Volkswagen is a German car brand belonging to the concern of the same name with headquarters in Wolfsburg. Engaged in the manufacture of passenger and commercial vehicles, trucks, minibuses, as well as autocomplete.
The birth of the brand refers to the beginning of the 30s, when the German automotive industry offered mainly luxurious models, and the average German could not afford to buy anything other than a motorcycle. In an effort to take an empty segment, automakers conducted the development in the field of creating a mass car, among which were Mercedes 170h, Adler AutoBahn, Steyr 55, Hanomag 1.3 and others.
Ferdinand Porsche, famous designer powerful and racing carsFor many years, he worked on a small vehicle project that would fit for most Germans as family car. At that time, small cars were cut off large carsBut Porsche wanted to build a new design from scratch.
In 1931, he created such a car and called him Volksauto, from the word "Volk" - the people. Many ideas applied by Porsche when developing a car, "Vitali in the air" and were also used by other automakers, and some developments were unique. The car was equipped with an air-cooled engine located in the rear of the engine, torsion suspension and the rounded form of a body resembling a beetle that improved aerodynamics.
In 1933, Adolf Hitler demanded to create a cheap car capable of transporting two adults and three children who could accelerate up to 100 km / h. He wanted in Germany in Germany, cars were also available, both in the USA, so the price for it should not exceed 990 Reichsmarocks (about $ 396).
Despite the pressure, it soon turned out that companies in private property could not produce cars at a retail price of 990 Reichsmarocks. Then Hitler decided to sponsor the construction of a new enterprise owned by the state, and collect cars there, using the developments of Ferdinand Porsche with some constructive constraints.
The first prototypes of cars called KDF-Wagen appeared in 1936. They retained rounded body shape, air-cooled motor and rear location Engine. VOLKS prefix was used not only to cars, but also to other products in Germany, accessible to a wide range of people.
On May 28, 1937, Gesellschaft Zur Vorbereitung Des Deutschen Volkswagens MBH was established, which was named Volkswagenwerk GmbH on September 16, 1938.
While the plant was built, KDF-Wagen trial parties were collected at Daimler-Benz enterprises. In the final version, a model with a reinforced flat bearing bottom, which was replacing the frame, a four-cylinder opposite engine with a volume of 985 cm cube. and independent torsion suspension of all wheels.
Volkswagen Beetle (1938-2003)
On May 26, 1938, the construction of a new plant began in Wolfsburg. Before the start of the war in 1939, only a few cars were collected. With the beginning of hostilities, production was republiced \u200b\u200bon the release of the military vehicleFor example, such as Kübelwagen ("Car-Lohanka").
It received an open four-door body with flat panels, rear wheel gearbox, an inter-wheeled self-locking differential, independent suspension of all wheels, clearance of 290 mm and 16-inch wheels. From March 1943, it was completed with a 25-strong engine capacity of 1130 cm. Air-cooled engine has been steadily worked in any climatic conditions. The car was not afraid of bullets due to the lack of a radiator. Maximum speed accounted for 80 km / h.
Volkswagen Kübelwagen (1940-1945)
As was accepted in all Nazi Germany, during the war at the Volkswagen plants, the unpaid work of prisoners was used. In 1998, the company recognized that at that time it was used about 15,000 slaves. In this regard, Volkswagen created a voluntary restitutional fund.
After the war, the company's plants suffered greatly as a result of bombardments and fell into the occupation zone of the British. They organized repair and maintenance capacity maintenance military equipment. The company had to be destroyed, because he was engaged in the release of military products and used slave labor. However, one of the officers of the British army drew a civil car produced at the enterprise and showed it at the headquarters of the British army. Thanks to this, the British government has placed an order for 20,000 cars, and the assembly started.
By 1946, the plant produced 1,000 cars a month, which was an excellent achievement, given that he was still in emergency. The fate of the plant remained unclear for a long time. He was visited by the head of the British automaker Rootes Group William Ruts, who said that Beetle would last another for a maximum of two years. He described the car as "too ugly and too noisy." Ironically, this model was collected in the 80s at the Rootes plants in Argentina, when the company has already broken.
In 1948, Volkswagen becomes a symbol of German recovery. His the lineup replenished commercial car Volkswagen Type 2 with an air-cooled 1100-cubic engine installed in the rear. In 1965, Mark released a version with a lifting capacity of 1000 kg instead of 750 kg, and then replaced the 1,2-liter motor 1.5-liter.
Volkswagen Type 2 (1949-2003)
In 1949, Volkswagen starts selling in the United States, but only two cars are sold in the first year. The company undertook steps to standardize sales and service in America, in order to finally become the most sold foreign brand.
