Volkswagen

**Volkswagen** (**VW**; ) is a car company from Germany. The word _volkswagen_ means "People's car" in German. Its headquarters are in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony. It was started in the 1930s, at the request of the country's leader, Adolf Hitler, to produce a car designed by Ferdinand Porsche.

## History

In the 1930s Adolf Hitler was looking for someone who could make a cheap car that the common German worker could afford. At the same time, Ferdinand Porsche had been working for years on a cheap car that could hold a family and would drive like a real car, not a micro car. He had already designed and built small cars with rear engines and shaped like a beetle (for better aerodynamics). At this time, owning a car in Germany was something only for the rich people, and most car companies were not interested in making a low-cost car. Porsche's company, also called Porsche, only made designs for others at that time. So Porsche could not find anyone to make the small car that he wanted.

Though Hitler never learned to drive, he was very interested in cars (he also created the autobahn, which led to the U.S. interstate highways). Hitler wanted the car to hold four people. It was to be cooled by air instead of water. The car needed to be able to travel at least 100 km/h, or about 60 mph, and use no more than 7 liters of gasoline for 100 kilometers (about 34 mpg). The car companies in Germany at the time didn't want to make this new low-cost car, so Hitler formed a new company, run by the government. The first name given to the car was "KdF-Wagen." "KdF" stood for _Kraft durch Freude_, or "Strength through Joy." Some were made, but by the time the factory was finished in 1938, World War II started. The factory then built jeep-like cars for the German military instead.

After the war, people from the United Kingdom and the United States reopened the factory and started making cars again. The factory was in ruins from the war and could only make a few cars at a time. The British military were in charge of this section of Germany. At first they tried to find another car company to rebuild the factory. Henry Ford was offered the company for free. After looking it over, his adviser said "Mr. Ford, what we are being offered here is not worth a damn!" So the Volkswagen company went ahead by itself to make the car. The man who led the Volkswagen company during this time was Heinz Nordhoff.

At first they only made one type of car, the Volkswagen Beetle. (It was simply called the Type 1 Sedan by the company, it also had the nickname "Bug" in the U.S. and other nicknames elsewhere). In 1950, the Type 2 (the bus) was introduced, also built with an engine in the back of the vehicle. The cars became popular and well-known all over the world. The Beetle later became one of the best selling cars in history. It was built for many years afterward in factories in Germany, Brazil and Mexico.

The last original Volkswagen Beetle to be built was built in Mexico. It was built in July 2003. Volkswagen has a new car called the "New Beetle." which began selling in 1997, It looks like the old car, but is built quite differently. It is faster, safer, and has an engine in the front, not the back, and is water-cooled (using a radiator). It is much more suited to today's modern world in terms of design and security.

In 2015 Volkswagen was caught cheating in an emissions test scandal on their diesel powered cars. This scandal was called dieselgate. The cars were designed to operate in a clean mode while being tested, but run dirty (make too much pollution) in normal driving. Volkswagen was fined, their CEO left, and they have changed their car design and have since added electric vehicles.

In November 2024 workers at Volkswagen's Osnabrück plant in Germany threatened strike action as part of ongoing regional protests over wage disputes. The strikes were organized by the IG Metall union. The plant, reportedly a potential target for closure under Volkswagen's restructuring and cost-cutting plans, operates under unique labor contract terms allowing strikes before December, unlike other Volkswagen plants in western Germany. IG Metall has called for a 7% wage increase, contrasting with an offer of a 3.6% raise over 27 months from employers' associations, who have described the union's demands as unrealistic.

## Recent vehicles

Some of Volkswagen's popular cars are the Golf, Jetta, Polo,Beetle and the Passat. VW's as they are commonly known, have also entered the off-road segment with cars like the Touarag, and the commercial segment with the Touran. This year sees VW's 21st anniversary since the Golf 1 went on sale in the 1980s. Since its birth VW has sold over 315,000 units of the Golf 1 alone. 2006 saw the entry of the fifth generation of the Golf. The flagbearer - the GTI - is powered by a 147Kw 2.0l 4 cylinder turbo charged engine,with VW DSG and FSI technology. The Golf GTI has evolved a long way since the 80's but the fifth generation GTI is criticised by some as it does not live up to the expectations and standards set by the legendary Mk1 GTI, which was fitted with an 1600, 8 valve motor.

