Volkswagen

Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturer headquartered in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany. Founded in 1937 by the German Labour Front under the Nazi Party and revived into the global brand it is known as today post-World War II by the British Army officer Ivan Hirst, it is known for the iconic Beetle and serves as the flagship brand of the Volkswagen Group, the largest automotive manufacturer by worldwide sales in 2016 and 2017. The group's biggest market is China, which delivers 40 percent of its sales and profits. Its name is derived from the German-language terms Volk and Wagen, translating to "people's car" when combined.
volkswagen

Some of the key events about Volkswagen

  • 1937
    Founded as a state-owned enterprise to produce affordable cars for the German people
  • 1937
    Founded as a state-owned enterprise under Nazi Germany to produce the "people's car"
  • 1945
    Resumed production of the Volkswagen Beetle after World War II
  • 1945
    Forced labor was used extensively in Volkswagen factories during World War II
  • 1949
    Introduced the iconic Volkswagen Type 2 (Microbus/Transporter)
  • 1955
    Produced its one-millionth Volkswagen Beetle
  • 1961
    Volkswagen established a subsidiary in apartheid South Africa, facing criticism for operating under the regime
  • 1965
    Acquired Auto Union GmbH (now Audi)
  • 1972
    Surpassed the Ford Model T as the world's best-selling car with the Beetle
  • 1973
    Volkswagen do Brasil was accused of collaborating with the Brazilian military dictatorship
  • 1974
    Introduced the Volkswagen Golf, which became one of the world's best-selling car models
  • 1993
    Volkswagen was accused of industrial espionage against General Motors
  • 1998
    Launched the "New Beetle", a modern interpretation of the classic Beetle design
  • 2002
    Introduced the Touareg, marking Volkswagen's entry into the luxury SUV market
  • 2005
    A corruption scandal involving bribery and illegal privileges for labor representatives was uncovered
  • 2015
    Became the world's largest automaker by sales, surpassing Toyota
  • 2015
    The "Dieselgate" emissions scandal was exposed, revealing Volkswagen had been cheating on emissions tests
  • 2016
    Volkswagen agreed to pay $14.7 billion in a settlement over the diesel emissions scandal in the US
  • 2017
    Volkswagen pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to the diesel emissions scandal in the US
  • 2019
    Volkswagen faced allegations of using forced labor in China's Xinjiang region through a joint venture

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Volkswagen Latest news

Swedish battery giant's collapse shows how China changed the EV game

Swedish battery giant's collapse shows how China changed the EV game

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German auto giant faces first nationwide worker walkout in 6 years

German auto giant faces first nationwide worker walkout in 6 years

Major car manufacturer in Germany prepares for country-wide worker strikes due to wage-cuts and plant closure plans. Labor unions ready to start actions in early-december while negotiations continue

Business, Economics • November 29 2024 , 03:33 PM  •  1106 views
German auto giant faces heat over US worker rights in Alabama plant

German auto giant faces heat over US worker rights in Alabama plant

German car maker Mercedes hit roadblock with union rights at its Alabama factory while VW opens doors to workers. Story shows clash between European labor values and US south anti-union stance

Business, Economics, Politics • November 14 2024 , 08:59 PM  •  2887 views
German auto giant fights American workers while enjoying US protection

German auto giant fights American workers while enjoying US protection

Mercedes plant in Alabama blocks worker unions despite Germanyʼs own pro-labor stance. This move puts strain on US-German ties as American workers seek rights that German employees already have

Society, Business, Politics • November 14 2024 , 08:28 PM  •  910 views
German auto giant plans first-ever factory shutdowns in its homeland

German auto giant plans first-ever factory shutdowns in its homeland

Leading European car manufacturer prepares for major changes in Germany-based operations. Companyʼs worker council reveals plans for multiple plant closures and significant workforce adjustments

Business, Economics • October 28 2024 , 05:39 PM  •  1538 views