In 1955, a sports car appears with a body coupe - Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. In the early 1950s, the standard of living of the population grew, so the demand for more prestigious cars was formed than Beetle. Then the management of Volkswagen proposed cooperation by Karmann, which was engaged in the manufacture of bodyworks. Karmann, in turn, turned to the Italian company GHIA.
Unlike the Beetle model, the body panels are mounted with bolts, on the novelty they were welded. This was done manually, which affected the price of the car. The prototype of the car was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1953 and was warmly adopted by the public.
However, after the release of the serial version, the demand for it exceeded the most bold expectations of autocompany. Only in the first year was sold 10,000 units of the model.
It was positioned as a practical and stylish city car, not a sports car for chosen. Under the hood was a 60-strong motor of 1584 cubic meters. cm.
In August 1957, Volkswagen presented Karmann Ghia convertible. Since 1961, the car has received a wider radiator grille, more rounded rear lights And placed high headlights.
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (1955-1974)
In the 1960s, Volkswagen produces a new type of vehicle. They used monoclene body, optional automatic box gear, electronic system Fuel injection and powerful power plants.
In 1971, the brand introduces Super Beetle, which differs from the standard model using MacPherson front suspension instead of the usual torsion.
Volkswagen acquired AUTO Union and NSU Motorenwerke AG, combined them into one unit, which began to produce luxury cars under the Audi brand. This deal has become a turning point in the company's history, since both automakers have replenished Volkswagen's technological knowledge base, the air-cooled engines of which were already morally obedient.
In the early 1970s, Beetle's sales at the European and North American markets began to decline, and the company did not know what to replace its most successful model. The use of technologies that came from Audi and Auto Union, in particular, the front-wheel drive system and liquid cooling of the engine, paved the way to develop such famous modelslike Passat, Scirocco, Golf and Polo.
Firstborn became Volkswagen Passat.I appeared in 1973 and borrowed from Audi 80 some body elements and mechanical components. Initially, he was offered in the body of a two- and four-door sedan, as well as similar three and five-door versions. Passat equipped with a four-cylinder engine with a volume of 1.3 and 1.5 liters and a capacity of 55 and 75 hp. respectively. Since 1978, a 1.5-liter diesel engine was available.
Volkswagen Passat (1973)
In the spring of 1974, Scirocco comes out, the design of which was developed by the Italian Georgetto Judjaro. He divided the platform with the future Golf and Karmann due to the limited capacity of Volkswagen.
Key model Volkswagen Golf. Appeared in 1974, also developed by Georgetto Judjaro. The front-wheel drive hatchback received a water cooled engine with the front location. Golf became Volkswagen Bestseller, the segment leader and the second most sold car in the world. In 2012, more than 29 million units of the model were collected.
Initially, he was released with a three-door hatchback body, then five-door hatchback came out, Universal (Variant, 1993), a cabriolet (Cabriolet or Cabrio 1979 and 2011) and a sedan named Jetta, or Vento, or Bora. With the release of this model, the story Beetle stopped until 2003.
The model survived the release of seven generations, and also received a "hot", hybrid and electrical version.
Volkswagen Golf (1973)
In 1975 followed volkswagen exit Polo, which subsequently became the basis for another model - Derby, published in 1977. The appearance of Passat, Scirocco, Golf and Polo allowed the brand to create a base for the formation of his own image and laid the foundation for successful sales in the future.
In the 1980s, sales of Volkswagen in the United States and Canada sharply fell sharply, as the Japanese and Americans were able to compete with similar products at lower prices. Then the brand chooses another direction, focusing on growing markets. Within the framework of the same strategy, Volkswagen in 1982 begins cooperation with SEAT, gradually buying shares of the Spanish automaker, while in the 1990th does not buy it completely.
In 1991, Volkswagen launched the third generation Golf.which became the European car of the year in 1992. In 1994, Volkswagen presented the concept car Concept One, which was working on the design of J Mays. The car was accepted with a bang, so in the future the development of New Beetle, the serial version based on the Golf platform began.
In 1993, the official representation of the brand opens in Russia. In 1999, Folkswagen Group Cars LLC was formed, which was engaged in the supply of spare parts for VW and Audi cars.
Four years later, a unified importer company "Volkswagen Group Rus" LLC has been created in Russia, which immediately began importing cars.
In 2007, Volkswagen plant opened in Kaluga, and two years later production was launched on the capacity of the enterprise full cycle VW Tiguan and Škoda Octavia models.
In 2010, the plant released a 200 thousandth car and started assembling VW Polo Sedan. And Škoda Fabia. From next year, brand cars are manufactured at the facilities of the GAZ Group in Nizhny Novgorod.
