the roads of the continent are made by Volkswagen.

About history

The Volkswagen concern begins its history in 1937. The founder of the company is Ferinand Porsche. It was he who created the so-called Society for the preparation of Volkswagen mbH. And in 1938 they began to build the first Volkswagen plant. Of course it was in Wolfsburg. In addition to the automotive industry, the plant was engaged in another type of activity. Concern Volkswagen AG then provided logistics and financial services. And besides that, he had a small food business.

In the 90s, the company began to experience major difficulties. Quite serious financial problems have appeared. But thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of Ferdinand Piëch, everything worked out. In fact, this man saved Volkswagen. The concern switched to a 4-day working week, began to adhere to an offensive policy and began to develop at an even greater pace. In the end, the company managed to acquire just a huge number of popular brands.

Rolls-Royce and Suzuki

From 1998 to 2002, the Volkswagen automobile concern was engaged in the production of cars such as Rolls-Royce. All people know about these luxurious models, even those who are not familiar with the auto world. This topic is quite interesting. A division of the Volkswagen Bentley group was engaged in the production of these cars under an agreement with another company - BMW. Why? But because the Munich company bought from such a concern as Vickers, the rights to this brand. And since 2003, only BMW has the right to manufacture and manufacture cars with the famous Rolls-Royce emblem.

In 2009, the Volkswagen Group took a step further - it entered into an alliance with a company like Suzuki. The firms exchanged blocks of shares (German manufacturers got 20% of Suzuki shares) and made an announcement of the joint development of so-called ecological machines. But in 2011, the alliance broke up, which was announced to the world.

2015 scandal

In September 2015, a worldwide Volkswagen scandal erupted. The concern was accused of the fact that the program that the developers used in the on-board computers that they produce determined one important point. Namely, in what mode the machine works - in normal mode or in a test mode. This program was introduced in cars with diesel power units. Including VW Jetta, Audi A3, Golf, Passat, Beetle. When testing began, the vehicle automatically switched to environmentally friendly operation. A very smart and well thought-out system, I must say. However, this turned out to be a huge disaster and financial cost for the concern.

The Environmental Protection Agency said that for absolutely every car that does not meet US standards, the company will have to pay a fine of $ 37.5 thousand. It turns out to be a fabulous sum. Indeed, since 2008, the concern has sold 482,000 cars. And the total amount of fines could reach 18 billion! To date, half a million of their vehicles have been recalled from the United States. This is also a loss. After the incident, the company's chairman Martin Winterkorn apologized publicly and said that he would definitely support the investigation. By the way, the ministry is engaged in it. After that, Martin resigned after more than a dozen years of work at Volkswagen.

Acquired companies before 2000

So, it is worth talking in more detail about what is included in the Volkswagen concern. Naturally, the main part of it is the Volkswagen company, which produces passenger cars. The company is not registered as a subsidiary of the parent group, but is a subdivision directly subordinate to the management of VW AG.

In 1964, the Audi company was added to this structure. It was purchased from Daimler-Benz. Next after Audi was NSU Motorenwerke. It was bought in 1969. This brand has not been used as an independent brand for a long time - since 1977. And before that, the company produced motorcycles and cars.

They took over the Spanish brand Seat, which has existed since 1950. Volkswagen owns 99.99% of the company's shares. The most interesting models began to appear after Seat joined the German structure. For example, the SEAT Bocanegra with a 180-horsepower engine, which was designed by Lamborghini specialists.

In 1991, the company acquired the Czech Škoda and then took back Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. This company was once part of VW AG, but in 1995 it became an independent brand. Or rather, a division. "Bentley", "Bugatti", "Lamborghini" - these brands are known today all over the world. And these are concerns that have been owned by Volkswagen since 1998. That year was a shock for the company. After all, these cars are considered one of the most popular, well-known and actively bought by people.

