Volkswagen AG(Volkswagen AG), a German automobile concern. Produces cars, trucks, minibuses. The headquarters is 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 was called "Volkswagen", which literally means "people's car" in German. After two years of testing in 1937, the VW30 series was launched, and by 1938 the car had become familiar to many generations. appearance. Volkswagen was immediately appreciated by designers, engineers and drivers. They started talking about it, numerous publications appeared, in 1938, in a New York Times article, Volkswagen was dubbed the “beetle” for its external resemblance. This nickname has taken root so much that it has become the hallmark of the car.
For production " people's car» On May 26, 1938, the construction of the largest European automobile plant, Volkswagen, began in Wolfsburg. But the impending war prevented the production of this car. Only a dozen were produced. The car really liked the fascist bosses. Hitler himself rode it with pleasure.
During World War II, work on the construction of Volkswagen was suspended, and the unfinished plant was converted to the production of military products.
After the end of the war, the enterprise fell under the control of the British, in whose zone of occupation Wolfsburg was located. In the fall of 1945, the British authorities gave the plant an order for 20,000 vehicles. But only almost ten years later, mass production of the car in its original modification began. In 1947 Volkswagen was exhibited at the export fair in Hannover and attracted great 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, CEO became Heinrich Nordhoff, the representative of a new generation of German technocrats. The revamped leadership consisted of graduate engineers with international experience in car factories and the ability 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 serial production, the interior equipment became more comfortable, a partially synchronized engine was installed.
A car service network was established and technical stations car maintenance. Constant work was carried out with Western clients. Volkswagen has built a strong car distribution network.
By the end of 1948, the export of the car, which gained worldwide fame, amounted to about 50 thousand cars, about 15 thousand were sold on the domestic market.
By this time, the plant was freed from British allied control, 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 the Germans is becoming 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, have strengthened the export capabilities of the car. Volkswagen is already sold 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 (since 1998, the “beetle” has been produced here, which has become a real hit of the season with 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 companies that created it: the body was designed Italian company"Ghia", and he was going to the German bodywork company "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 Audi from Daimler-Benz, creating the Volkswagen-Audi concern, known by the acronym VAG. Later, it included the Spanish company SEAT (SEAT) and the Czech plant "Skoda" (Skoda). Currently, Audi AG is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen concern, which has been granted 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 reservedly accepted by buyers. In 1969, after joining the NSU company, the first Volkswagen with front-wheel drive appeared, which received the K-70 index. It could be purchased with either 1594 or 1795 cc engines. In 1969-1975, in collaboration with Porsche, sports cars Volkswagen-Porsche-914 "with 4- and 6-cylinder engines in 1679 and 1991 cc were produced. In 1970, the VW-181 appeared with a utility open body, reminiscent of army wartime vehicles. Its development in 1979 was a light all-wheel drive army car lltis.
The ancestor of the new Volkswagen generations is considered a front-wheel drive Passat, released in 1973. It was offered in numerous variants with engines ranging in displacement from 1297 to 1588 cc. The following year, a sporty Scirocco appeared with a 3-door coupe body and engines 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 Golf cars rolled off the assembly line, turning Volkswagen into one of the largest car manufacturers in Europe. In 1979, the Golf cabriolet appeared and was always in high demand.
MThe Golf I model, which appeared in 1974, turned out to be the most successful: modern, economical, reliable, it was this model that could stir up international market. Golf marked a new stage of competition in class production compact cars, which became almost officially called the "golf class". If during the development of new models in 1973-1974 the losses of the concern exceeded 800 million German marks, then already in 1975 due to great demand they managed to cover all the costs. Just 3 years after the launch of Golf I, the millionth car of this brand was produced. In 1983, the Golf II saw the light of day, and eight years later, in 1991, the Golf III debuted, which, like previous models, maintained the high reputation of Golf . In the twenty-three years since the start of production, 17 million Golfs of three generations have been produced. In 1995-1996 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 accepted.
At the beginning of 1975 they presented " younger brother The Golf is a three-door, front-wheel drive Polo, similar in design to the Audi-50 and offered with engines of 895-1272 cc. Derby.