Cars of the German concern enjoy great popularity among Russians. Already in 2012, a million car is sold in Russia, and 500,000 in Kaluga is produced. In the same year, the company signs an agreement providing for the construction of the engine in Kaluga.
In 1998, the company launched a new urban Lupo car, which filled the empty place in the lower echelon of the model line of the brand. Initially, the model was available in two sets, and then it was completed by Sport and GTI options.
Volkswagen Lupo (1998-2005)
In 1999, the version of Lupo was released, which received the nickname "3-liter" car. She could drive 100 km using only 3 liters diesel fueland became the leader from the point of view of fuel efficiency among cars of that time.
In 1999, a comfortable sedan VW Bora, or Jetta based on Golf was released. Companies of automaker operating in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and China collect cars that differ from European ones. This Parati, Gol, Santana, built on the basis of Golf and Passat previous generations.
In 2002, the luxury class sedan comes out - Phaeton, who was remembered by the one among the premium cars when using the V6-TDI engine in terms of emissions, the European Environmental Standard Euro-5.
The company constantly develops in the field of enhancing fuel efficiency, receiving prestigious awards for their decisions.
In 2002, a concept car of the future super-economic car Volkswagen XL1 is presented. All in it served the purpose of reducing weight and improve aerodynamics. Instead of rearview mirrors, cameras and electronic displays were used, the rear wheels are located close to each other in order to increase flow. The coefficient of aerodynamic resistance was 0.15.
Especially to reduce weight were from scratch. Engine, transmission, suspension, wheels (carbon fiber), brakes (aluminum), hubs (titanium), bearings (ceramic), interior, and so on.
Single Cylinder Motor of 299 cubic meters. cm produced only 8.4 hp At the same time, it is equipped with a system that shuts down during braking and stopping and stopping the gas when pressing the pedal. When fuel consumption at the level of 0.99 l / 100 km, the car can drive 650 km without refueling.
In 2009, L1 made his debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was completed with a hybrid power plant with a 0.8-liter TDI and an electric motor.
The production version is presented in 2013. It consumes 0.9 l / 100 km, throwing out 21 g of CO2 per 1 km. He got the same 0.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine capacity of 47 hp and a 27-strong electric motor. The coefficient of aerodynamic resistance increased to 0.189.
Volkswagen XL1 (2013)
Today Volkswagen is the founder of the Volkswagen Group - a large international corporation, owing brands Audi, Seat, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Scania, and Škoda. It is recognized as the largest European car manufacturer. Volkswagen plants are located in Germany, Mexico, Brazil, USA, India, China, Indonesia, Slovakia, Poland, Spain, the Czech Republic, Russia, South Africa and other countries.
History of the world famous brand volkswagen cars It began almost 80 years ago and during this time the cars of this brand earned a reputation as reliable and at the same time beautiful and stylish cars. Let's look at how this brand developed and when I first sounded the word "Volkswagen" in the history of modern automotive industry.
Autumn 1933.
During the meeting at the Kaverof Hotel, which is located in Berlin, Adolf Hitler in conversation with representatives of Daimler-Benz and Ferdinand Porsche put forward the requirement that it is necessary to develop for the German people reliable, strong and at the same time inexpensive car. The cost of such a car should not exceed 1000 Reichsmarocks and this requirement has become the most important, because the car must be available for almost any segments of the German population. In addition, one of the requirements of Hitler was that cars should be collected at a new factory, which should have become a symbol of the productivity and development of Germany. 
It is worth noting that Adolf Hitler directly attached his hand to develop the concept of a future car. He sketched the sketch of the future beetle and asked to call the name of the designer who would have taken to develop this car unbiller. Then Jacob Verlin, who was at that meeting by the representative of Daimler-Benz and suggested that Ferdinand Porsche began to develop the car. On the same day, the name "Volks-Wagen" was pronounced, which translated into Russian means "folk car"
The first drawings of Zhuka
After a bit of time, in January 1934, Porsche brings the drawings of the car of the ordered car into the Reichancelection of Germany. It was developed on the basis of Porsche TYP 60 and in June of the same year the contract was signed on the development of three new Volkswagen prototypes. A month for the project was allocated only 20 thousand Reichsmarocks, and the development time was limited to 10 months.
The requirements for the car were put forward pretty tough and at the same time accurate:
- King width 1200 mm
- Maximum power - 26 hp
- 5 seats
- Maximum speed - 100 km / h
- The average fuel consumption is 8 liters per 100 kilometers.
