VW Beginings

VW's humble beginings

Volkswagen, derived from the German words "Folk's Wagon" or "People's Wagon," traces its roots back to 1937 when it was founded as a pivotal player in the automotive industry. Over the decades, it has grown into the largest car manufacturer globally, boasting an extensive lineup of vehicles. One of its most iconic creations is the Volkswagen Beetle, which has left an indelible mark on automotive history.

VW Beetle 1937

Commissioned by Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany, the Volkswagen Beetle was conceptualized and designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the renowned Austrian-German automotive engineer and founder of the Porsche car company. 

The Beetle first rolled off the production lines in Germany in 1937 and remained in production until the late 1970s. However, its legacy endured, with production continuing at Volkswagen's Puebla facility in Mexico until 2003. In total, over 21 million Beetles were manufactured, earning it the affectionate moniker of the "poor man's Porsche."

The Beetle's success paved the way for other Volkswagen models, including the Type 2, famously known as the VW 'Bus' or Microbus, and the stylish Karmann Ghia. Subsequent iterations, such as the Type 3 'Ponton' and the Type 4 411/412 family car, further solidified Volkswagen's reputation for innovation and versatility in the automotive market.

Despite its iconic status, Volkswagen eventually ceased production of the Beetle, citing feasibility concerns in an increasingly competitive market. As other car manufacturers introduced similar-sized four-door vehicles, the Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and 'Ponton,' all two-door models, faced challenges in meeting the evolving needs of consumers, particularly in the taxi industry. The practicality of four-door vehicles for passenger transportation outweighed the convenience of two-door models, leading to a shift in consumer preferences.

This transition marked a pivotal moment in Volkswagen's history, reflecting the company's adaptability to changing market dynamics while staying true to its commitment to innovation and excellence in automotive engineering. While the Beetle era may have drawn to a close, its legacy lives on, serving as a testament to Volkswagen's enduring impact on the automotive landscape.

 The New Beetle was manufactured from 1998–2011 which included  a 2-door coupé/ convertible but wasn’t  a replacement for the original Beetle,  the VW golf and VW Passat was.  The original Beetle, the VW Golf  and the VW Passat were the three top VW cars in the history of the automaker, all three of which stood out for its simplicity, affordability and quality for more than thirty years.  The Volkswagen Beetle  is a two-door economy car, intended for five occupants  and sported an air-cooled rear mounted engine.