Since 1980, based on the Golf, the Jetta model has been produced with a 4-door sedan body. In 1992, it was replaced by a similar car (already on the third generation Golf chassis), called the Vento.
In 1981, the Passat and Scirocco were upgraded, and a year later, the Santana sedan appeared on the basis of the Passat, 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.
Station wagon and convertible Variant models on third-generation chassis have continued to be produced since 1993. Two Variant Syncro models with 2.0- and 2.9-liter engines have an all-wheel drive chassis.
The compact third-generation Polo has been in production since 1994. Bodies 3- and 5-door hatchback, Polo sedan Classic and 5-door station wagon Variant. 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with a displacement of 1.0-1.9 liters and a power of 50-101 hp.
The comfortable Vento family of the first generation is equipped with 4- and 6-cylinder engines of 1.6-2.8 liters with a capacity of 75-174 hp.
station wagon increased capacity Sharan 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 90-174 hp.
The fifth generation Passat model family was shown in 1996. Unlike previous cars produced since 1988, they are again unified with the same type of Audi models "A4" and "A6". This made it possible to use more powerful and modern power Audi units longitudinal arrangement. Passat models are produced only with sedan and 5-door station wagon Variant bodies and are equipped with 4-, 5- and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines of 1.6-2.8 liters with a capacity of 90-193 hp. Several Variant models in Syncro trim have all-wheel drive chassis.
In 1999, the BORA model of a comfortable sedan was released.
Several Volkswagen sites 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 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 the Golf models has been mastered, outwardly similar to the famous "Beetle".
At present, the Volkswagen concern is one of the largest in terms of sales 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. In addition to passenger cars, the plant also produces trucks and minibuses. The Volkswagen Group includes: Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, SEAT S.A., Skoda Automobilova, Volkswagen-Saxony GmbH.
Volkswagen AG (Volkswagen AG), German automobile concern. Produces cars, trucks, minibuses. The headquarters is 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 was called "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 had acquired a look familiar to many generations. Volkswagen was immediately appreciated by designers, engineers and drivers. They started talking about it, numerous publications appeared, in 1938, in a New York Times article, Volkswagen was dubbed the “beetle” for its external resemblance. This nickname has taken root so much that it has become the hallmark of the car.
For the production of the "people's car" May 26, 1938 in the city of Wolfsburg began construction of the largest European car factory Volkswagen. But the impending war prevented the production of this car. Only a dozen were produced. The car really liked the fascist bosses. Hitler himself rode it with pleasure.
During World War II, work on the construction of Volkswagen was suspended, and the unfinished plant was converted to the production of military products.
After the end of the war, the enterprise fell under the control of the British, in whose zone of occupation Wolfsburg was located. In the fall of 1945, the British authorities gave the plant an order for 20,000 vehicles. But only almost ten years later, mass production of the car in its original modification began. In 1947, the 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 management of Volkswagen changed, Heinrich Nordhoff, a representative of a new generation of German technocrats, became its general director. The revamped leadership consisted of graduate engineers with international experience in car factories and the ability 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 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. Constant work was carried out with Western clients. Volkswagen has built a strong car distribution network.
By the end of 1948, the export of the car, which gained worldwide fame, amounted to about 50 thousand cars, about 15 thousand were sold on the domestic market.
By this time, the plant was freed from British allied control, 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 the Germans is becoming 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, have strengthened the export capabilities of the car. Volkswagen is already sold 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 (beetle has been produced here since 1998, which has become a real hit of the season with 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 companies that created it: the body was designed by the Italian company Ghia, and it was assembled at the German bodywork company 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 Audi from Daimler-Benz, creating the Volkswagen-Audi concern, known by the acronym VAG. Later, it included the Spanish company SEAT (SEAT) and the Czech plant "Skoda" (Skoda). Currently, Audi AG is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen concern, which has been granted 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 reservedly accepted by buyers. In 1969, after joining the NSU company, the first Volkswagen with front-wheel drive appeared, which received the K-70 index. It could be purchased with either 1594 or 1795 cc engines. In 1969-1975, in collaboration with Porsche, sports cars Volkswagen-Porsche-914 "with 4- and 6-cylinder engines in 1679 and 1991 cc were produced. In 1970, the VW-181 appeared with a utilitarian open body, reminiscent of army vehicles its development in 1979 was the light all-wheel drive army vehicle lltis.