- Cost of the car during the sale - 1550 Reichsmarock
Development time dragged
Despite the fact that the car has already been practically designed on paper and is ready for serial launch, new government requirements made their own adjustments. The first prototypes were ready only in September 1936 and the development of prototypes took 2 years. However, despite this, the first four-door car from Volkswagen and a two-door convertible appeared on the light and the next 30 prototypes were ordered, which were later produced and collected at the Daimler-Benz plant.
The Testing of the car was engaged in the trade union organization "German Labor Front". The same organization has decided regarding the suitability of the car to use. 
Construction of the Volkswagen plant
It all started with the fact that on May 28, 1937 the company was founded, the name of which could be translated into Russian, as the LLC for the preparation of the German folk car. A year later, near the city of Falleleben in 1938, the first stone of the plant was laid on which cars will be issued, which will later receive the title of the most reliable and affordable. In September of the same year, the plant was renamed Volkswagen GmbH.
A very large amount of money in the construction of this plant was invested by KDF (Kraft Durch Freude) and it was in her honor that the KDF-Wagen began to be called KDF-Wagen.
Unfortunately, the second World Warwhich started literally a year later, confused plans of industrialists, and the new plant managed to release only two models of the car, which were marked with V38 and V39S. The first model was a trial, but the second was already a demonstration and both of these cars have changed quite strongly compared to the first sketches. The door handles and openings were modernized, and two were added rear windows In the car. This "folk car" had every chance of gaining great popularity, but unfortunately, the plant entered the plant a huge flow of military orders and development volkswagen. I went to a somewhat different bed.
Volkswagen during World War II
Since the Volkswagen plant was the newest at that time, during the war, a variety of military equipment was produced during the war, ranging from cars designed to deliver ammunition and personnel, and ending with the military developments of cars - amphibians. However, during the liberation part of the war, in 1946 this plant was destroyed almost to the ground.
The raids of American aviation were practically left from the building of the plant of stone on the stone and after the war it had to restore it. It was engaged in this, England, in whose zone of influence, after the war, the city of Wolzburg, which was originally built, as workers' settlements for the plant. After recovery, England ordered this plant 20,000 cars, but they have become massively produced only after many years.
The first views of foreigners on Volkswagen
A new car from Volkswagen attracted attention to Hannover at an export fair. In fact, it is this moment that it is worth considering a turning point in the fate of the Volkswagen concern. Orders fell on the production of cars from abroad, which showed a really high quality of the car presented at the fair.
Of course, in the first place, residents of Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland and other countries turned to a folk car from Germany, but later the car became popular in the world.
Manual change
In 1948, Henry Nordhoff became the general director of Volkswagen. Together with him, the highest leadership has changed and it has now fully consisted of engineers who possess both international experience and non-standard thinking. It is this approach that made it possible to upgrade the current models of cars manufactured at the recovered factory and make it even better.
The appearance of a new top has made such changes in the concern activity as the network appearance technical stations And car service service. In parallel, the net sales network to the West and the leadership did not lose, having made a bet on exporting cars.
As a result - on domestic market It was sold by the end of 1948 about 15 thousand cars, but the export market was literally crowded - about 50,000 cars were sold.
The plant returns under the control of Germany
History Volkswagen Beetle:
A few later, the time of control over the plant from England came to the end and in September 1948 the plant was broken down by the FRG control.
This stage of the existence of the plant and the concern as a whole is to characterize intensive development, increasing sales and improving the quality of car production.
Persistent work and an extraordinary approach to the production of cars brought its fruits. After 27 years after the full destruction of the plant and the end of the Second World War, Volkswagen Beetle broke the record for sales. Prior to that, the championship kept Ford Model T.
Modern "conveyor"
In the 50s for mass production, the first model came truck carProduced by Volkswagen. Already then, in his concept, he really resembled a modern conveyor and inferior him except in beauty and power. Since the car was constantly upgraded and improved, he continued to gain tremendous popularity from year to year. Over time, "Bulli" was very firmly established in the market of practical and reliable trucksAnd it has become widely used to transport commercial cargo.
It is worth noting that the modifications of this car were released for special needs and even fire vehicles based on Bulli. 
Let's go back to Volkswagen passenger cars
Since the new leadership of the concern very seriously applied to the export of cars, over time the whole network of subsidiaries all over the world opened. The goal of these enterprises was sales of Volkswagenov and it is possible precisely because of this in 1955 a million "beetle" was released, which a little later began to call the vehicle.
This car was produced until 1991, which indicates the really the highest level of skill of engineers and designers and how high-quality the assembly of this car was.
However, on this story of the beetle does not end and already in 1998, the first car on the basis of Volkswagen Lupo comes from the conveyor at the plant in Mexico. Despite the fact that the wheelbase of this car is different, loved by all the shapes and the outlines of the beetle are preserved, and the car itself has less modern characteristics And solutions, without which motorists no longer think of a car.
