Volkswagen’s 75th Anniversary of Selling Cars in America

75th Anniversary of VW Type 1s Arrival in New York City

Today marks a momentous occasion for the Volkswagen Group of America. Exactly 75 years ago, VW USA took its initial strides towards selling vehicles in the local market, as two Type 1 vehicles made their way to New York. In honor of this significant milestone and in tribute to the company’s legacy, Volkswagen USA is taking a trip down memory lane to celebrate its achievements.As Volkswagen USA embarks on this reflection of its past, it also looks towards the future with optimism and determination. The journey began in 1945, when the first fleet of VW vehicles arrived in New York, marking the start of a prosperous venture. Over the years, VW has solidified its position in the American automobile industry and continues to leave a mark with its innovative designs and cutting-edge technology.To pay homage to its roots, Volkswagen USA has planned a commemorative drive to revisit the places where it all began. As the convoy makes its way through the streets of New York, it will serve as a reminder of how far the company has come since its humble beginnings. The road trip will be filled with nostalgic moments, as employees and customers alike share their personal stories and memories associated with Volkswagen.This 75-year anniversary serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work that has gone into

The story began in 1949, when a Dutch entrepreneur named Ben Pon arrived in New York carrying two Type 1 vehicles, which would later become known as the Beetle. Initially, marketing these small cars with rear-mounted engines posed difficulties, but it wasn’t long before American buyers recognized the benefits of their low operating expenses and efficient fuel usage.

After six years, Volkswagen of America was formed, allowing authorized dealers to sell vehicles and offer repairs and replacement parts. Volkswagen gained recognition in the American market through a succession of impactful print advertisements such as Doyle Dane Bernbach’s “Think Small”.

The Volkswagen Group proceeded to unveil a variety of adored vehicles, several of which attained status as cultural phenomena. This assortment encompasses the cherished Type 2 Bus, the Karmann Ghia, and the Rabbit/Golf, emblematic representations of The People’s Car.

As the corporation’s clientele in the United States grew, additional vehicles such as the Dasher and Squareback were introduced. The 1970s saw the introduction of the Rabbit and the sporty Scirocco, with the former becoming a tremendous success and prompting Volkswagen to begin manufacturing the car in Pennsylvania. Over 1.1 million units of the Rabbit were produced, including the popular Rabbit GTI, whose legacy lives on in the present-day Golf GTI.

In the 1980s and ’90s, Volkswagen broadened their range by introducing a sophisticated Golf and Jetta pair, as well as a bigger, more luxurious Passat model. However, it wasn’t until 1998 that they honored a classic by releasing the New Beetle, just two years before the new millennium.

A decade following the introduction of the New Beetle, Volkswagen embarked on constructing the Chattanooga factory, where the Passat was manufactured for numerous years until its discontinuation in 2022. Currently, the plant is responsible for producing the ID.4 electric crossover, as well as the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs.

In its pursuit to establish a dominant presence in the world of electromobility, Volkswagen has introduced a number of fresh electric models in recent times. Among these are the ID. Buzz, which proudly carries on the legacy of the iconic Type 2, and the sleek ID.7 sedan, poised to compete with the Tesla Model 3. Furthermore, there are several other electric vehicles in development, such as a compact SUV flaunting unique design elements and a battery-operated GTI.

Volkswagen is marking its 75th anniversary in America with a grand gesture, as it unveils a year-long campaign that will “act as a heartfelt tribute to the American people.” The company has meticulously scheduled a variety of events throughout 2024 and will also make a comeback to the Super Bowl with a commercial airing during The Big Game.