The ancestor of the new generation of Volkswagen is the front-wheel drive Passat, released in 1973. It was offered in numerous variants with engines ranging in displacement from 1297 to 1588 cc. The following year, a sporty Scirocco appeared with a 3-door coupe body and engines 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 Golf cars rolled off the assembly line, turning Volkswagen into one of the largest car manufacturers in Europe. In 1979, the Golf cabriolet appeared and was always in high demand.
The Golf I, which appeared in 1974, turned out to be the most successful: modern, economical, reliable, it was such a model that could stir up the international market. Golf marked a new stage of competition in the production of a class of compact cars, which 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 large demand for them, it was possible to cover all costs. Just 3 years after the launch of Golf I, the millionth car of this brand was produced. In 1983, the Golf II saw the light of day, and eight years later, in 1991, the Golf III debuted, which, like previous models, maintained the Golf's high reputation. In the twenty-three years since the start of production, 17 million Golfs of three generations have been produced. In 1995-1996 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 accepted.
At the beginning of 1975, the "little brother" Golf was introduced - 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 Volkswagen's financial position. Based on the Polo, a three-volume Derby sedan version was offered.
Since 1980, based on the Golf, the Jetta model has been produced with a 4-door sedan body. In 1992, it was replaced by a similar car (already on the third generation Golf chassis), called the Vento.
In 1981, the Passat and Scirocco were upgraded, and a year later, the Santana sedan appeared on the basis of the Passat, 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.
Station wagon and convertible Variant models on third-generation chassis have continued to be produced since 1993. Two Variant Syncro models with 2.0- and 2.9-liter engines have an 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. 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with a displacement of 1.0-1.9 liters and a power of 50-101 hp.
The comfortable Vento family of the first generation is equipped with 4- and 6-cylinder engines of 1.6-2.8 liters with a capacity of 75-174 hp.
The high-capacity station wagon Sharan 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 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 of Audi models "A4" and "A6". This made it possible to use more powerful and modern Audi power units of a longitudinal arrangement. Passat models are produced only with sedan and 5-door station wagon Variant bodies and are equipped with 4-, 5- and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines of 1.6-2.8 liters with a capacity of 90-193 hp. Several Variant models in Syncro trim have all-wheel drive chassis.
In 1999, the BORA model of a comfortable sedan was released.
Several Volkswagen sites 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 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 the Golf models has been mastered, outwardly similar to the famous "Beetle".
At present, the Volkswagen concern is one of the largest in terms of sales 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. In addition to passenger cars, the plant also produces trucks and minibuses. The Volkswagen Group includes: Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, SEAT S.A., Skoda Automobilova, Volkswagen-Saxony GmbH.
Website: www.vw.com
Representation in Russia:
| Full title: | |
| Other names: | vw |
| Existence: | May 28, 1937 - today |
| Location: | Germany: Wolfsburg |
| Key Figures: | Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Directors |
| Products: | Cars, engines |
| The lineup: | Golf II Volkswagen Jetta Volkswagen Tiguan Volkswagen Scirocco Volkswagen Touran Volkswagen Caddy |
Volkswagen was born much later than its eminent compatriots. It was also created not like the rest, which had grown from handicraft workshops, but by order of the German leadership. By force, the creation of a new car was entrusted to the talented automaker Ferdinand Porsche. Nobody cared that Porsche already had a job and was seriously loaded, that it would be very difficult for him to work at two enterprises.
Be that as it may, but at the beginning of the fourth decade of the twentieth century, another automobile company was born in Germany.
Double People's Car
In the thirties, several car manufacturers were already operating on German soil. Their chic 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 masses. The good attitude of the rulers towards the people was to be expressed in the appearance on the markets of cheap, but solid vehicles available to everyone. It was assumed that the Germans would appreciate this gesture, and their confidence in the government would increase significantly.
The order for Volkswagen (which means "people's car") was received and successfully executed. In the mid-30s, three variants of one car were assembled. One of the prototypes was examined by no one, but by Adolf Hitler himself. The Fuhrer liked the car.