Concern Volkswagen today
For their years of existence, this company has achieved tremendous success. On her ways there was a war and complete destruction of the plant, but perseverance and really German pedantic allowed this world-famous plant to rebel from the ashes. 
Now the headquarters of the Volkswagen is a well-known Tower of glass and concrete worldwide, which cannot be called the plant. This is a real current museum and factory, where there are no dust in the lung floor of the floor.
Here, each of the 9 combined volkswagen brands of cars are given its place, and most importantly, anyone who will come to Dresden can visit this tower.
| Full title: | |
| Other names: | VW. |
| Existence: | May 28, 1937 - our days |
| Location: | Germany: Wolfsburg |
| Key figures: | Norbert Righthofer, Chairman of the Board of Directors |
| Products: | Carsengines |
| The lineup: | Golf II. Volkswagen Jetta. Volkswagen Tiguan. Volkswagen Scirocco. Volkswagen Touran. Volkswagen Caddy. |
Volkswagen was born much later than his famous compatriots. It was also created, too, not as the rest, resulting from handicraft workshops, but by order of the German leadership. By the power method, creating a new car was assigned to the talented automaker Ferdinand Porsche. No one worried that Porsche had already had a job and was seriously loaded that he would be very difficult to work at two enterprises.
Whatever it was, but at the beginning of the fourth decade of the age of twentieth in Germany another automobile company originated.
Twice folk car
In the thirties, several firms were already functioning in German land. Their gorgeous products cost a lot and was not intended for a simple population.
In the highest government circles, it was decided to strengthen the support of leaders with an overwhelming majority of the masses. The good attitude of the rulers to the people should be expressed in the emergence of cheap, but good-free vehicles available to each wishes. It was assumed that the Germans would appreciate this gesture, and their confidence in the government will significantly increase.
Order on Volkswagen (which means "folk car") was obtained and successfully executed. In the mid-30s there were three options of one car. One of the prototypes looked at anyone, but Adolf Hitler himself. Furere liked the car.
The manufacture of an experienced party in the amount of thirty pieces was charged with Daimler-Benz. What they just did not do with these machines to identify their positive qualities and weak sides! After testing, something was corrected and launched a car on the flow.
The first Volkswagen turned out to be successful. He was easy to manage, very reliable and, most importantly, had a small retail price.
For mass production of folk cars required production capacity. The new plant was decided to build in a small town called Fallersleben. Construction began with spring 1938. Someone the name of the city did not suit (a serious enterprise should have the corresponding name), therefore locality It was renamed the harmonious name Wolfsburg.
38
VW 38. The plant was to release the Volkswagen model 38. Cooling 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 called simply "KDF".
On the construction of an enterprise needed a lot money. They were decided to borrow from the same people for whom cars were intended. People acquired bonds, which were further planned to be considered a pledge for the cars issued in the future. The folk car became such a doubly, because Produced exclusively on folk remedies.
The good thing was not a reality, very few managed to get a "four-wheeled friend." With the beginning of hostilities, the release of cars was cooler.
Revival Volkswagen.
Perhaps our contemporaries would not know about the existence of the Volkswagen brand, if after the war the plant switched to the hands of Americans. And such an opportunity existed. Wolfsburg was in the territory subordinate to Great Britain. The British tried to sell the US plant, but the representative came from states, did not find anything remarkable in it. Due to shortness, but perhaps the simple incompetence of the American expert, who did not manage to see the huge potential of the "folk car", the car under the Volkswagen brand exist now.
Over time, the company has grown and began to open branches in other countries. In the summer of the 53rd, his subsidiary appeared in Brazilian San Bernard de Campo. For several years it took to establish a full-scale car release. And at first they were simply collected in Brazil from knots and details produced in Germany.
The second overseas representation of Volkswagen opened in the south of the African continent. The French department appeared in 1960. Two years after that, the company noted a significant event - the sale of a million "beetle".
Compact cheap cars Wheel over the entire planet, while the demand for them did not decrease. Therefore, all new offices opened. At the beginning of the 70s earned a Mexican factory in Pueblo, and then an enterprise in Brussels.
For a long "life" cars were repeatedly modernized. But they always remained an initially laid style. Opposite Engine Four cylinders have always been rear. The carrier platform remained unchanged. The last European "Beetle" was released in the 72nd. And all such cars were collected over fifteen million pieces. As for the countries of Latin America, several decades have been produced on their territory. Taking into account the car, Latin production, the total number increases to 25 million pcs.