Acquired firms after 2000

The Volkswagen Group continued to acquire shares further. In 2009 he bought almost 71% of Scania AB. This production is engaged in the development and production of dump trucks, buses, trucks, truck tractors and diesel engines. Another company, MAN AG, bought in 2011, makes all of the above, as well as hybrid powertrains in addition. VW AG owns 55.9% of the firm.

Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A and ItalDesign Giugiaro are two other manufacturers bought by Volkswagen. The first of the listed companies is one of the leading manufacturers of premium motorcycles. And the second is a car design studio. Interestingly, in 2010, the Lamborghini holding bought 90% of the shares of this company. So Volkswagen was already the owner of the atelier, but after the paperwork was completed, it also became the official owner.

And one more interesting information. VW AG in 2013 acquired the Russian Aleko (it was under this TM that the famous cheap "Muscovites" were sold for some time). The right to use this brand and any emblems belongs to the German concern until 2021.

Financial questions

In March 1991, in order to optimize the organizational structure, the German concern decided to form an internal division that would deal with financial matters. It was named Volkswagen Finanz. In 1994 it became a closed joint stock company. This banking and financial structure receives full access to international financial markets, as well as the ability to carry out financing on very favorable terms. This unit deals with important issues. For example, by financing the development, production and purchase of machines for corporate and individual clients. Also provides banking, leasing and insurance services to these individuals. In general, a useful activity and, what is most important for the company, profitable.

About profit

And a couple more interesting facts in the end. In 2010, VW AG raised a huge amount of money, amounting to 57.243 billion euros! But of all this, the net profit turned out to be only 1.55 billion. Seems small in comparison with the revenue. However, this is actually a lot of money. After all, all expenses are taken into account, which go to almost 350 companies. Therefore, the profit is really solid. Therefore, it is not surprising that Volkswagen is by far the largest, richest and most famous company.

In 1933, Adolf Hitler commissioned the famous designer Ferdinand Porsche and Jacob Werlin, one of the directors of the Daimler-Benz concern, to create a people's car that could satisfy all the needs of an ordinary buyer, while the cost of the model should not exceed one thousand Reichsmarks. Thus, the history of the Volkswagen concern began, which got its name from the German Volks-Wagen, that is, the people's car. Jacob Verlin put forward a proposal that it was Dr. Porsche who was engaged in the development of the model, and the company "Daimler-Benz", would be responsible for the technical side of the issue, providing also its production facilities. The model Porsche Typ 60 formed the basis of the people's car. So, the first prototype of the model saw the light in 1934, and the mass production of the car began 4 years later.

In 1937, the company was founded " Volkswagen", Which was supposed to become a symbol of the new Germany. In the shortest possible time, an ultra-modern plant was built in the city of Wolfsburg, laid down for the workers of the new enterprise. In 1938, army modifications of the car were presented, called Volkswagen Type 82 and 85. In general, the people's car formed the basis of a whole model range, taking a leading position in the automotive market in Germany, Austria and Holland, and the selling price of the basic version was 1550 Reichsmarks. In addition, during the years of the Second World War at the factories of the concern " Daimler"More than 30 thousand amphibians were produced on the basis of the people's car, which were also developed Ferdinand Porsche.

However, in 1945, after the overthrow of Hitler and the end of the war, Ferdinand Porsche ended up in prison, and the city of Wolfsburg was in the British zone of occupation, which led to significant changes in the management of the concern " Volkswagen". However, until 1948, the British army managed to get about 20 thousand copies of various modifications of the people's car for their own needs. In 1949 full control over the concern " Volkswagen»Passed to the government of the Federal Republic of Germany, which was forced to start exporting cars of the brand to other countries. Only in 1955 the model received the name Volkswagen Beetle, and began to be produced in the original, civilian modification. In 1950, with the money of investors from Holland, engineers of the German brand began work on the creation of a full-size minibus, which received the name Volkswagen bully... 1953-1959 years were opened Volkswagen car assembly plants in Brazil, Australia, South Africa and Mexico.

