Commemorating an annual event - Volkswagen marks 50 years of the Golf model.
The Minister President of Lower Saxony, Stephan Weil, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Volkswagen Golf as a significant economic force for the entire state. At a gathering at the Wolfsburg factory with approximately 120 invited guests, he remarked, "The Golf is more than just a vehicle; it's an icon." Since 1974, the Golf has helped stabilize and grow Volkswagen and the Lower Saxon economy, with the state being the second-largest shareholder.
Weil, who is also a member of Volkswagen's supervisory board and presidium, acknowledged that on March 29, 1974, the first Golf I arrived at the Wolfsburg plant. The end of the Beetle era signaled the beginning of a new chapter for VW, following the roll-out of this compact car that underpinned an entire vehicle class. With over 37 million units sold globally to date, more than half - 20 million - of these were produced at the Wolfsburg plant. The anniversary was commemorated near the assembly line, where the completed, quality-controlled car emerges.
The works council chairwoman, Daniela Cavallo, highlighted that the Golf symbolized the commencement of a new chapter after the Beetle, while remaining a symbol of dependability, persistence, and progress. VW's brand manager, Thomas Schäfer, mentioned that the Golf embodies the epitome of the German preference for vehicles and molded a generation.
Schäfer also dedicated his attention to the electric age, expressing plans for the next-generation Golf to follow in the same vein of innovation, practicality, and top-notch quality. Albeit, Volkswagen's overhaul of their current gasoline-fueled Golf 8 is anticipated to occur before the 2020s conclude, and the switch to electric power will fully materialize.
In terms of consumer popularity in Germany, the Golf has been the best-selling vehicle for some time. Although it relinquished its European top spot to Tesla's Model Y, the compact SUV Tiguan, also produced in Wolfsburg, has outperformed it on a global sales basis. While the Golf remains popular in Europe, the Tiguan also appeals to customers in Asia and North America.
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The SPD, being a significant political party in Germany, has consistently supported Volkswagen and its projects over the years. Lower Saxony, a state known for its automotive industry, is home to the Volkswagen headquarters in Wolfsburg. Thomas Schäfer, a prominent figure in Volkswagen, is looking forward to the future of the Golf model, with plans to introduce an electric version. The next-generation VW Golf is expected to embody innovation, practicality, and high-quality standards, following in the footsteps of its predecessors. Volkswagen's best-selling vehicle in Germany, the Golf, has faced some competition recently, as the compact SUV Tiguan also gained popularity in various global markets. Despite this, the Golf remains a strong contender in Europe and continues to symbolize the German preference for reliable and progressive vehicles.