Not only "bugs" known Volkswagen
Modest machines were of great success, but it does not mean that there were no other models. For example, the Volkswagen Golf brand was extremely popular. She also produced on two continents. In Europe from the 74th, and from the 78th and in South America. From the moment the "Golf" appeared on the light, it was repeatedly improved. Today you can meet its seventh generation.
Starting from the 80s, Volkswagen is mastering Asian markets. First held long consultations, then the cooperation agreements were signed. And finally, a car factor in the Chinese city of Chang Chong opened in the 91st. There began to make the model "Santana". In the same 80s, the Commonwealth with the state Ford Volkswagen opens an enterprise under the sonic name "Autolatina" this time already in Argentina.
Dynamic development Volkswagen. It was the distribution of offices throughout the planet, as well as in creating a whole collection of the most famous automotive brands.
The company expanded on its own, and at the expense of the acquisition of already known industries. For example, "Audi" she bought at Daimler-Benz in the 65th. The beginning of the 90s added the Spanish "SEAT" concern and the Czech Skoda. Later, her property became the British company "Bentley", French "Bugatti" and the Italian "Lamborghini".
Volkswagen has a wide range of own cars. Particularly popular, as already mentioned Golf, and no less well-known Passat, Polo and Bora. From the latest developments stand out sUV TOUAREG.. Separate praise was awarded the luxury phaeton.
Known firm and transport presented by the commercial orientation: Caravelle, Multivan, Shuttle and other.
Volkswagen products are sold in all countries of the world. In Russia, it is in demand, thanks to the reliability and the same ease of management, which was laid in the very first "folk" instance. Now, if it were still available to every Russian!
If you don't like German more than German pedantry, but the French grace, it will probably be interesting to you, where you can repair Citroen cars, Renault, Peugeot by affordable price and with excellent quality.
← Modern logo The company chose himself in the early 70s
The car history is impossible to imagine without the Volkswagen brand, and for many people these cars have become an integral part of life. Currently, the Volkswagen AG car concern is located in Lower Saxony, there is also a company headquarters in Wolsfburg.
The history of the Volkswagen logo is also interesting, as the path of the development of the famous automotive company itself. By the way, the author of the VW emblem is definitely not known until now. The first Volkswagen logo appeared in 1933, the image was stylized under the Nazi swastika, the letters V and W.
Volkswagenov's production approved Hitler
In 1936, by decree of Adolf Hitler in Falleleben (Lower Saxony), a new plant opens. The company was supposed to establish the release of Volkswagen cars (translated from the German "folk car"). The development of Volkswagen models, which should have been collected in modifications of limousine, a convertible and a car with a folding soft riding began to practice Ferdinand Porsche. At that time, this talented designer worked at Mercedes, but at the request of Hitler left his post and dedicated himself to developing a "folk car".
← Ferdinand Porsche - author of the first models VW
And for the first time, these two meets in 1924 on the Solitude race track, which then said Hitler with Porsche not known. A few years after this meeting, in 1930, a research automobile bureau was created on Kronenstraße Stuttgart. Ferdian Porsche, his son Ferry, Karl's engineers, Karl and Crall Frolich, who were specialists in the automotive transmission, as well as Joseph Kales experts with air cooling engineers, Joseph Mikl and Erwin Commenda, which It was later the designer of the Porsche 356 model. The company worked under the sign with the long name "Dr.In.hcf. Porsche GmbH. Konstruktionsbüro Für Motoren-Fahrzeug-Luftfahrzeug Und Wasserfahrzeugbau"
Start of the "folk car"
In 1931, Ferdinand Porsche developed the first prototype of the "folk car", the little tramp, which the German company Zundappp ordered the designer. In 1932, the production of this model, named Type 12, was even started, but the "QysundAP" quickly lost interest in the automotive industry, being facing more pressing production orders.
In 1932, Porsche creates a new "folk car", developed on the basis of the Type 12 model. The novelty inherits the body design from its predecessor and receives a four-cylinder engine with an air cooling system. However, from large-scale implementation and this project, the manufacturer had to abandon the agreement signed with the Fiat company, according to which the model of the Italian automaker should not enter into a competitive struggle with German automotive companies.
In 1933, another meeting of the autoconstructor and the Fuhrer of Germany took place. Porsche then explained his plan to create a small car model size, which could ride at a speed of 100 km / h, consumed no more than 7 liters per 100 km of way and sold at a price of 1000 stamps. The new creation of Ferdinand Porsche was "concluded" in the body with rounded forms and had the front and rear torsion pendants. The choice of suspension of this type was dictated by the features power plant Car, as well as intention to make a car salon as much as possible. In addition, the torsion suspension due to its flexibility has become an ideal technical solution for small cars, because the use of hard suspension to equip a small car weight would have affected the level of intra-alone comfort. To equip its new car Ferdinand Porsche intended a four-cylinder engine with an air cooling system.
