| Full title: | |
| Other names: | VW |
| Existence: | May 28, 1937 - present day |
| Location: | Germany: Wolfsburg |
| Key figures: | Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Directors |
| Products: | Passenger cars, engines |
| The lineup: | Golf II Volkswagen Jetta Volkswagen Tiguan Volkswagen Scirocco Volkswagen Touran Volkswagen Caddy |
Volkswagen was born much later than its famous compatriots. It was also created not like the others, which grew from handicraft workshops, but on the orders of the German leadership. The creation of a new car by force was entrusted to the most talented automaker Ferdinand Porsche. No one cared that Porsche already had a job and was seriously overloaded, and that it would be very difficult for him to work at two enterprises.
Be that as it may, at the beginning of the fourth decade of the twentieth century, another automobile company was born in Germany.
Twice the people's car
In the thirties, several auto manufacturing companies were already operating on German soil. Their luxurious products cost a lot and were not intended for the common population.
In the highest government circles, it was decided to strengthen the support of the leaders by the overwhelming majority of the people. The good attitude of the rulers towards the people should have been expressed in the appearance on the markets of cheap but high-quality vehicles available to everyone. It was assumed that the Germans would appreciate this gesture, and their trust in the government would increase significantly.
The order for a Volkswagen (meaning "people's car") was received and successfully completed. In the mid-30s, three versions of one car were assembled. One of the prototypes was inspected by none other than Adolf Hitler himself. The Fuhrer liked the car.
The production of a pilot batch of thirty pieces was entrusted to Daimler-Benz. What haven't they done to these cars to identify them? positive traits And weak sides! After the tests, we corrected a few things and put the car into production.
The first Volkswagen turned out to be successful. It was easy to operate, very reliable and, most importantly, had a low retail price.
For the mass production of people's cars, they required production capacity. It was decided to build a new plant in a small town called Fallersleben. Construction began in the spring of 1938. Some people were not happy with the name of the city (a serious enterprise should have an appropriate name), so locality was renamed to the euphonious name Wolfsburg.
38
VW 38 The plant was to produce the Volkswagen 38 model. Its small engine, whose volume was only 985 cubic centimeters, was cooled by air. Based on the initial letters of the German phrase “KraftdurchFreude,” the car was simply called “KdF.”
The construction of the enterprise required a lot Money. It was decided to borrow them from the same people for whom the cars were intended.
People purchased bonds, which in the future were planned to be considered collateral for cars released in the future. The people's car has become doubly so, because... was produced exclusively using public funds.
The good deed did not become a reality; very few managed to get a “four-wheeled friend.” With the outbreak of hostilities, vehicle production was curtailed.
Revival of Volkswagen Perhaps our contemporaries would not have known about the existence Volkswagen brand , if after the war the plant passed into the hands of the Americans. But such a possibility existed. Wolfsburg found itself in territory subordinate to Great Britain. The British tried to sell the plant to the United States, but a representative who arrived from the States did not find anything remarkable in it. Thanks to the shortsightedness, and perhaps simple incompetence of the American expert, who failed to discern the enormous potential “ people's car
", cars under the Volkswagen brand still exist.
Over time, the company grew and began to open branches in other countries. In the summer of '53, its subsidiary production appeared in the Brazilian San Bernard de Campo. It took several years to establish full-scale production of cars. And at first they were simply assembled in Brazil from components and parts produced in Germany.
Volkswagen's second foreign representative office has opened in the south of the African continent. The French branch appeared in 1960. Two years after this, the company celebrated a significant event - the sale of the millionth Beetle. Compact inexpensive cars
Over the course of their long life, the machines have been modernized several times. But they always retained the original style. Boxer engine with four cylinders was always located at the rear. The supporting platform also remained unchanged. The last European Beetle was released in '72. And in total similar cars Over fifteen million pieces were collected. As for the countries of Latin America, cars were produced on their territory for several more decades. Taking into account cars and Latin production, the total number increases to 25 million units.
Volkswagen is not only known for its Beetles.
Modest cars were a huge success, but this does not mean that there were no other models. For example, the Volkswagen Golf brand was extremely popular. It was also produced on two continents. In Europe from '74, and from '78 in South America. Since its birth, “Golf” has been improved several times. Today you can meet its seventh generation.
Since the 80s, Volkswagen has been developing the Asian markets. First, long consultations took place, then cooperation agreements were signed. And finally, in 1991, a car plant opened in the Chinese city of Chang-Chun. There they began to produce the Santana model. In the same 80s, in collaboration with US Ford, Volkswagen opened an enterprise under the sonorous name “Autolatina”, this time in Argentina.