The production of an experimental batch of thirty pieces was entrusted to Daimler-Benz. What was not done with these machines to identify them positive traits and weaknesses! After testing, something was corrected and the car was launched into the stream.
The first Volkswagen turned out to be successful. It was easy to drive, very reliable and, most importantly, had a low retail price.
For the mass production of people's cars required production capacity. It was decided to build a new plant in a small town called Fallersleben. Construction began in the spring of 1938. The name of the city did not suit someone (a serious enterprise should also have an appropriate name), so the settlement was renamed the euphonious name Wolfsburg.
38
VW 38 The plant was to produce the Volkswagen 38 model. Cooling of its small motor, the volume of which was only 985 cubic centimeters, was carried out by air. According to the initial letters of the German phrase "KraftdurchFreude", the car was simply called "KdF".
A lot of money was needed to build the enterprise. It was decided to borrow them from the same people for whom the cars were intended. People purchased bonds, which were later planned to be considered as collateral for cars issued in the future. The people's car has become doubly so, because. issued exclusively at the expense of the people.
The good deed did not become a reality, very few managed to get a “four-wheeled friend”. With the outbreak of hostilities, the production of cars was curtailed.
Volkswagen rebirth
Perhaps our contemporaries would not have known about the existence Volkswagen brands if after the war the plant passed into the hands of the Americans. And there was such a possibility. Wolfsburg ended up in British territory. 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 short-sightedness, and, perhaps, the simple incompetence of the American expert, who failed to see the huge potential of the "people's car", cars under the Volkswagen brand exist even now.
Over time, the company grew and began to open branches in other countries. In the summer of 1953, its subsidiary production appeared in San Bernard de Campo, Brazil. It took several years to establish a full-scale production of cars. And at first they were simply assembled in Brazil from components and parts made in Germany.
The second foreign representative office of Volkswagen opened in the south of the African continent. The French branch appeared in 1960. Two years later, the company celebrated a significant event - the sale of the millionth Beetle.
Compact inexpensive cars traveled all over the planet, while the demand for them did not decrease. Therefore, more and more representative offices were opened. In the early 70s, a Mexican plant in Pueblo was launched, and then an enterprise in Brussels.
For a long "life" machines have been repeatedly upgraded. But they always retained their original style. The four-cylinder boxer engine was always located at the rear. The carrier platform also remained unchanged. The last European "Beetle" was released in the 72nd. And all these cars were collected more than fifteen million pieces. As for the countries of Latin America, cars were produced on their territory for several more decades. Taking into account cars, Latin production, the total number increases to 25 million units.
Volkswagen is known not only for "Beetles"
Modest cars were a huge success, but this does not mean at all that there were no other models. For example, the brand was extremely popular Volkswagen Golf. It was also produced on two continents. In Europe from the 74th, and from the 78th and in South America. Since its inception, "Golf" has been repeatedly improved. Today you can meet his seventh generation.
Since the 80s, Volkswagen has been expanding into Asian markets. First, there were long consultations, then cooperation agreements were signed. And finally, in 1991, a car factory was opened in the Chinese city of Chang Chun. There they began to make the Santana model. In the same 80s, in collaboration with the US Ford, Volkswagen opened an enterprise under the sonorous name "Autolatina", this time in Argentina.
The dynamic development of Volkswagen consisted in the distribution of branches all over the planet, as well as in the creation of a whole collection of the most famous automobile brands.
The company expanded both independently and through the acquisition of already well-known industries. For example, she bought Audi from Daimler-Benz in 1965. The beginning of the 90s added the Spanish "Seat" and the Czech "Skoda" to the concern. Later, her property became the British company Bentley, the French Bugatti and the Italian Lamborghini.
Volkswagen has a wide range of models own cars. Particularly popular are such as the already mentioned Golf, and no less famous Passat, Polo and Bora. Among the latest developments stands out Touareg SUV. The luxury Phaeton received special praise.
The company is also known for transport represented by a commercial focus: Caravelle, Multivan, Shuttle and others.
Volkswagen products are sold all over the world. In Russia, it is in demand due to its reliability and the same ease of management that was included in the very first "people's" copy. If only it was 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.