← One of the first models of coated Porsche
It is also worth noting that designer decisions regarding the body of the new model were inspired by Porsche His favorite racing models Benz., which in their form resembled a drop of water, which, as is known, has excellent aerodynamics. But soon the autoconstructor found another advantage of exactly such a rounded body. And it consisted in the fact that the body performed in this form also had high strength rates. In the consequence, it is this argument that will become the marketing trick of the Volkswagen manufacturer.
← The first models VW Hitler estimated personally
Birth of the Volkswagen automotive concern
And in 1934 there was a significant event that can be considered the birth of the Great Volkswagen Avtocontracena. This year, passing through numerous discussions and clarifications, the project of the car from Ferdinand Porsche received the signature "approved for production."
The desire of the Fuhrera was extremely clear: to make every resident of Germany to have own car. Therefore, it was assumed that the projected cars should be economical models, simple in production and maintenance.
At the end of 1935, the company tests two prototypes of cars, called VW1 IVW2, which had a motor installation in the form of a motor of 985 cm³ and with a capacity of 23.5 hp at 3 00 rpm.
In 1936, these prototypes are already traveling on the Villa's highway near Stuttgart. Interestingly, the test samples were recognized "little aesthetic". And not wise, because the advantages of the aerodynamic body were then guessed a few. Especially no longer suitable such cars for the mass, "folk" production. Therefore, members of the Commission, which did not greatly worryed, which is under the hood of the test samples of cars, with distrust and biased novelties. But 50,000 km of the test route, which these prototypes drove without problems, convinced the "judges", and the cars were recognized as "useful".
30 models of cars called Type VW 38 gathered in 1937 by order of Hitler Mercedes. For these cars, the so-called "30 series" was followed by the Series 60 models, which were experiencing in the harsh conditions of the winter of 1937-38. One of the cars of this series opened the Grand Prix under Germany in the mountains. The ease and good car handling allowed him, despite the modest motor resource, drive around 13 km during the time comparable to the results of the racing car. This fact can be considered the first sporting achievement of Volkswagen.
Plant in Wolfsburg
For mass production The models of this series were decided to build a plant in Wolfsburg. In 1938, the first stone was laid in the construction of a new enterprise. Subsequently, KDF Stadt will become a real hometown for VW workers. The production of the 60 series of the 60 series in the modification of the convertible, sedan and auto with a soft folding roof were assembled at the production.
← Car manufacturing in KDF-Stadt
And Hitler in those years preferred to call these cars not at all cars Volkswagen, but models k.d. F.-Wagen, which in his own way angry and shocked Ferdinand Porsche designer, which was, in fact, the main and only creator of the "Series 30 series" and "Series 60". Despite the financial plan, the implementation of which could allow each resident of Germany to collect funds for the purchase of these cars, no car from VW came to those pre-war years before his buyer. Several models produced went to the needs of the German army, several were sent into operation of the Nazi leadership.
← The first models of the 30th series were intended for the Nazi leaders
On the eve of the war in 1939, 215 cars were collected on the VW production, which is no longer possible now. In the same year, designers began to develop a military version of K.d. F-Wagen.
Serial production of these models began in 1941, the car very quickly acquired a reputation as strong and reliable vehicles. On the basis of "civilian" models, the manufacturer creates several military modifications, the most famous of which became Kubelwagen. She was entirely aimed at the needs of the German army and became like the German "jeep". In 1943, engines from 935 to 1131 cm³ of 24 to 25 hp used for the motorization of such cars. But already in 1944, August 7, work at the production of VW, where 630 cars were already collected in the body of a sedan and 13 convertibles, stopped. The plant was completely converted to military needs and began to produce flying bombs V1 here. It is due to the activities of this kind of plant that allied troops would soon bomb.
In 1945, American troops find an industrial town not marked by anywhere on the map, located at the walls of a huge destroyed plant (the wall of the main building was longer than 1 km long) and give him the name Wolfsburg.
← Volkswagen plant in Wolfsbruge in our time
After the separation of Germany into four occupation zones in 1945, the plant passes under the control of Great Britain. Then the production of VW headed Ivan Hirst, a young British Major, who came out of the ROYAL Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Deciding that the United Kingdom's army needs passenger cars, Hirst took one of the models produced at the factory, and sent it as a sample to the court of leadership armed Forces United Kingdom. After a week, he received an order for the production of 20,000 copies and the work of the plant was resumed.