## Passenger vehicles

|rowspan="2"|Body style|colspan="4" width="1px"|Model|colspan="2"|Current generation|rowspan="2"|Platform|rowspan="2" class="unsortable" width="30%" cellpadding="30px"|Vehicle description|||
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|||**Golf**|1974|2019|Global|MQB Evo|C-segment hatchback.|||||
|||**ID.3**|2019|2019|Europe and China|MEB|Battery electric C-segment hatchback.|||||
|||rowspan="2"|**Polo**|rowspan="2"|1975|2009|rowspan="2"|Global (except North America and India)|PQ26|rowspan="2"|B-segment hatchback or supermini. Two generations (Mk5 and Mk6) are currently produced alongside each other for certain markets.|
|||2017|MQB A0|||||||||
|style="background: #e60000"|||**Arteon**|2017|2017|Global (except India)|MQB|D-segment fastback or four-door coupe. Successor to the Volkswagen CC.||||
|style="background: #e60000"|||**Bora**|1999|2018|China|MQB|Sister model to the Lavida. Exclusively manufactured by FAW-Volkswagen.||||
|||**ID.7**|2023|2023|Europe, China and North America|MEB|Battery electric D-segment liftback. Built above a dedicated vehicle platform MEB platform.|||||
|style="background: #267326"|||**Jetta/ Sagitar/ Vento**|1979|2018|Americas, China and Middle East (except Turkiye and Israel)|MQB A1|Compact sedan (C-segment). Historically a sedan version of the Golf. Sold as the Vento in Argentina and Uruguay. The Sagitar is the Chinese version of the Jetta with longer wheelbase.||||
|style="background: #267326"|||**Polo**|2020|2020|Central Asia|PQ25|Based on the Škoda Rapid. Only produced between 2020 and 2022 but stock is continued to be offered outside of Russia.||||
|style="background: #e60000"|||**Lamando**|2014|2022|China|MQB Evo|A four-door coupe or a low-roof sedan for the Chinese market in the same segment as the Sagitar. Exclusively manufactured by SAIC-Volkswagen.||||
|style="background: #e60000"|||**Lavida**|2008|2018|China|MQB A1|Sister model to the Bora. It has been Volkswagen's best selling model in China and typically the best selling sedan of all brands in China. Exclusively manufactured by SAIC-Volkswagen.||||
|style="background: #e60000"|||**Magotan**|2005|2024|China|MQB Evo|The Chinese version of the Passat B9 with a longer wheelbase.||||
|style="background: #e60000"|||**Passat**|1973|2024|China|MQB Evo|A sedan developed for the Chinese market, different from the European Passat. Exclusively manufactured by SAIC-Volkswagen.||||
|style="background: #267326"|||**Virtus / Polo Sedan / Lavida XR**|2017|2017|Latin America, India and China|MQB A0|Sedan version of the Polo Mk6. Currently produced and marketed in Latin America, India, Central Asia and China.||||
|||**Arteon Shooting Brake**|2020|2020|Europe, China and others|MQB|Shooting brake version of the Arteon.|||||
|||**Golf Variant/ Sportwagen**|1993|2020|Europe, etc.|MQB Evo|Station wagon version of the Golf. The Alltrack model is the crossover-inspired version.|||||
|||**ID.7 Tourer**|2024|2024|Europe|MEB|Station wagon version of the ID.7.|||||
|||**Passat**|1973|2023|Europe, Turkiye and Israel|MQB Evo|The European market Passat, only available as a station wagon since 2023.|||||
|style="background: #267326"|||**Atlas/ Teramont**|2017|2017|Americas, Middle East (except Turkiye and Israel) and China|MQB|Three-row mid-size crossover SUV for the North American and Chinese markets. Also sold in select other LHD markets including Latin America and Middle East.||||
|style="background: #267326"|||**Atlas Cross Sport / Teramont X**|2019|2019|Americas and China|MQB|Two-row versions of the regular Atlas/Teramont with a sloping rear roof.||||
|||**ID.4**|2020|2020|Global|MEB|C-segment full-electric crossover SUV built above a dedicated electric vehicle platform (MEB platform).|||||
|||**ID.5**|2021|2021|Europe, Australasia and some others|MEB|Coupe crossover SUV version of the ID.4.|||||
|style="background: #e60000"|||**ID.6**|2021|2021|China|MEB|Three-row D-segment full-electric crossover SUV built above a dedicated electric vehicle platform (MEB platform).||||
|style="background: #e60000"|||**ID. UNYX**|2024|2024|China|MEB|C-segment full-electric crossover SUV, rebadged Cupra Tavascan with small cosmetic changes, only sold in China.||||
|||**T-Cross/ Tacqua/ Taigun/ Tharu XR**|2019|2019|Global (except North America)|MQB A0|B-segment crossover SUV built above the MQB A0 platform. Global product but not sold in North America.|||||
|||**T-Roc**|2017|2017|Europe, China, Turkiye, Israel and others|MQB A1|C-segment crossover SUV. Mainly available in Europe and China, but also sold in Turkiye and Israel.|||||
|style="background: #267326"|||**Taos/Tharu**|2018|2018|China and Americas|MQB A1|Compact crossover SUV (C-segment) built above the MQB A1 platform. Related to the Jetta VS5, SEAT Ateca and Škoda Karoq. Called the Tharu in China and Taos in the Americas.||||
|style="background: #267326"|||**Tera**|2025|2025|Latin America and India|MQB A0 IN|Subompact crossover SUV (B-segment) built above the MQB A0 IN||||
|||**Taigo/Nivus**|2020|2020|Europe, Turkiye, Israel, South Africa and Latin America|MQB A0|Low-slung crossover SUV heavily based on the Polo Mk6. It is badged Taigo in Europe and Nivus in Brazil.|||||
|style="background: #e60000"|||**Talagon**|2021|2021|China|MQB Evo|Three-row full-size crossover SUV for the Chinese market above the Tavendor. Exclusively manufactured by FAW-Volkswagen.||||
|style="background: #e60000"|||**Tavendor**|2022|2022|China|MQB Evo|Two-row full-size crossover SUV for the Chinese market below the Talagon. Exclusively manufactured by FAW-Volkswagen.||||
|style="background: #e60000"|||rowspan="2"|**Tayron**|rowspan="2"|2018|2018|China|MQB A2|Sister model to the Tiguan. Exclusively manufactured by FAW-Volkswagen.||
|||2024|Global|MQB Evo|Mid-Size crossover SUV. Successor to the Tiguan Allspace.|||||||
|style="background: #e60000"|||**Tayron X**|2020|2020|China|MQB A2|Coupe crossover SUV version of the Tayron.||||
|||**Tiguan**|2008|2023|Global|MQB Evo|Compact crossover SUV (C-segment) built on the MQB A2 platform.|||||
|style="background: #e60000"|||**Tiguan X**|2020|2020|China|MQB A2|Coupe crossover SUV version of the Tiguan. Exclusively manufactured by SAIC-Volkswagen.||||
|||**Touareg**|2002|2018|Global (except North America, Japan and India)|MLB Evo|First crossover SUV ever built by Volkswagen. A flagship luxury SUV model built above the MLB Evo platform.|||||
|||**Caddy Life**|2007|2020|Europe, Turkiye, Israel and others|MQB|Passenger version of the Caddy.|||||
|||**Caravelle**|1950|2024|Europe, Turkiye, Israel and others|Ford Pro|D-segment/Large MPV based on the Ford Transit Custom (since 2024), passenger variant of the Transporter.|||||
|||**ID. Buzz**|2022|2022|Europe, Turkiye, Israel, North America and others|MEB|Battery electric minivan built above the MEB platform.|||||
|||**Multivan**|1990|2021|Europe, Turkiye, Israel and others|MQB Evo|D-segment/Large MPV based on MQB Evo, previously based on Transporter.|||||
|||**Touran**|2003|2015|Europe, Turkiye, Israel and Japan|MQB|Three-row compact MPV. Currently being phased out in several markets.|||||
|style="background: #e60000"|||**Viloran**|2020|2020|China|MQB A2|Three-row full-size minivan with sliding doors for the Chinese market. Exclusively manufactured by SAIC-Volkswagen.||||

### Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

|rowspan="2"|Body style|colspan="4" width="1px"|Model|colspan="2"|Current generation|rowspan="2"|Platform|rowspan="2" class="unsortable" width="30%" cellpadding="30px"|Vehicle description||
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|||**Caddy**|1990|2020|Europe, etc.|MQB|Leisure activity vehicle or small van. Available as a windowed van (Caddy Life) or panel van.||||
|||**Caddy California**|2020|2020|Europe, etc.|MQB|Campervan based on the Caddy.||||
|||**California**|1989|2024|Europe, etc.|MQB Evo|Campervan based on the T7 Multivan.||||
|||**Grand California**|2019|2019|Europe, etc.|MNB (Modular Light Commercial Vehicle platform)|Campervan based on the Crafter.||||
|||**Crafter**|2006|2017|Europe, etc.|MNB (Modular Light Commercial Vehicle platform)|Large van. Also sold as the MAN TGE.||||
|||**ID. Buzz Cargo**|2022|2022|Europe, etc.|MEB|Panel van version of ID. Buzz.||||
|||**Transporter**|1949|2024|Europe, etc.|Ford Pro|Mid-size van. Available as a panel van.||||
|||rowspan="2"|**Amarok**|rowspan="2"|2010|2010|Latin America|Unknown|rowspan="2"|Mid-size pickup truck. First and second generations are currently produced alongside each other for certain markets.|
|||2022|Europe,  Australia and Africa|Ford T6|||||||
|style="background: #ffdb4d"|||**Saveiro**|1983|2023|Latin America|PQ24|Compact pickup truck based on the Gol.|||