The dynamic development of Volkswagen consisted of the spread of branches throughout the planet, as well as the creation of a whole collection of famous automobile brands.
The company expanded both independently and through the acquisition of already famous productions. For example, she bought Audi from Daimler-Benz back in ’65. The beginning of the 90s added the Spanish Seat and the Czech Skoda to the concern. Later, the British company Bentley, the French Bugatti and the Italian Lamborghini became its property.
Volkswagen has a wide range of its own cars. Particularly popular are the already mentioned Golf, and the equally famous Passat, Polo and Bora. Among the latest developments, the Touareg SUV stands out. The luxury Phaeton received special praise.
The company is also known for commercial vehicles: Caravelle, Multivan, Shuttle and others.
Volkswagen products are sold in all countries of the world. In Russia it is in demand, thanks to its reliability and the same ease of control that was included in the very first “people’s” copy. If only it were still available to every Russian!
If you prefer not German pedantry, but French elegance, then you will probably be interested in where you can repair Citroen, Renault, Peugeot cars at an affordable price and with excellent quality.
The Volkswagen concern is known all over the world. This is really the most large group companies involved in the production of automobiles. 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 mass interesting facts. So it’s worth talking about it in more detail.
Porsche and Volkswagen
So, the headquarters of this concern is located in Germany, in Wolfsburg. The company was called “Volkswagen”, which translated from German means “people's car”. Today, about half of the shares belong to a holding company such as Porsche SE. But nevertheless, the Volkswagen concern owns all one hundred percent of the ordinary shares of the intermediate holding, which is called Porsche Zwischenholding GmbH. In general, in essence, “Porsche” is the car that Volkswagen produces. Today, company managers are negotiating to unite the companies into a single structure, which could be called VW-Porsche. It is also interesting that Martin Winterkorn (a fairly well-known personality automotive world) until September 2015, he served as chairman of the board of both Volkswagen and Porsche.
But that is not all. Currently, the Volkswagen concern consists of 342 companies that produce cars and provide services related to this area. This is the most major manufacturer cars all over the world. And of course, the undisputed leader of the European car market. 25% of the cars that drive on the continent's roads 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 automobile manufacturing, the plant was engaged in another type of activity. Volkswagen AG then provided logistics and financial services. And besides this, he had a small food business.
In the 90s, the company began to experience major difficulties. Quite serious financial problems arose. But thanks to the enterprise of Ferdinand Piëch, everything worked out. Essentially, this man saved Volkswagen. The concern switched to a 4-day work week, began to follow an offensive policy and began to develop at an even faster pace. In the end, the company managed to acquire simply a huge number of popular brands.
Rolls-Royce and Suzuki
From 1998 to 2002 automobile concern Volkswagen was involved in the production of cars such as Rolls-Royce. All people know about these luxury 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 the rights to this brand from a concern like Vickers. And since 2003, only BMW has the right to produce and produce cars with the famous Rolls-Royce emblem.
In 2009, the Volkswagen Group stepped even further - it entered into an alliance with a company such as Suzuki. The companies exchanged stakes (German manufacturers got 20% of Suzuki shares) and announced the joint development of so-called environmental cars. But in 2011, the alliance collapsed, which was announced to the world.
Scandal 2015
In September of this year, 2015, a worldwide scandal broke out around Volkswagen. The concern was accused of the fact that the program that the developers used in on-board computers, which they release, determined one important point. Namely, in what mode the machine operates - in normal or test mode. This program was introduced in cars with diesel power units. Including VW Jetta, Audi A3, Golf, Passat, Beetle. When testing began, the car automatically switched to an environmentally friendly operating mode. A very smart and well-thought-out system, I must say. However, this turned out to be a huge disaster and financial costs for the concern.
Protection Agency environment stated that for absolutely every car that does not meet US standards, the company will have to pay a fine of 37.5 thousand dollars. It turns out to be a fabulous amount. After all, 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 its vehicles have been recalled from the United States. This is also a loss. Company Chairman Martin Winterkorn made a public apology after the incident and said that he would definitely support the investigation. By the way, the ministry is involved in this. After this, Martin resigned after more than a dozen years of working at Volkswagen.
Acquired companies before 2000
So, it’s worth talking in more detail about what is included in the Volkswagen concern. Naturally, its main part is the Volkswagen company, which produces passenger cars. The company is not registered as a “daughter” of the parent concern, but is a division directly subordinate to the management of VW AG.