The first models of workers in Wolfsburg were collected from the wreckage of cars remaining after the bombing of the plant. They had to exercise short-sighted skills and ingenuity in order for the production of cars to continue. Sigor times for Volkswagen did not end on this. Allied Britain intended to eliminate all industrial production in order to eliminate anyone new weapon of Germany. However, the plant in Wolfsburg was lucky to be taken under the control of Property Control (the Commission for Control over Germany) and the production of peaceful, aimed at transportation needs gave the production.
Between the end of World War II, until October 1946, 100,000 Volkwagen models were collected at the Volksfburg plant, which, despite their "people's" name, were not intended for sale to simple motorists. The plant was proposed by Henry Ford, but he considered the production of "unnaviable" and refused to deal with its development. In 1947, the difficulties associated with recovery work, as well as a shortage of coal, did not allow the VolviSburg production to work at the required level. Only 8987 cars were issued, 1656 of which were exported.
There was a sign for Volkswagen 1948. When the British Military Heinrich Nordhof, the former head of the company Opel, who later became the general director of Volkswagen, took up the models of German production. It was him that he owes his own real revival and it was he who created a manufacturing and commercial VW network, and also placed branches of the company in 136 countries of the world.
← Heinrich Nordhoff - the organizer of the post-war revival VW
Due to the activity of the new head, the reorganization of the plant in Wolfsburg went much faster, the volume of production reached 19244 cars, and soon the control over the work of the enterprise went to the leadership of the Lower Saxony.
The first models of Volkswagen and the first loud success
The first successful model Volkswagen is considered to be a VW 1200 car (Type 1), which in Germany darted Kafer, in France - Coccinelle, and BEETLE called Betle in England. The production of the VW 1200 model began in 1948, the car became known first in Germany, and then spread throughout Europe, was exported subsequently in the United States. It is in the states that this "folk car" became the largest foreign car in 50-60 years. In all its history, the VW 1200 model was produced in the amount of 20 million copies and ahead of the manufacturer Ford Motors and his famous model Ford. T, the release of which amounted to 15 million cars.
← Type VW 1200 with folding soft riding
In 1949, the British authorities convey Volkswagen German Management, the production volume of the plant reaches 46632 models, export volume is 15.7%
In the 60-70 years on Volkswagen, the whole world will ride
In the mid-50s, on the basis of the VW 1200 model, the assembly of the elegant compartment and the cabriolet, called Karmann-Ghia (the body of the model was designed by GHIA, and the assembly conducted Karmann). At that time, the car of the German manufacturer is sold already in 150 countries of the world. Many of them open branches VW. In 1961, such models appeared as Type 3 and VW 1500, equipped with rear wheel drive with an enlarged engine. New models with coupe and convertible started to be sold since 1963. A total of 1961 to 1973, the release of Karmann-Ghia amounted to 3 million cars.
← Karmann-Ghia - German car industry bestseller
In 1968, the production of Type 4 (VW 411) model (VW 411) began in equipping with an air cooling engine with a volume of 1679 cm³. This car became the first result of VW and Audi, which was purchased from Daimler-Benz. Two German producers united into an alliance called VAG, to which SEAT and SKODA subsequently joined.
← VW 411 became a classic, but did not have much success
VW 411 was not widely popular in the period from 1968 to 1974. VAG released only 350000 cars of this model. In order to be able to release new modelThat would have replaced the 411st, Volkswagen includes NSU on its own composition. Soon the K-70 model appears, equipped with an front actuator, which was made from 1970 to 1975.
← K-70 - First Orthodox Volkswagen
At the beginning of the 70s, the German manufacturer expected a sudden, but well-deserved success. In 1973, the VW concern began producing the Passat model, which was based on the front-wheel drive Audi 80 platform. The production of VW Passat put an end to the release of VW 411 and K-70 models. Passat was not once modified (in 1980, 1988 and 1995) and still produced by VW.
← His famous Passat model Volkswagen began to produce in the early 70s.
Now the car is the face of the German brand
In 1974, in the middle of the global oil crisis, Volkswagen begins the release of the Golf model, which was designed to repeat the success of VW 1200. The appearance of this small front-wheel drive car marked the beginning of the popularity of CDs throughout Europe. Golf has a nice and long history that has not ended to this day, and since 1975, this model is considered one of the best-selling in the old world.
← Golf - Salt trailest in Europe
Already in 1974, the Volkswagen model range expanded the appearance of the SCIROCO Coupe model produced on the basis of Golf. A year later, the release of the Polo model, the front-wheel drive car, implemented on the basis of Audi 50. Polo became the next mass success of the Volkswagen concern and brought a company considerable income.