By 1960, 9 new models of the brand “ Volkswagen"Which were based on the platform Volkswagen Beetle... Thanks to the use of a base proven over the years, the new modifications were completely devoid of shortcomings, which significantly reduced the cost of producing new cars, which only needed to replace the body and power unit for certain needs of the target buyer.

The next important step in the history of the German automobile company was 1965, when Volkswagen has bought the Audi brand from Daimler-Benz, including it in its composition by combining the management elite and design staffs. This is how the company appeared “ Volkswagen-Audi", Later renamed to" Volkswagen Group».

In 1969, after joining the concern " Volkswagen"Entered a small firm for the construction of power units called" NSU", The company's management decided to move away from the classic layout that has become Beetle proposed by Ferdinand Porsche... So a year later, the first front-wheel drive cars of the brand " Volkswagen", In which the power unit was located in front. In parallel with this, active work was underway to create the first joint with the brand " Audi»The car that he became in 1974 compact hatchback Volkswagen Golf, the progenitor of the car class of the same name. The model was distinguished not only by its compact dimensions, but also by a good combination of convenience, dynamism and lightness, which allowed it to become the new sales leader in the German automotive market.

In the same year, the last copies of the model rolled off the assembly line at the company's factories in Wolfsburg. Volkswagen Beetle, but their production was continued by factories of the brand " Volkswagen»In Brazil and Mexico. In Europe, it was replaced by two models at once - The trade wind and Golf. In just 2.5 years of sales of the compact Golf hatchback, more than one million vehicles were sold, which made the German brand one of the leaders in the European automotive industry, and the resulting profit formed the basis for the creation of a new generation of production facilities " Volkswagen". In 1975 on the wave of success Golf, was presented so and its simplified modification - Volkswagen Polo, under the hood of which there was a power unit with a capacity of 40 horsepower. In addition, in 1976, on the basis of the Audi 50, a sedan version of the Volkswagen Polo was also developed.

In 1983, another renewal of the lineup of the company began. Volkswagen", So were presented second generation Golf and Jetta models, a compact sedan based on a small hatchback, with the same range of engines, but in a completely redesigned body design. It was also presented the new generation of the sports model Volkswagen Scirocco, under the hood of which there are motors with a capacity of 120 to 200 horsepower.

In 1982, the management of the German concern signed an agreement on close cooperation with the Spanish automaker firm " SEAT”, Which experienced financial difficulties, but successfully kept afloat, due to the release of inexpensive cars, popular among ordinary buyers. However, financial problems still broke the Spanish brand. This led in 1986 to the transfer of a controlling stake in 51% of the company's shares under the control of the brand " Volkswagen", Which paid off all the debts of the company" SEAT”, And also included it in its composition, using it as a production facility for the release of its models in the automotive market in Spain and Portugal. Also in 1982, the world's first five-cylinder motors were presented, installed on Volkswagen Passat second generation.

In 1988 was introduced Volkswagen Corrado model which took place Sirocco models among the current cars of the company, and itself Sirocco was discontinued. Successful financial performance and consistently high sales of cars of the concern " Volkswagen"Allowed the management to rethink about the acquisition of a new division, which would help the German brand to occupy new niches in the automotive market.

In 1990, the economic crisis hit Europe seriously, but due to the right strategy and huge profits, concern "Volkswagen" remained one of the few industrial enterprises on the European continent that did not experience a significant decrease in demand for its products and a sharp drop in profits. However, the Czech company “ Skoda", Specializing in the creation of inexpensive cars for the Eastern European market, was much less fortunate, the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. Before the engineers of the German concern loomed the prospect of creating another model range of cars, which led to the complete absorption of the Czech manufacturer " Skoda", And for the company" Volkswagen»The access to the automobile market of Eastern Europe was opened.

At the same time, another famous brand, Porsche, also falls under the control of Volkswagen., which is rapidly suffering economic collapse due to spending exceeding incomes on modernization and expansion of production. As a result, for the next 16 years, the brand “ Porsche"Was completely under control" Volkswagen", Another brainchild Ferdinand Porsche... However, in 2007, after the correct distribution of excess profits, the management company was formed “ Porsche", Which completely bought out the concern" Volkswagen", Having ceded to him full control over the activities of the sports car company Porsche AG.

