New Volkswagen Cars

Ferdinand Porsche wanted to build a car for the people. The brief called for the Beetle to be small in shape; able to cruise at 100 kilometers per hour; have fuel efficiency of 0.8 liter per 10 kilometer; possess an air cooled engine; carry two adults and three children; and have a price less than 1,000 RM. Between 1935 and 1937 a total of 50 prototypes were built, and a number of engines tested. In 1939, the car that resulted looked like the beetle we know now. After the war, the company produced 1,000 cars a month. The first export took place in 1947 when a Dutch car dealer bought five cars. By February 17, 1972, the Beetle overtook Ford Model T as the most popular vehicle ever made. Today, the VW lineup includes the Passat wagon, Golf, GTI, Jetta sedan, Beetle, Bettle convertible, Phaeton, and the Touareg.