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Volkswagen’s history is deeply linked to the iconic Beetle, which has become an emblem of the automotive industry. It all started in 1933, when Adolf Hitler, newly appointed chancellor, surprised everyone by turning his attention from expansionist policy to the revolutionary idea of a car accessible to the masses.
At the time, Germany was devastated by the Great Depression, with an alarming unemployment rate of 34%. In the midst of this bleak scenario, Hitler realized the need for a large public works program to create jobs and boost the economy, with a focus on the automobile industry, says ‘elEconomista’.
In 1933, Hitler met with Ferdinand Porsche, who shared his vision of a people’s car, a “Volkswagen”. The ideal vehicle should transport five people, reach 100 km/h, be easy to maintain and cost less than 990 marks.
This affordable price would allow ordinary workers to purchase the car, going from being a luxury product to something accessible to everyone.
Thus, in 1935, the first Volkswagen model was manufactured, and in 1938, mass production began with the creation of the company Volkswagen GmbH. The factory, located in Wolfsburg, quickly became one of the largest in the world, boosting the economy German.
However, with the start of World War II in 1939, civilian car production was halted, and the Volkswagen factory was directed to support the military efforts of the Third Reich.
After the war, the Volkswagen factory fell under British control. Volkswagen was now a private company, and gave discounts and compensation to those injured, closing a controversial chapter in its history.
Despite the challenges faced by the company, the Beetle became one of the best-selling cars in the world and Volkswagen emerged as a global automotive powerhouse.