It is noteworthy that it was in the 90s that the designers of the company “ Volkswagen"Begin to conduct their experiments to create a universal platform for the construction of various cars of the same class, and the first experiments were carried out on models Golf, Bora, Audi 50 and SEAT Albea... Thanks to the use of a single platform, the concern no longer needed to carry out lengthy field tests of each of the models, and the cost of one car was reduced by 22%.

The next turning point in the history of the German concern “ Volkswagen"Began in 1998, when three brands of premium cars came under the control of one of the world's largest automakers at once -" Bentley », « Lamborghini" and " Bugatti". A year later, under control " Audi", Which became an independent division of the brand" Volkswagen", The brand was transferred" Lamborghini", Which has received a serious technical base for the release of new sports cars. Mark " Bentley"In the new hierarchy of the German concern, the share of one of the largest players in the luxury car market was assigned, due to the fact that, in addition to all the property of the British brand, under the control of" Volkswagen"Also got the production facilities of the company" Rolls-Royce". The production of a number of cars began, which, without unnecessary modesty, began to be called cars for millionaires.

At the same time, the most difficult task was set before the French brand “ Bugatti", Whose engineers were commissioned in 2000 to create the most powerful and fastest car in history, using all the latest developments of the company" Audi". After 5 years, a chapter called Bugatti Veyron was inscribed in the history of the German concern, and a car with a power unit with a capacity of one thousand horsepower became the first hypercar in history, setting a number of speed records.

The two thousandth years were also marked by the massive participation of the concern " Volkswagen»In motorsport competitions. In the period from 2000 to 2013, the factory teams “ Audi" and " Bentley”Won 11 victories in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans marathon, setting many records, and providing the concern with the most advanced developments in the field of kinetic energy recovery, aerodynamics and selective dual-clutch transmissions.

Also, in 2002 the first off-road vehicles of the Volkswagen brand were presented, for the promotion of which it was decided to start performing in the legendary rally-raid Paris-Dakar, where in the middle of the 20th century the company managed to win two victories. Porsche". Racing prototypes model Volkswagen Tuareg won first places in the Paris-Dakar races 2009-2011, displacing more experienced competitors from the leading positions. In addition, these developments allowed the company “ Volkswagen»To start serial production of all-wheel drive chassis for light hatchbacks and sedans. And since 2011, it was decided to start performing with the factory team " Skoda»In the World Rally Championship, where in 2013 Volkswagen prototype driven by a French driver Sebastian Ogier won the individual competition, breaking the dominance of the brand “ Citroen", Which lasted almost 10 years.

By 2012, all cars of the concern " Volkswagen”Were modernized, and the total number of sales markets reached 150. In addition, the company is actively investing in the development of its business in China, the third largest automotive market in the world.

In 2013 was released Volkswagen The e-Golf is an electric version of the C-class hatchback. This is the most sustainable version of the Golf model in history. The car is equipped with climate control with the possibility of heating and cooling in the parking lot, a multimedia system with navigation, heated windshield and LED headlights. Volkswagen The Golf GTE is a C-class front-wheel drive hatchback with a hybrid powertrain. The world premiere of the model took place at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014. In motion Volkswagen The Golf GTE is powered by a power plant consisting of a 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 150 hp and a 102 hp electric motor. with. In 2015, a restyled version of the model was released Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. It is a class C sedan with a hybrid powertrain. The hybrid component has left a certain mark on the characteristics and design of the Jett. The electric motor and batteries have completely increased the mass of the car, so it was extremely important to optimize the sedan's aerodynamics.

← The company chose the modern logo for itself back in the early 70s

Automotive history cannot be imagined without the Volkswagen brand, and for many people these cars have become an integral part of life. Currently, the car concern Volkswagen AG is located in Lower Saxony, where the company's headquarters are located in Wolsfburg.

