     thumb|karmann buildings in osnabrÃ¼ck wilhelm karmann gmbh, commonly known simply as karmann, in osnabrÃ¼ck, germany, was until 2009 the largest independent motor vehicle manufacturing company in germany. for more than a century, they have undertaken various roles, from design to production and assembly of components, for various automobile manufacturers; including chrysler, porsche and volkswagen group. ==origin== the company was established in 1901, when wilhelm karmann purchased klases, a coachbuilder since 1874, and renamed the business. the company then grew together with the expanding automobile industry. ==notable programmes== some of the most well known cars produced by karmann in the 20th century are the volkswagen beetle cabriolet (1949â1980), and, most closely associated with the karmann name, the volkswagen karmann ghia. between 1955 and 1974, a total of 443,482 vw karmann ghias were manufactured, placing their own sports car-style body on the chassis of the volkswagen beetle. later in the 20th century, they assembled the scirocco, corrado, and golf cabriolet for volkswagen. karmann 
Car_manufacturers_of_Germany Coachbuilders_of_Germany Companies_based_in_Lower_Saxony Companies_established_in_1901 Convertible_top_suppliers Electric_vehicle_manufacturers OsnabrA 1/4 ck