In 1964, the Audi company was merged into this structure. It was purchased from Daimler-Benz. The next company after Audi was NSU Motorenwerke. It was bought in 1969. This brand has not been used as a standalone for a long time - since 1977. Before that, the company produced motorcycles and cars.
In annexed Spanish stamp Seat, which has been around 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, SEAT Bocanegra with a 180-horsepower engine, the design of which was worked on by Lamborghini specialists.
In 1991, the company acquired the Czech Škoda, and then regained 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 Volkswagen-owned since 1998. That year was a shock year for the company. After all, these cars are considered one of the most popular, well-known and actively purchased by people.
Acquired companies after 2000
The Volkswagen Group continued to acquire shares further. In 2009, he bought almost 71% of Scania AB shares. This production is engaged in the development and production of dump trucks, buses, trucks, truck tractors And diesel engines. Another company, MAN AG, purchased in 2011, produces all of the above, as well as hybrid power units in addition. VW AG has a 55.9% stake in the company.
Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A and ItalDesign Giugiaro are two more manufacturers purchased by Volkswagen. The first of these companies is one of the leading manufacturers of premium motorcycles. And the second is a car design studio. It is interesting that 90% of the shares of this company were bought by the Lamborghini holding in 2010. So Volkswagen was already the owner of the studio, but after the paperwork was completed, it also became the official owner.
And one more interesting information. In 2013, VW AG 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 issues. It was called Volkswagen Finanz. It became closed in 1994 joint stock company. This banking and financial structure receives full access to international financial markets, as well as the opportunity to provide financing on very favorable terms. This unit deals with important issues. For example, financing the development, production and purchase of machines for corporate and individual clients. It also provides banking, leasing and insurance services to these individuals. In general, it is a useful activity and, most importantly for the company, profitable.
About profit
And a couple more interesting facts at the end. In 2010, VW AG made a huge amount of money, amounting to 57.243 billion euros! But from all this, the net profit turned out to be only 1.55 billion. It seems small compared to the revenue. However, in reality it is a lot of money. After all, all expenses that go to almost 350 companies are taken into account. Therefore, the profit is really solid. Therefore, it is not surprising that Volkswagen is by far the largest, richest and most famous company.
"Volkswagen AG" (Volkswagen AG), a German automobile concern. Manufactures cars, trucks, minibuses. The headquarters is located in Wolfsburg.
In 1934, 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 installed. It was named "Volkswagen", which literally means "people's car" in German. After two years of testing, the VW30 series was launched in 1937, and by 1938 the car acquired an appearance familiar to many generations. Volkswagen was immediately appreciated by designers, engineers and drivers. They started talking about it, numerous publications appeared, and in 1938, in an article in the New York Times, Volkswagen was dubbed a “beetle” for its external resemblance. This nickname stuck so well that it became the calling card of the car.
To produce the “people's car,” construction of the largest European Volkswagen automobile plant began on May 26, 1938 in the city of Wolfsburg. But the impending war prevented the production of this car. Only a dozen were produced. The fascist bosses really liked the car. Hitler himself rode it with pleasure.
During World War II, work on the construction of Volkswagen was suspended, and the unfinished plant was repurposed for the production of military products.
After the end of the war, the enterprise came under the control of the British, in whose zone of occupation Wolfsburg was located. In the fall of 1945, the British authorities handed over an order to the plant for 20 thousand cars. But only almost ten years later mass production of the car began in its original modification. In 1947, Volkswagen was exhibited at the export fair in Hannover 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; Heinrich Nordhoff, a representative of the new generation of German technocrats, became its general director. The updated management consisted of certified engineers who had international experience in automobile factories and were able to think 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 mass production, the interior equipment became more comfortable, and a partially synchronized engine was installed.
A network of car service centers and technical stations for car servicing was established. We constantly worked with Western clients. Volkswagen has created a powerful car sales network.
The export of the car, which gained worldwide fame, by the end of 1948 amounted to about 50 thousand cars, about 15 thousand were sold on the domestic market.
By this time, the plant was freed from the 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 was held to mark the release of the millionth Volkswagen 2. The motto of this time in the life of Germans became a popular phrase associated with Volkswagen - “He is a member of my family.” .
The reliability and affordable price of the car, proven over the years, strengthened the export capabilities of the car. Volkswagen is already sold in 150 countries around the world. Subsidiaries appeared abroad - in 1953 in Brazil, in 1956 in South Africa, in 1957 in Australia, in 1964 in Mexico (the Beetle has been produced here since 1998, which became a real hit of the season among Hollywood stars) and other countries.
