Volkswagen

Volkswagen AG, commonly known as Volkswagen or VW, is a German multinational automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany. It designs, manufactures, and distributes passenger and commercial vehicles, motorcycles, engines, and turbomachinery, and offers related services including financing, leasing, and fleet management. Volkswagen is the flagship brand of the Volkswagen Group, the largest automaker by worldwide sales in 2016 and 2017.

History

Volkswagen was established in 1937 by the German Labour Front under Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime. The company's original purpose was to mass-produce affordable and practical cars for the German population, with the Volkswagen Beetle becoming one of the most significant and iconic vehicles in automotive history. After World War II, the British Army took control of the factory, and under British supervision, Volkswagen began producing cars for the civilian market.

In the post-war era, Volkswagen expanded its product line and global presence, establishing manufacturing facilities and sales operations around the world. The 1970s saw the introduction of the Volkswagen Golf, which became one of the best-selling cars of all time. Over the years, Volkswagen has acquired several other automotive brands, including Audi, SEAT, Škoda, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Porsche, making the Volkswagen Group one of the world's leading automotive conglomerates.

Models

Volkswagen's product range includes a wide variety of vehicles, such as sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and vans. Some of the most popular and significant models include the Volkswagen Beetle, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Passat, and Volkswagen Tiguan. The company has also been at the forefront of electric vehicle development, introducing models like the Volkswagen e-Golf and the Volkswagen ID.3 as part of its strategy to become a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles.

Controversies

Volkswagen has been involved in several controversies, most notably the Dieselgate scandal in 2015, where the company admitted to using software in its diesel engines to cheat on emissions tests. This scandal had a significant impact on Volkswagen's reputation and finances, leading to billions of dollars in fines, settlements, and recalls.

Sustainability and Innovation

In response to growing environmental concerns and the Dieselgate scandal, Volkswagen has committed to an ambitious plan to transform its product lineup to include a significant number of electric and hybrid vehicles. The company aims to become a leader in electric mobility, with plans to launch dozens of electric models in the coming years and to invest heavily in electric vehicle technology and infrastructure.

See Also

• Automotive industry in Germany
• List of Volkswagen Group factories
• Volkswagen Group MQB platform

External Links

• Official Volkswagen Website