Volkswagen
Volkswagen, meaning "people's car" in German, has a rich and influential history deeply intertwined with 20th-century Europe. Founded in 1937 by the German Labour Front under the Nazi regime, its initial purpose was to produce an affordable car for the masses, conceived by Ferdinand Porsche. World War II significantly impacted the company's development, and its civilian production was limited until after the war's end. Under British control, the factory was saved from demolition and was repurposed to produce the iconic Beetle, which became a symbol of post-war German industrial recovery and a global automotive phenomenon.
Following its privatization in 1960, Volkswagen expanded its model lineup, introducing vehicles like the Transporter, Karmann Ghia, and eventually the Golf, which replaced the Beetle as the company's flagship model. Volkswagen Group has since become one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers, encompassing brands such as Audi, Porsche, and Skoda. Volkswagen is known for its engineering, focus on value, and the enduring appeal of its classic designs. The brand is now investing heavily in electric vehicles and is adapting to the changing automotive landscape while retaining its core values.