Volkswagen is a German car brand owned by the concern of the same name headquartered in Wolfsburg. Engaged in the manufacture of cars and commercial vehicles, trucks, minibuses, as well as auto components.
The origin of the brand dates back to the early 30s, when the German auto industry offered mainly luxury models, and the average German could not afford to buy anything other than a motorcycle. In an effort to occupy an empty segment, automakers were developing in the field of creating a mass car, among which were the Mercedes 170H, Adler AutoBahn, Steyr 55, Hanomag 1.3 and others.
Ferdinand Porsche, famous designer of powerful and racing cars, worked for many years on a project of a small vehicle that would be suitable for most Germans as a family car. At that time, small cars were stripped down big cars, but Porsche wanted to build a new design from scratch.
In 1931, he created such a car and named it Volksauto, from the word "volk" - the people. Many of the ideas used by Porsche in the development of the car were "in the air" and were also used by other automakers, and some of the developments were unique. The machine was equipped with a rear-mounted engine with air-cooled, torsion bar suspension and a rounded beetle-like body shape that improved aerodynamics.
In 1933, Adolf Hitler demanded a cheap car capable of carrying two adults and three children, which could accelerate to 100 km/h. He wanted cars to be as affordable in Germany as they were in the US, so the price should not exceed 990 Reichsmarks (about $396).
Despite the pressure, it soon became clear that privately owned companies could not produce cars for a retail price of 990 Reichsmarks. Then Hitler decided to sponsor the construction of a new enterprise, owned by the state, and assemble cars there using the designs of Ferdinand Porsche with some design restrictions.
The first prototype cars under the name KDF-Wagen appeared in 1936. They retained the rounded shape of the body, the air-cooled engine and rear location engine. The prefix Volks- at that time was applied not only to cars, but also to other products in Germany available to a wide range of people.
On May 28, 1937, the Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagens mbH was created, which on September 16, 1938 was renamed Volkswagenwerk GmbH.
While the plant was being built, trial batches of KDF-Wagens were assembled at Daimler-Benz enterprises. The final version turned out to be a model with a reinforced flat bottom that replaced the frame, a four-cylinder boxer engine with a volume of 985 cm3. and independent torsion bar suspension on all wheels.
Volkswagen Beetle (1938-2003)
On May 26, 1938, the construction of a new factory began in Wolfsburg. Before the start of the war in 1939, only a few cars were assembled. With the outbreak of hostilities, production was redeveloped for the production of military vehicles, for example, such as Kübelwagen (“pelvis car”).
He received an open four-door body with flat panels, rear wheel reducer, interwheel self-locking differential, independent suspension all wheels, ground clearance of 290 mm and 16-inch wheels. From March 1943, it was equipped with a 25-horsepower 1130 cc engine. The air-cooled engine worked stably in all climatic conditions. The car was not afraid of bullets due to the lack of a radiator. The maximum speed was 80 km / h.
Volkswagen Kübelwagen (1940-1945)
As was customary throughout Nazi Germany, unpaid prisoner labor was used in the Volkswagen factories during the war. The company admitted in 1998 that it was using about 15,000 slaves at the time. In this regard, Volkswagen has set up a voluntary restitution fund.
After the war, the company's factories were badly damaged as a result of the bombing and fell into the occupation zone of the British. They organized repairs at the remaining capacities and Maintenance military equipment. The enterprise had to be destroyed, since it was engaged in the production of military products and used slave labor. However, one of the officers of the British army drew a civilian car produced at the enterprise and showed it at the headquarters of the British army. Thanks to this, the British government placed an order for 20,000 cars, and the assembly started.
By 1946, the plant was producing 1,000 cars a month, which was a wonderful achievement considering it was still in disrepair. The fate of the plant remained unclear for a long time. He was visited by the head of the British automaker Rootes Group, William Roots, who said that the Beetle will last a maximum of two more years. He described the car as "too ugly and too noisy". Ironically, this model was assembled at the Rootes factories in Argentina in the 80s, when the company was already bankrupt.