The first modification of the standard Volkswagen 1200 in 1955 was sports coupe Karmann-Ghia, the brand of which was made up of the names of the companies that created it: the body was designed by the Italian company "Ghia", and it was assembled at the German body company "Karmann" in Osnabrück. In 1961, the program was replenished with a new Volkswagen-1500 with a sedan body and an engine of increased displacement, on the basis of which the next versions of the Karmann-Ghia coupe and convertible were produced.
In 1965, Volkswagen bought Audi from Daimler-Benz, creating the Volkswagen-Audi concern, known by the abbreviation VAG. Later it included the Spanish company SEAT and the Czech plant Skoda. Currently, Audi AG is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen concern, which has been granted complete independence.
The first result of the merger in 1968 was the VW-411 with an air-cooled engine with a displacement of 1679 cc. The model was received very restrainedly by customers. In 1969, after the merger of the NSU company, the first Volkswagen with front drive wheels appeared, receiving the index “K-70”. It could be purchased with engines with a displacement of 1594 or 1795 cc. In 1969-1975, in collaboration with Porsche, Volkswagen-Porsche-914" sports cars with 4- and 6-cylinder engines of 1679 and 1991 cc were produced. In 1970, the VW-181 appeared with a utilitarian open body, reminiscent of army vehicles wartime, its development in 1979 became a lightweight all-wheel drive. army vehicle lltis.
The founder of the new generation Volkswagen The front-wheel drive Passat, released in 1973, is considered. It was offered in numerous variants with engines ranging from 1297 to 1588 cc. The following year, the sporty Scirocco appeared with a 3-door coupe body and engines ranging from 1093 to 1588 cc, as well as a compact 3- and 5-door Golf hatchback. In the first 30 months of production, 1 million Golfs rolled off the assembly line, turning Volkswagen into one of the largest car manufacturers in Europe. In 1979, the Golf convertible appeared, which was always in high demand.
The Golf I model, 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 of competition in the production of a class of compact cars that became 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 millionth car of this brand was produced. In 1983, the Golf II was released, and eight years later, in 1991, it debuted Golf III, which, like previous models, maintained the high reputation of the Golf. In the twenty-three years since production began, 17 million Golfs across three generations have been produced. In 1995-1996, Golf III was the leader in sales in Europe. Debut took place in 1997 new Golf IV, only in the first days after which more than 60 thousand orders were accepted.
At the beginning of 1975 they introduced " younger brother"The Golf is a three-door front-wheel drive Polo, similar in design to the Audi-50 and offered with engines with a displacement of 895-1272 cc. The inexpensive and practical Polo also became very popular and strengthened the financial position of Volkswagen. Based on the Polo, a three-volume sedan version was offered Derby.
Since 1980, the Jetta model with a 4-door sedan body was produced on the Golf basis. In 1992, it was replaced by a similar car (already on the third generation Golf chassis), called Vento.
In 1981 year Passat and Scirocco were modernized, and a year later Passat base The Santana sedan appeared, the equipment of which for the first time included a 5-cylinder petrol S engine with a displacement of 1994 cc.
In the period 1988-1995, the only 3-door coupe Corrado in the program, the successor to the Scirocco, was assembled.
Variant models with a station wagon and convertible body on the chassis of third-generation cars 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 model has been in production since 1994. The bodies are 3- and 5-door hatchback, Polo Classic sedan and 5-door Variant station wagon. Engines are gasoline and diesel 4-cylinder with a displacement of 1.0-1.9 liters and a power of 50-101 hp.
The comfortable first generation Vento family is equipped with 4- and 6-cylinder engines of 1.6-2.8 liters with a power of 75-174 hp.
The Sharan high-capacity station wagon has been produced since 1995 in 5-7-seater versions, on a front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive chassis. The power of gasoline and diesel engines with a displacement of 1.9-2.8 liters ranges from 90-174 hp.
The fifth generation Passat family of models was introduced in 1996. Unlike previous cars produced since 1988, they are again unified with the same type Audi models"A4" and "A6". This made it possible to use more powerful and modern power Audi units longitudinal location. Passat models are produced only in sedan and 5-door Variant station wagon body styles and are equipped with 4-, 5- and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines in 1.6-2.8 liters with a power of 90-193 hp. Several Variant models in Syncro trim have all-wheel drive chassis.
In 1999, the BORA comfortable sedan model was released.
Several Volkswagen plants in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and China produce a number of models that differ significantly from European products. Among them are the Gol, Parati and Santana models, created on the chassis of the Golf and Passat models of previous generations.