The history of the Volkswagen logo is as interesting as the path of development of the famous automobile company. By the way, the author of the VW emblem is not exactly known to this day. The first Volkswagen logo appeared back in 1933, it became the image of the letters V and W inscribed in each other, stylized as a Nazi swastika.

Volkswagen production approved by Hitler

In 1936, by order of Adolf Hitler, a new plant was opened in Fallersleben (Lower Saxony). The enterprise was supposed to organize the production of Volkswagen cars (translated from the German "people's car"). Ferdinand Porsche was involved in the development of Volkswagen models, which were to be assembled in modification of a limousine, convertible and soft-top cars. At that time, this talented designer worked for Mercedes, but at the request of Hitler left his post and devoted himself to the development of the "people's car".

← Ferdinand Porsche - the author of the first VW models

And for the first time these two met back in 1924 on the Solitude race track, what Hitler and Porsche were talking about then is not known. A few years after this meeting, in 1930, an automotive research bureau was established on Kronenstrasse in Stuttgart. The staff of this organization included Ferdinad Porsche himself, his son Ferry (Ferry), engineers Karl Rabe and Kral Frolich, who were specialists in automotive transmission, as well as Joseph Kales, an expert on air-cooled engines, Joseph Mikl and Erwin Komenda, who later became the designer of the Porsche 356. The company operated under the long name "DR.ING.HCF. Porsche Gmbh. Konstruktionsbüro für Motoren-Fahrzeug-Luftfahrzeug und Wasserfahrzeugbau".

Start of the "people's car"

In 1931, Ferdinand Porsche developed the first prototype of the "people's car", a small car, which the German company Zündapp ordered from the designer. In 1932, production of this model, called the Type 12, was even started, but Zündapp quickly lost interest in the automotive industry, facing more pressing production orders.

In 1932, Porsche created a new "people's car", developed on the basis of the Type 12. The novelty inherits the body design from its predecessor and receives a four-cylinder engine with an air-cooled system. However, the manufacturer had to abandon the large-scale implementation of this project due to an agreement signed with Fiat, according to which the models of the Italian automaker should not compete with German car companies.

In 1933, another meeting between the auto-designer and the Fuehrer of Germany took place. Porsche then explained his plan to create a small-sized car model that could travel at a speed of 100 km / h, consume no more than 7 liters per 100 kilometers and was sold at a price of 1,000 marks. The new creation of Ferdinand Porsche was "enclosed" in a body with rounded shapes and had front and rear torsion bar suspensions. The choice of this type of suspension was dictated by the peculiarities of the power plant of the car, as well as the intention to make the interior of the car as spacious as possible. In addition, the torsion bar suspension, due to its flexibility, has become an ideal technical solution for small cars, because the use of a rigid suspension for equipping a light car would have a negative effect on the level of interior comfort. Ferdinand Porsche intended to equip his new car with an air-cooled four-cylinder engine.

← One of the first models designed by Porsche

It is also worth noting that the design decisions regarding the body of the new model were inspired by Porsche's favorite racing models Benz, which in their shape resembled a drop of water, which, as you know, has excellent aerodynamics. But soon the auto designer found another advantage of just such a rounded body shape. And it consisted in the fact that the body made in this form also had high strength indicators. Subsequently, this very argument will become the marketing ploy of the Volkswagen manufacturer.

← The first VW models were personally evaluated by Hitler

The birth of the Volkswagen automobile concern

And in 1934, that significant event took place, which can be considered the birth of the great Volkswagen auto concern. This year, after going through numerous discussions and refinements, the car project from Ferdinand Porsche received the signature "approved for production".

The Fuehrer's aspiration was clear: to make sure that every citizen of Germany has his own car. Therefore, it was assumed that the designed cars should be economical models, easy to manufacture and maintain.

At the end of 1935, the company is testing two prototype cars, named VW1 and VW2, which had a 985 cc engine and 23.5 hp. at 3 00 rpm.