### Aircooled models

- Volkswagen 181 (1961–1983, also sold as Kurierwagen, Trekker, Thing, Safari)
- Volkswagen 411/412 (Type 4) (1967–1973)
- Volkswagen 1500/1600 (Type 3) (1961–1973)
- Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1) (1938–2003)
- Volkswagen Brasília (1973–1982)
- Volkswagen Country Buggy (1967–1969)
- Volkswagen Gacel (1983–1991)
- Volkswagen Hebmüller Cabriolet (1949–1953)
- Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (1955–1974, also sold as Type 34 Karmann Ghia, 1500 Karmann Ghia Coupe)
- Volkswagen Kommandeurswagen (1941–1944) staff car for Wehrmacht
- Volkswagen Kübelwagen (1940–1945) light military vehicle
- Volkswagen Schwimmwagen (1942–1944)
- Volkswagen Senda (1991–1994)
- Volkswagen SP1/SP2 (1973–1976)
- Volkswagen Type 18A (1949–?)
- Volkswagen Type 147 Kleinlieferwagen (1964–1974)
- Volkswagen-Porsche 914 (1969–1976, also sold as Porsche 914)

### Watercooled models

- Volkswagen Ameo (2016–2020)
- Volkswagen Apollo (1990–1992)
- Volkswagen Atlantic (1981–1984)
- Volkswagen Beetle (2011–2019)
- Volkswagen C-Trek (2016–2018)
- Volkswagen Cabrio (1979–2002)
- Volkswagen Cabriolet (1979–2002)
- Volkswagen Carat (1987–1991)
- Volkswagen Caribe (1977–1987)
- Volkswagen Citi Golf (1984–2009)
- Volkswagen Clásico (2010–2014)
- Volkswagen Corrado (1988–1995)
- Volkswagen Corsar (1984–1988)
- Volkswagen Dasher (1974–1982)
- Volkswagen Derby (1977–1985), (1995–2009, also sold as Polo Classic)
- Volkswagen Eos (2006–2016)
- Volkswagen Fox (2003–2021)
- Volkswagen Gol (1980–2023)
- Volkswagen Golf Plus (2004–2014)
- Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan (2014–2020)
- Volkswagen Iltis (1978–1988)
- Volkswagen Jetta King (1997–2010)
- Volkswagen Jetta Pioneer (2010–2013)
- Volkswagen K70 (1968–1972)
- Volkswagen Logus (1993–1997)
- Volkswagen Lupo (1998–2005)
- Volkswagen New Beetle (1997–2011)
- Volkswagen New Jetta (2013–2020)
- Volkswagen Parati (1982–2013)
- Volkswagen Passat NMS (2011–2022)
- Volkswagen Passat Lingyu (2005–2011)
- Volkswagen Phaeton (2002–2016)
- Volkswagen Phideon (2016–2023)
- Volkswagen Pointer (1994–1996)
- Volkswagen Polo Playa (1996–2006)
- Volkswagen Polo (Russia) (2020–2022)
- Volkswagen Quantum (1982–1988)
- Volkswagen Rabbit (1975–1984)
- Volkswagen Routan (2008–2014)
- Volkswagen Scirocco (1974–2017)
- Volkswagen Sharan (1995–2022)
- Volkswagen SpaceCross (2014–2019)
- Volkswagen Santana (1981–2022)
- Volkswagen Suran/SpaceFox (2006–2019)
- Volkswagen Taro (1989–1997)
- Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace (2018–2024)
- Volkswagen Vento/Polo Sedan (2010–2022)
- Volkswagen Voyage (1983–2023)
- Volkswagen Up (2011–2023)
- Volkswagen XL1 (2015–2016)

## Car platforms

The MQB platform, a car platform, was first introduced in 2012, in the Golf Mk7. That car platform is still shared by some (car) models, as of 2025.

_MQB Evo_ (a version of MQB platform), has been made since 2019. Cars that have been using it are
- Volkswagen Atlas/Teramont MK2 (2025–present)
- Volkswagen Caddy Mk4 (2020–present)

- Volkswagen Golf Mk8 (2019–present)
- Volkswagen Lamando L (2022–present)
- Volkswagen Multivan (T7) (2022–present)
- Volkswagen Passat/Magotan/Passat Pro (B9) (2023–present)
- Volkswagen Talagon (2021–present)
- Volkswagen Tavendor (2022–present)
- Volkswagen Tiguan Mk3 (2023–present)
- Volkswagen Tayron Mk2 (2024–present)
- Some other car companies are allowed (by Volkswagen), to use that _car platform_.

## Other websites

- Volkswagen Global
- Volkswagen Germany (in German)
- Volkswagen México - History
- Volkswagen USA official website

## Infobox (company)

- **name**: Volkswagen
- **type**: Division (business), Division
- **location city**: Wolfsburg
- **location country**: Germany
- **founder**: German Labour Front
- **area served**: Worldwide
- **key people**: Thomas Schäfer (CEO, Volkswagen Passenger Cars)
- **industry**: Automotive industry, Automotive
- **parent**: Volkswagen Group