The Mexican branch continues to produce the 1.6i Beetle model with a 1.6-liter 44 hp engine, and since the beginning of 1998, it has mastered the production of a fundamentally new front-wheel drive Beetle car on the chassis of Golf models, similar in appearance to the famous "Beetle".
Currently, the Volkswagen concern is one of the largest in terms of sales volumes in the world, has its factories in 15 countries, produces products under five trademarks Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT. Since 1998, the concern has owned the Rolls-Royce brand. Except passenger cars, the plant also produces trucks and minibuses. Part Volkswagen concern includes: Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, SEAT S.A., Skoda Automobilova, Volkswagen-Saxony GmbH.
Internet site: www.vw.com
Representative office in Russia:
← The company chose its modern logo back in the early 70s
It is impossible to imagine automotive history without the Volkswagen brand, and for many people these cars have become an integral part of life. Currently, the automobile concern Volkswagen AG is located in Lower Saxony, where the company's headquarters are located in Wolfsburg.
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 still not exactly known. The first Volkswagen logo appeared back in 1933, it was an image of the letters V and W inscribed in each other, stylized as a Nazi swastika.
Hitler approved the production of Volkswagens
In 1936, by order of Adolf Hitler, a new plant was opened in Fallersleben (Lower Saxony). The company had to establish production Volkswagen cars(translated from German as “people’s car”). Ferdinand Porsche began developing Volkswagen models, which were to be assembled in modifications like a limousine, a convertible and a car with a convertible soft top. At that time, this talented designer worked at Mercedes, but at Hitler’s request he left his post and devoted himself to developing a “people’s car.”
← Ferdinand Porsche - author of the first VW models
And these two first met back in 1924 at the Solitude race track, what Hitler and Porsche talked about then is unknown. A few years after this meeting, an automobile research office was established in 1930 on Kronenstraße in Stuttgart. The staff of this organization included Ferdinad Porsche himself, his son Ferry, engineers Karl Rabe and Kral Frohlich, who were specialists in automobile transmissions, as well as Josef Kales, an expert on air-cooled engines, Josef Mikl and Erwin Komenda, who He later became the designer of the Porsche 356 model. The company operated under the sign with the long name "DR.ING.HCF. Porsche Gmbh. Konstruktionsbüro für Motoren-Fahrzeug-Luftfahrzeug und Wasserfahrzeugbau."
Launch 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 Type 12, even began, but Zündapp quickly lost interest in the automobile industry, facing more pressing production orders.
In 1932, Porsche created a new “people's car”, developed on the basis of the Type 12 model. The new product inherits the body design from its predecessor and receives a four-cylinder engine with an air-cooling 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 enter into competition with German automobile companies.
In 1933, another meeting between the auto designer and the Fuhrer of Germany took place. Porsche then explained his plan to create a small car model that could travel at a speed of 100 km/h, consume no more than 7 liters per 100 km and be sold at a price of 1000 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 characteristics of the car’s power plant, as well as the intention to make the car’s interior 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 to equip a small car would have a bad effect on the level of interior comfort. Ferdinand Porsche intended to equip his new car with a four-cylinder engine with an air cooling system.
← One of the first models designed by Porsche
It is also worth noting that design solutions Regarding the body of the new model, Porsche was inspired by its favorite Benz racing models, which in their shape resembled a drop of water, which, as is known, 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 performance strength. Subsequently, this very argument will become a marketing ploy of the Volkswagen manufacturer.
← Hitler personally assessed the first VW models
The birth of the Volkswagen automobile concern
And then in 1934, that significant event took place, which can be considered the birth of the great Volkswagen automobile concern. This year, after going through numerous discussions and clarifications, the car project from Ferdinand Porsche received the signature “approved for production.”
The Fuhrer's desire was very clear: to ensure that every resident of Germany had 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 tested two prototype cars, called VW1 and VW2, which had propulsion system in the form of an engine with a volume of 985 cm³ and a power of 23.5 hp. at 3 00 rpm.
In 1936, these prototypes were already undergoing road tests on the villa track near Stuttgart. Interestingly, the tested samples were considered “little aesthetically pleasing.” And no wonder, because few people knew about the advantages of an aerodynamic body back then. Moreover, such cars were not suitable for mass, “people’s” production. Therefore, the commission members, who were not very concerned about what was under the hood of the tested car samples, greeted the new items with distrust and prejudice. But the 50,000 km of test track that these prototypes drove without problems convinced the “judges” and the cars were declared “usable.”
