Volkswagen

Volkswagen is a German automaker known for producing upscale vehicles that come with a higher price tag than many of their competitors. The company has a long history, dating back to 1934 when Ferdinand Porsche was commissioned to design a small, inexpensive car by Adolph Hitler. Porsche came up with the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, which quickly became a favorite of drivers around the world.

The 1950s saw Volkswagen expand its lineup with the addition of the versatile Bus (Type 2) and the stylish Karmann Ghia sports car. The Beetle continued to be a top seller, and by the end of the decade, over 1 million models had been produced at the Wolfsburg factory. In the 1960s, Volkswagen's star continued to rise, with the Beetle becoming even more popular thanks to a successful advertising campaign and an appearance in a popular Disney movie.

By the 1970s, Volkswagen had produced over 15 million Beetles, surpassing Ford's Model T as the world's top-selling car. The company also introduced a new generation of vehicles with front-mounted, water-cooled engines. The Passat and Golf quickly became popular, and the Golf GTI helped Volkswagen gain attention on the rally circuit.

During the 1980s, the Golf became Volkswagen's most popular model, and the company became the Group A World Rally Champions. In the 1990s, Volkswagen struggled in the North American market but bounced back with the launch of the New Beetle. In the new millennium, Volkswagen expanded into the luxury segment with the launch of the Phaeton sedan and Touareg SUV, but the company's reputation for crafting refined handling and upscale accommodations has remained strong. Today, Volkswagen offers a wide range of vehicles, including family-oriented sedans and spacious SUVs.