In 1948, Volkswagen becomes a symbol of the rebuilding of Germany. Its lineup has grown commercial vehicle Volkswagen Type 2 with rear-mounted 1100cc air-cooled engine. In 1965, the brand released a version with a load capacity of 1000 kg instead of 750 kg, and then replaced the 1.2-liter engine with a 1.5-liter one.
Volkswagen Type 2 (1949-2003)
In 1949, Volkswagen began sales in the US, but only two cars were sold in the first year. The company took steps to standardize sales and service in America, eventually becoming the top-selling foreign brand.
In 1955, a sports car appeared with a coupe body - the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. In the early 1950s, the standard of living of the population rose, so there was a demand for more prestigious cars than the Beetle. Then the leadership of Volkswagen offered cooperation to Karmann, which was engaged in the manufacture of bodies. Karmann, in turn, turned to the Italian company Ghia.
Unlike the Beetle model, whose body panels were fastened with bolts, on the novelty they were butt-welded. This was done by hand, which affected the price of the car. The prototype machine was presented at Paris Motor Show in 1953 and was warmly received by the public.
However, after the release serial version the demand for it exceeded the wildest expectations of the auto company. In the first year alone, 10,000 units of the model were sold.
It was positioned as a practical and stylish city car, not a sports car for the elite. Under the hood was a 60-horsepower 1584 cc engine. cm.
In August 1957, Volkswagen introduced the Karmann Ghia convertible. Since 1961, the car has received a wider grille, more rounded taillights and headlights placed high.
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (1955-1974)
In the 1960s, Volkswagen released new type Vehicle. They used a monocoque body, an optional automatic transmission, electronic system fuel injection and powerful power plants.
In 1971, the brand introduces the Super Beetle, which differs from the standard model by using MacPherson strut front suspension instead of the conventional torsion bar.
Volkswagen acquired Auto Union and NSU Motorenwerke AG, merged them into one division, which began to produce luxury cars under brand Audi. This deal has become turning point in the company's history, as both automakers added to the technological knowledge base of Volkswagen, whose air-cooled engines were already obsolete.
In the early 70s, Beetle sales in the European and North American markets began to decline, and the company did not know how to replace its most successful model. The use of technologies that came from Audi and Auto Union, in particular, front-wheel drive system and liquid engine cooling, paved the way for the development of such famous models like Passat, Scirocco, Golf and Polo.
became the firstborn Volkswagen Passat, which appeared in 1973 and borrowed some body elements and mechanical components from the Audi 80. It was originally offered as a two- and four-door sedan, as well as similar three- and five-door versions. Passat equipped four-cylinder engine with a volume of 1.3 and 1.5 liters and a power of 55 and 75 hp. respectively. From 1978 a 1.5 liter diesel was available.
Volkswagen Passat (1973)
In the spring of 1974, the Scirocco comes out, designed by the Italian Giorgetto Giugiaro. He shared a platform with future Golf and Karmann due to limited capacity Volkswagen.
The key model Volkswagen Golf appeared in 1974, also designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The front-wheel drive hatchback received a front-mounted water-cooled engine. The Golf became Volkswagen's best seller, segment leader and the second best selling car in the world. In 2012, more than 29 million units of the model were assembled.
It was originally released with a three-door hatchback body, then came out five-door hatchback, station wagon (Variant, 1993), convertible (Cabriolet or Cabrio 1979 and 2011) and sedan named Jetta, or Vento, or Bora. With the release of this model, the history of the Beetle ceased until 2003.
The model survived the release of seven generations, and also received a “hot”, hybrid and electric version.
Volkswagen Golf (1973)
In 1975 followed the release Volkswagen Polo, which later became the basis for another model - Derby, released in 1977. The appearance of Passat, Scirocco, Golf and Polo allowed the brand to create the basis for the formation of its own image and laid the foundation successful sales further.
In the 1980s Volkswagen sales in the United States and Canada fell sharply as the Japanese and Americans were able to compete with similar products at lower prices. Then the brand takes a different direction, focusing on growing markets. As part of the same strategy, Volkswagen began cooperation with Seat in 1982, gradually buying shares in the Spanish automaker, until it was bought out completely in 1990.