30 car models, called Type VW 38, were assembled in 1937 by order of Hitler Mercedes company. These so-called "30 Series" cars were followed by the Series 60 models, which were tested in the harsh winter conditions of 1937-38. One of the cars in this series was opened by the German Grand Prix in the mountains. The lightness and good handling of the car allowed it, despite its modest motor resource, to travel about 13 km in a time comparable to the results racing car. This fact can be considered the first sporting achievement of Volkswagen.
Plant in Wolfsburg
For mass production of models in this series, it was decided to build a plant in Wolfsburg. In 1938, the first stone was laid for the construction of a new enterprise. Subsequently, KdF-Stadt will become a real hometown for VW workers. At the production site, pre-production samples of the Series 60 were assembled to begin with in the modification of a convertible, sedan and a car with a soft folding roof.
← Car production in KdF-Stadt
And Hitler in those years preferred to call these cars not at all Volkswagen car, and models K.d. F.-Wagen, which in its own way angered and shocked the designer Ferdinand Porsche, who was, in fact, the main and only creator of the Series 30 and Series 60 cars. Despite the financial plan, the implementation of which could have allowed every resident 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 models produced went to the needs of the German army, and several more were commissioned by the Nazi leadership.
← The first models of the 30 series were intended for Nazi leaders
On the eve of the war in 1939, 215 cars were hand-assembled at VW production, which are now impossible to find. In the same year, designers began to develop military version K.d. F-Wagen.
Serial production of these models began in 1941, and the cars quickly gained a reputation as durable and reliable vehicles. Based on “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, engines with a volume of 935 to 1131 cm³ and a power of 24 to 25 hp began to be used to motorize such cars. 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 converted for military needs and V1 flying bombs began to be produced here. It was precisely because of this kind of activity that the plant was soon bombed by the Allied forces.
In 1945, American troops found 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 gave it the name Wolfsburg.
← Volkswagen plant in Wolfsbrug today
After the division of Germany into four occupation zones in 1945, the plant came under British control. At the same time, VW production was headed by Ivan Hirst, a young British major who came from the ranks of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Deciding that the British army needed passenger cars, Hirst took one of the models produced at the plant and sent it as a sample to the leadership of the armed forces of the United Kingdom. A week later he received an order for the production of 20,000 copies and 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 skill and ingenuity to ensure that car production continued. The tough times for Volkswagen didn't end there. Allied Britain intended to liquidate all industrial production in order to exclude any possibility of new weapons for Germany. However, the Wolfsburg plant was lucky to come under the control of Property Control (German control commission) and production was given the character of a peaceful one, aimed at transport needs.
In the period from the end of World War II to October 1946, 10,000 Volkwagen models were assembled at the Wolfsburg plant, which, despite their “folk” name, were not at all intended for sale to ordinary car enthusiasts. The plant was offered to Henry Ford, but he considered the production “unviable” and refused to develop it. In 1947, difficulties associated with restoration work, as well as a shortage of coal, did not allow Wolfsburg production to operate at the required level. Only 8,987 cars were produced, 1,656 of which were exported.
The landmark year 1948 has arrived for Volkswagen. When models German made took over the British military Heinrich Nordhof, former head Opel, who later became CEO of Volkswagen. It was to him that the plant owed its real revival and it was he who created VW’s production and commercial network, and also located the company’s branches in 136 countries around the world.
← Heinrich Nordhoff - organizer of the post-war revival of VW
Thanks to the activity of the new manager, the reorganization of the plant in Wolfsburg went much faster, production volume reached 19,244 cars, and soon control over the work of the enterprise passed to the leadership of the state of Lower Saxony.
The first Volkswagen models and the first great success
The first successful Volkswagen model is considered to be the VW 1200 (Type 1), which was dubbed Kafer in Germany, Coccinelle in France, and Beetle in England and Great Britain. Production of the VW 1200 model began in 1948, the car became known first in Germany, and then spread throughout Europe, and was subsequently exported to the USA. 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 units and was ahead of the manufacturer Ford Motors and its famous Ford T model, the production of which amounted to 15 million vehicles.
← Type VW 1200 with soft top
In 1949, the British authorities transferred Volkswagen to the German leadership, the plant's production volume reached 46,632 models, the export volume was 15.7%
In the 60-70s the whole world will drive Volkswagens
In the mid-50s, based on the VW 1200 model, 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 cars German manufacturer are already sold in 150 countries around the world. VW branches are opening in many of them. In 1961, models such as the Type 3 and VW 1500 appeared, equipped with rear-wheel drive and a larger engine. New models with coupe and convertible bodies began to be sold in 1963. And in total, from 1961 to 1973, the production of Karmann-Ghia amounted to 3 million cars.
