The Volkswagen Beetle

The History of Volkswagen Beetle

• 1934/5-- Ferdinand Porsche proposes a People's Car that would enable hundreds and thousands of Germans to afford their first car. First vehicle is produced.
• 1937/8-- First vehicle bearing the Volkswagen name is produced, then taken on a 50,000 km test drive. Construction starts on factory and town, called the Town of the Strength through Joy Car. Later known as Wolfsburg.
• 1939-- Several Volkswagen are produced for propaganda use. Serial production does not begin, however, due to the outbreak of war.
• 1940-44-- The plant produces military vehicles.
• 1945/9-- Civilian production resumes under the British Military Government. The first two Beetles are shipped from the North America to the United States. Also, the first Beetle convertible is built.
• 1950/2-- First Type 2 is built. The rest of us called it the Microbus. Also, Volkswagen Canada is established.
• 1953/4-- Production begins in Brazil and Australia.
• 1955/65-- Karmann Ghia coupe introduced. Auto Union Subsidiary introduces a new car, the Audi.
• 1967/8-- Production starts in Mexico. 411 model launched.
• 1972/4-- The 15,007,034 th Beetle is produced, beating the production record held by Model T. However, Beetle production ends at Wolfsburg.
• 1978/80-- Beetle production ends in Germany. Last Beetle convertible built.
• 1981-- Beetle declared Car of the Century. Volkswagen plans to sell the concept I in future.

Links to the Volkswagen Beetle

The Official Empi Volkswagen Homepage
Mike Kuhn's Volkswagen Homepage
Mike's VW Page
Daniel's German & English VW Beetle Page
Coyote's VW Page
Jeff Frohwein's Beetle Technical Page

Pictures of the Volkswagen Beetle

Any feedback/comments regarding the contents of the page can be directed to the email address below. This page is the works of Mark Khoo, Kian Moon and Shao Lee.