In 1936, these prototypes are already undergoing road tests on the track of the villa near Stuttgart. Interestingly, the test specimens were found to be "not very aesthetic." And it is not surprising, because then few guessed about the advantages of an aerodynamic body. Moreover, such cars were not suitable for mass, "people's" production. Therefore, the members of the commission, who did not really care about what was under the hood of the tested car samples, greeted the new items with distrust and biasedness. But the 50,000 km of the test track, which these prototypes drove without problems, convinced the "judges", and the car was declared "fit for use."

30 models of cars, named Type VW 38, were assembled in 1937 on the orders of Hitler by Mercedes. These so-called "30 Series" cars were followed by the Series 60 models, which were tested in the harsh conditions of the winter of 1937-38. One of the cars of this series opened the German Grand Prix in the mountains. The lightness and good handling of the car allowed it, despite its modest motor resource, to drive about 13 km in a time comparable to the results of a racing car. This fact can be considered the first sporting achievement of Volkswagen.

Wolfsburg plant

For mass production of models of this series, it was decided to build a plant in Wolfsburg. In 1938, the first stone was laid in the construction of a new enterprise. Subsequently, KdF-Stadt will become a real hometown for VW workers. At the production site, pre-production models of the 60 Series were assembled in the modification of a cabriolet, a sedan and a car with a soft folding roof.

← Car manufacturing in KdF-Stadt

And Hitler in those years preferred to call these cars not Volkswagen cars at all, but the K.d models. F.-Wagen, which in its own way angered and shocked the designer Ferdinand Porsche, who was, in fact, the main and sole creator of the "Series 30" and "Series 60" cars. Despite the financial plan, the implementation of which could allow every citizen of Germany to raise funds for the purchase of these cars, not a single car from VW reached its buyer in those pre-war years. Several of the models produced were used for the needs of the German army, and several more were put into operation by the Nazi leadership.

← The first models of the 30th series were intended for Nazi leaders

On the eve of the war in 1939, 215 cars were manually assembled at VW production, which are now impossible to find. In the same year, designers began developing a military version of the K.d. F-Wagen.

Serial production of these models began in 1941, cars very quickly acquired a reputation for being durable and reliable vehicles. On the basis of "civilian" models, the manufacturer creates several military modifications, the most famous of which is the Kubelwagen. It was entirely aimed at the needs of the German army and became like a German "jeep". In 1943, for the motorization of such cars, engines with a volume of 935 to 1131 cm³ with a capacity of 24 to 25 hp began to be used. But already in 1944, on August 7, work at the VW production, where 630 sedan cars and 13 convertibles had already been assembled, stopped. The plant was completely re-equipped for military needs and began to produce V1 flying bombs here. It was precisely because of this kind of activity that the plant was soon bombed by allied troops.

In 1945, American troops find an industrial town not marked anywhere on the map, located near the walls of a huge destroyed factory (the wall of the main building was more than 1 km long) and give it the name Wolfsburg.

← Volkswagen plant in Wolfsbrug in our time

After the division of Germany into four zones of occupation in 1945, the plant comes under British control. At the same time, the production of VW was headed by Ivan Hirst, a young British major who left the ranks of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Deciding that the British army needed cars, Hirst took one of the models produced at the factory and sent it as a model to the leadership of the United Kingdom armed forces. Within a week, he received an order for the production of 20,000 copies and the work of the plant was resumed.

The first models were assembled by workers at the Wolfsburg plant from the wreckage of cars left after the bombing of the plant. They had to show remarkable dexterity and ingenuity to keep car production going. The harsh times for Volkswagen did not end there. Allied Britain intended to eliminate all industrial production in order to exclude any possibility of new weapons in Germany. However, the Wolfsburg plant was lucky to come under the control of Property Control (the Commission for the Control of Germany) and the production was given a peaceful character, aimed at transportation needs.