← Karmann-Ghia - bestseller of the German automobile industry
In 1968, 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 purchased from Daimler-Benz. The two German manufacturers merged into an alliance called VAG, which was subsequently joined by Seat and Skoda.
← VW 411 has become a classic, but great success Did not have
The VW 411 was not very popular between 1968 and 1974. VAG produced only 350,000 cars of this model. In order to be able to release new model, which would replace the 411, Volkswagen includes NSU in its composition. Soon the K-70 model appeared, equipped with 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 experienced sudden but well-deserved success. In 1973, the VW concern began production of the Passat model, which was based on the platform of the front-wheel drive Audi 80. The start of production of the VW Passat marked the end of the production of the VW 411 and K-70 models. The Passat was modified more than once (in 1980, 1988 and 1995) and is still produced by VW.
← Its famous Passat model Volkswagen company started publishing in the early 70s.
Now the car is the face of the German brand
In 1974, at the height of the global oil crisis, Volkswagen began producing the Golf model, which was designed to repeat the success of the VW 1200. The appearance 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 - the best-selling small car in Europe
Already in 1974, the Volkswagen model range expanded with the appearance of the Scirocco coupe model, based on the Golf. A year later, the production of the Polo model, a front-wheel drive car based on the Audi 50, began. Polo became another massive success for the Volkswagen concern and brought significant income to the 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 the average buyer, while the cost of the model should not exceed one thousand Reichsmarks. Thus began the history of the Volkswagen concern, which received its name from the German “Volks-Wagen”, that is, the people's car. Jacob Werlin put forward a proposal that it was Dr. Porsche who would develop the model, and the Daimler-Benz company would be responsible for technical side issue, also providing its production capacity. The basis of the people's car was Porsche model Type 60. So, the first prototype of the model saw the light in 1934, and mass production car started 4 years later.
The company was founded in 1937 Volkswagen", which was to become a symbol of the new Germany. In the shortest possible time, an ultra-modern plant was built in the city of Wolfsburg, intended for the employees of the new enterprise. In 1938, army modifications of the car were introduced, called Volkswagen Type 82 And 85. In general, the people's car formed the basis of the whole model range, taking a leading position in the automobile market of Germany, Austria and Holland, and the selling price of the basic version was 1,550 Reichsmarks. In addition, during the years of World War II at the factories of the concern " Daimler"More than 30 thousand amphibians based on the people's car were produced, 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 ended up in the British zone of occupation, which led to significant changes in the management of the concern " Volkswagen" However, before 1948, the British Army managed to receive about 20 thousand copies for its own needs. various modifications people's car. In 1949 full control over the concern " Volkswagen» passed to the government of the Federal Republic of Germany, which was forced to begin exporting brand cars to other countries. Only in 1955 the model received the name Volkswagen Beetle, and began to be produced in its original, civilian modification. In 1950, with money from investors from Holland, German brand engineers began work on creating a full-size minibus, called Volkswagen Bully. In 1953-1959 they opened Volkswagen car assembly plants in Brazil, Australia, South Africa and Mexico.
By 1960, 9 new models of the brand were introduced. Volkswagen", which were based on the platform Volkswagen Beetle. Thanks to the use of a base that has been proven over the years, the new modifications were completely free of shortcomings, which significantly reduced the cost of producing new cars that only needed to replace the body and power unit to suit the specific needs of the target buyer.
The next important step in the history of the German automobile company came in 1965, when The Volkswagen concern bought the Audi brand from Daimler-Benz, including it in its composition by combining the management top and design headquarters. This is how the company appeared Volkswagen-Audi", later renamed " Volkswagen Group».
In 1969, after joining the concern " Volkswagen" entered a small powertrain construction company called " NSU", the company's management decided to move away from the classic layout Beetle, proposed Ferdinand Porsche. So a year later the first ones were presented front wheel drive cars brand " Volkswagen", in which the power unit was located at the front. In parallel with this, there were active work to create the first joint venture with the brand " Audi» car, which became in 1974 compact hatchback Volkswagen Golf, the progenitor of the class of cars 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 a new sales leader in the German automobile 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 immediately replaced by two models - Passat And Golf. In just 2.5 years of sales compact hatchback Golf, more than one million cars were sold, which made the German brand a leader in the European automobile industry, and the profits received formed the basis for the creation of a new generation of production facilities “ Volkswagen" In 1975, on a wave of success Golf, and its simplified modification was presented - Volkswagen Polo, under the hood of which there was a power unit with a capacity of 40 horsepower. In addition, in 1976, based on the Audi 50, a sedan version of the Volkswagen Polo was developed.