In 1991, Volkswagen launched a third Generation Golf, which won European Car of the Year in 1992. In 1994, Volkswagen introduced the Concept One concept car, which was designed by J Mays. The car was received with a bang, so further development of the New Beetle, a production version based on the Golf platform, began.
In 1993, an official representative office of the brand was opened in Russia. In 1999, VOLKSWAGEN Group Automobiles LLC was established, which was engaged in the supply of spare parts for VW and Audi cars.
Four years later, a single importing company VOLKSWAGEN Group Rus LLC was created in Russia, which immediately began importing cars.
In 2007, a Volkswagen plant was opened in Kaluga, and two years later, the production of a full cycle of VW Tiguan and ŠKODA Octavia models was launched at the plant's facilities.
In 2010, the plant produced the 200,000th car and began assembling the VW Polo Sedan and ŠKODA Fabia. Starting next year, cars of the brand are manufactured at the facilities of the GAZ Group in Nizhny Novgorod.
Cars German concern are very popular among Russians. Already in 2012, the millionth car is sold in Russia, and the 500,000th is produced in Kaluga. In the same year, the company signs an agreement providing for the construction of an engine plant in Kaluga.
In 1998, the company launched a new city car, the Lupo, which filled an empty seat in the lower echelon. model line stamps. Initially, the model was available in two trim levels, and then it was supplemented with Sport and GTI options.
Volkswagen Lupo (1998-2005)
In 1999, a version of the Lupo was released, nicknamed the "3-litre" car. She could travel 100 km using only 3 liters diesel fuel, and became a leader in terms of fuel efficiency among cars of that time.
In 1999, the VW Bora, or Jetta, a comfortable sedan based on the Golf, was released. The automaker's facilities in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and China assemble vehicles that differ from those in Europe. These are Parati, Gol, Santana, built on the basis of Golf and Passat of previous generations.
In 2002, a luxury sedan, the Phaeton, was released, remembered for being the first among premium cars, when using a V6-TDI engine, in terms of emissions, it corresponded to the European environmental standard Euro 5.
The company is constantly developing in the field of improving fuel efficiency, receiving prestigious awards for its solutions.
In 2002, the concept car of the future super economical car Volkswagen XL1 was presented. Everything about it served the purpose of reducing weight and improving aerodynamics. Instead of rear-view mirrors, cameras and electronic displays were used, rear wheels located close to each other to increase streamlining. Coefficient aerodynamic drag amounted to 0.15.
Engine, transmission, suspension, wheels (carbon fiber), brakes (aluminum), hubs (titanium), bearings (ceramic), interior and so on were designed from scratch specifically to reduce weight.
299 cc single cylinder engine cm produced only 8.4 hp. At the same time, it is equipped with a system that turns it off during braking and stops and starts when you press the gas pedal. With a fuel consumption of 0.99 l/100 km, the car can travel 650 km without refueling.
In 2009, L1 debuted on Frankfurt Motor Show. It was equipped with a hybrid power plant with a 0.8-liter TDI and an electric motor.
The production version was introduced in 2013. It consumes 0.9 l/100 km, emitting 21 g of CO2 per km. He received the same 0.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 47 hp. and a 27-horsepower electric motor. The drag coefficient increased to 0.189.
Volkswagen XL1 (2013)
Today, Volkswagen is the founder of the Volkswagen Group, a large international corporation that owns Audi brands, Seat, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Scania, and Škoda. It is recognized as the largest European manufacturer cars. Volkswagen plants are located in Germany, Mexico, Brazil, USA, India, China, Indonesia, Slovakia, Poland, Spain, Czech Republic, Russia, South Africa and other countries.
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 Werlin put forward a proposal that it was Dr. Porsche who would develop the model, and Daimler-Benz would be responsible for technical side issue, providing the same, and their production facilities. The people's car was based on the Porsche Typ 60 model. So, the first prototype of the model saw the light in 1934, and mass production of the car began 4 years later.