In the period from the end of World War II to October 1946, 10,000 Volkwagen models were assembled at the Wolsfburg plant, which, despite their "popular" name, were not at all intended for sale to ordinary motorists. The plant was offered to Henry Ford, but he considered the production "unviable" and refused to engage in its development. In 1947, difficulties associated with restoration work, as well as a shortage of coal, did not allow the Wolfsburg production to operate at the required level. Only 8987 cars were produced, 1656 of which were exported.

The landmark year for Volkswagen in 1948 has come. When the German-made models were taken up by the British military Heinrich Nordhof, the former head of Opel, who later became the CEO of Volkswagen. It was to him that the plant owes its real revival and it was he who created the production and commercial network of VW, and also placed the company's branches in 136 countries of the world.

← Heinrich Nordhoff - organizer of VW's post-war revival

Thanks to the activity of the new manager, the reorganization of the Wolfsburg plant went much faster, the production volume reached 19244 cars, and soon control over the work of the enterprise passed to the management of the state of Lower Saxony.

The first Volkswagen models and the first resounding success

The first successful Volkswagen model is the VW 1200 (Type 1), which was dubbed Kafer in Germany, Coccinelle in France, and Beetle in England and Great Britain. The production of the VW 1200 model began in 1948, the car became known first in Germany, and then spread throughout Europe, and was later exported to the United States. It was in the states that this "people's car" became the best-selling foreign car in the 50-60s. Throughout its history, the VW 1200 model was produced in the amount of 20 million copies and outstripped the manufacturer Ford Motors and its famous Ford T model, which produced 15 million vehicles.

← Type VW 1200 Convertible Soft Top

In 1949, the British authorities transfer Volkswagen to the German leadership, the plant's production volume reaches 46,632 models, the export volume is 15.7%

The whole world will drive Volkswagens in the 60s and 70s

In the mid-50s, on the basis of the VW 1200, the assembly of elegant coupes and convertibles, called Karmann-Ghia, began (the body of the model was designed by Ghia, and assembled by Karmann). At that time, the cars of the German manufacturer were already sold in 150 countries around the world. VW subsidiaries open in many of them. In 1961, models such as the Type 3 and VW 1500 appeared, equipped with a rear-wheel drive with an oversized engine. New models with coupe and convertible bodies have been on sale since 1963. And in total, from 1961 to 1973, the production of Karmann-Ghia amounted to 3 million cars.

← Karmann-Ghia - the bestseller of the German car industry

In 1968, the production of the Type 4 (VW 411) model began, equipped with an air-cooled engine with a volume of 1679 cm³. This car was the first result of the work of VW and Audi, which was acquired from Daimler-Benz. The two German manufacturers merged into an alliance called VAG, which was later joined by Seat and Skoda.

← VW 411 became a classic, but did not have much success

The VW 411 was not very popular between 1968 and 1974. VAG has produced only 350,000 cars of this model. In order to be able to release a new model that would replace the 411th, Volkswagen includes NSU in its structure. Soon, the K-70 model appeared, equipped with a front-wheel drive, which was produced from 1970 to 1975.

← K-70 - the first front-wheel drive Volkswagen

In the early 70s, the German manufacturer expected a sudden but well-deserved success. In 1973, VW began production of the Passat, which was based on the front-wheel drive Audi 80 platform. The start of VW Passat production ended the production of the VW 411 and K-70. The Passat was modified several times (in 1980, 1988 and 1995) and is still produced by VW.

← Volkswagen began producing its famous Passat model in the early 70s.

Now the car is the face of the German brand

In 1974, in the midst of the global oil crisis, Volkswagen launched the Golf, which was intended to replicate the success of the VW 1200. The introduction of this small front-wheel drive car marked the beginning of the popularity of compact cars throughout Europe. The Golf has a glorious and long history that has not ended to this day, and since 1975 this model has been considered one of the best-selling in the Old World.

← Golf is the best-selling small car in Europe

Already in 1974, Volkswagen's model range expanded with the appearance of the Scirocco coupe, produced on the basis of the Golf. A year later, the production of the Polo model, a front-wheel drive car based on the Audi 50, was launched. The Polo became another massive success of the Volkswagen concern and brought the company significant income.