In 1983, another update of the company’s model range began. Volkswagen", this is how they were presented second generation Golf and Jetta models, a compact sedan built on the basis of a small hatchback, with the same range of engines, but in a completely redesigned body design. It was also presented new generation of the sports model Volkswagen Scirocco, under the hood of which there are engines with power from 120 to 200 horsepower.
In 1982, the management of the German concern signed an agreement on close cooperation with the Spanish automaker company " SEAT", which experienced financial difficulties, but successfully stayed afloat by producing inexpensive cars that were popular among ordinary buyers. However, financial problems still broke the Spanish brand. This led in 1986 to the transfer of a controlling stake of 51% of the company's shares to the control of the brand " Volkswagen", which paid off all the company's debts " SEAT", and also included it in its composition, using it as production facilities for the production of its models on the automotive market of Spain and Portugal. Also in 1982, the world's first five-cylinder engines installed on Volkswagen Passat second generation.
In 1988 it was introduced Volkswagen Corrado model, which took the place Sirocco models among current cars company, and herself Sirocco was discontinued. Successful financial performance and consistently high sales of the concern's cars " Volkswagen» allowed management to think again about acquiring a new division that would help German mark occupy new niches in the automotive market.
In 1990, Europe was seriously hit by the economic crisis, but due to the right strategy and huge profits, Volkswagen concern 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 found itself on the verge of bankruptcy. The engineers of the German concern were faced with 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» access to the automotive market of Eastern Europe was opened.
At the same time, another famous brand, Porsche, comes under the control of the Volkswagen concern., which is rapidly suffering economic collapse due to spending on modernization and expansion of production that exceeds income. 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, a management company was formed " Porsche", which completely bought out the concern " Volkswagen", giving him complete control over the activities of the sports car company Porsche AG.
It is noteworthy that it was in the 90s that the company’s designers “ Volkswagen» are beginning to conduct their experiments to create a universal platform for construction various cars same class, and the first experiments were carried out on models Golf, Bora, Audi 50 And SEAT Albea. Thanks to the application single platform, the concern no longer needed to conduct lengthy field tests of each of the models, and the cost of one car became 22% lower.
The next turning point in the history of the German concern " Volkswagen"It was 1998, when three brands of premium cars came under the control of one of the world's largest automakers - " Bentley », « Lamborghini" And " Bugatti" In a year, under control " Audi", which became an independent division of the brand " Volkswagen", the brand was transferred " Lamborghini", which received a serious technical basis for the production of new sports cars. Marche " 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 English brand, under the control of " Volkswagen"The company's production facilities were also affected" Rolls-Royce" The production of a whole range of cars began, which without undue 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 tasked in 2000 with creating the most powerful and fast car in history, using all the latest developments of the company " Audi" After 5 years, a chapter called the Bugatti Veyron was written into 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, establishing whole line speed records.
The two thousand years were also marked by the massive participation of the concern “ Volkswagen"in motorsports competitions. Between 2000 and 2013, factory teams " Audi" And " Bentley» won 11 victories in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, setting many records, as well as 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 Volkswagen off-road vehicles were introduced., for the promotion of which it was decided to start performing in the legendary Paris-Dakar rally raid, where in the middle of the 20th century the company managed to win two victories Porsche" Racing prototype models Volkswagen Touareg won first places in the Paris-Dakar races 2009-2011, displacing more experienced competitors from leading positions. In addition, these developments allowed the company “ Volkswagen» start serial production 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, interrupting 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 peace.
Was released in 2013 Volkswagen e-Golf is an electric version of the C class hatchback. This is the most environmentally friendly version in the history of the Golf model. The car is equipped with climate control with the ability to heat and cool when parked, multimedia system with navigation, heating windshield and LED head light. Volkswagen Golf GTE - front-wheel drive hatchback class "C" with a hybrid power plant. 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 powerplant consisting of a 150-horsepower turbocharged gasoline engine with a working volume of 1.4 liters and an electric motor with a capacity of 102 hp. With. In 2015, a restyled version of the model was released Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. This is a “C” class sedan with a hybrid power plant. The hybrid component left a certain imprint on the characteristics and design of the Jetta. The electric motor and batteries completely increased the weight of the car, so optimizing the aerodynamics of the sedan was extremely important.