In 1937, the company " Volkswagen", which was to become a symbol new Germany. In the shortest possible time, an ultra-modern plant was built in the city of Wolfsburg, which was 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 the whole model range, taking a leading position in the automotive market in Germany, Austria and Holland, and the selling price basic version was equal to 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 based on 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 was imprisoned, 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, before 1948, the British army managed to get about 20 thousand copies for their own needs. various modifications people's car. In 1949, full control over the concern " Volkswagen"passed over to the government of the Federal Republic of Germany, which was forced to start exporting brand cars to other countries. It was only in 1955 that 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, German brand engineers began work on the creation of a full-size minibus, called Volkswagen Bulli. In the years 1953-1959 were opened Volkswagen 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 that has been 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 Group bought the Audi brand from Daimler-Benz, including it in its composition by combining the top management and design staffs. This is how the company was born Volkswagen-Audi", later renamed to " Volkswagen Group».
In 1969, after becoming part of 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 beetle proposed Ferdinand Porsche. So a year later the first front wheel drive cars brand " Volkswagen", in which the power unit was located in front. In parallel with this, active work was carried out to create the first joint venture with the brand " Audi» car, which became in 1974 Volkswagen Golf compact hatchback, the progenitor of the class of cars of the same name. The model differed not only in its compact dimensions, but also a good combination of convenience, dynamism and lightness, which allowed her 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 the factories of the brand " Volkswagen in Brazil and Mexico. In Europe, it was replaced by two models at once - trade wind And Golf. In just 2.5 years of sales of the Golf compact hatchback, more than one million cars 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, its simplified modification was also presented - Volkswagen Polo, under the hood of which there was a power unit with a capacity of 40 Horse power. In addition, in 1976, a sedan version of the Volkswagen Polo was developed on the basis of the Audi 50.
In 1983, the next update of the company's model range began. Volkswagen", so were presented second generation Golf and Jetta models, 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 sports model Volkswagen Sirocco, under the hood of which are motors with a capacity of 120 to 200 horsepower.
In 1982, the leadership of the German concern signed an agreement on close cooperation with the Spanish automaker " SEAT”, which experienced financial difficulties, but successfully kept afloat, by issuing cheap 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 all the debts of the company" SEAT”, and also included it in its composition, using it as a production facility for the production of its models in the automotive market in 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 actual cars companies, and Sirocco has been discontinued. Successful financial performance and consistently high sales of the Group's vehicles " Volkswagen” allowed the management to think again about acquiring a new division that would help the German brand to occupy new niches in the automotive market.
In 1990, Europe was hit hard by the economic crisis, but due to the right strategy and huge profits, concern "Volkswagen" remained one of the few industrial enterprises of the European continent, which was not subjected to 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 lineup of cars, which led to the complete absorption Czech manufacturer « Skoda", and for the company" Volkswagen» access to the automotive market of Eastern Europe was opened.
At the same time, the Volkswagen Group also controls another eminent brand, Porsche, 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, the management company " Porsche", which completely redeemed the concern" Volkswagen, ceding to him full control over the activities of the company for the production sports cars 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 construction different cars of the 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 was no longer required 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» began in 1998, when one of the major automakers of the world, three brands of premium cars were transferred 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 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 property English brand, under control Volkswagen"also hit the production facilities of the company" Rolls-Royce". The production of a number of cars began, which, without too much modesty, began to be called cars for millionaires.
At the same time, the most difficult task was assigned to 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 the 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 by installing whole line speed records.
The 2000s were also marked by the massive participation of the concern " Volkswagen» in motorsport competitions. Between 2000 and 2013, factory teams " Audi" And " Bentley won 11 victories in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans marathon, 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 off-road vehicles of the Volkswagen brand were presented, for the promotion of which it was decided to start participating in the legendary Paris-Dakar rally, where in the middle of the 20th century the company " Porsche". Racing prototype models Volkswagen Touareg won first places in the Paris-Dakar 2009-2011 races, displacing more experienced competitors from the 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 under the control of a French rider Sebastian Ogier won in 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 peace.
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 possibility of heating and cooling in the parking lot, multimedia system with navigation, heating windshield and LED headlights. 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 150-horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine and a 102-horsepower electric motor. With. In 2015, a restyled version of the model was released. Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. This is a class "C" sedan with a hybrid power plant. The hybrid component left a certain imprint on the performance and design of the Jett. The electric motor and batteries completely increased the mass of the car, so optimizing the aerodynamics of the sedan was extremely important.
