Volkswagen started making cars in 1937. The company was founded on May 28th of that year by the German Labour Front. However, the first mass-produced car for the public, the iconic Beetle (originally called the "KdF-Wagen"), didn't roll off the assembly line until 1945, following the end of World War II. Production was initially focused on military vehicles during the war years.
The story begins with Ferdinand Porsche's vision for a "people's car" (which is what "Volkswagen" translates to). The German government under the Nazi regime backed the project, building a new factory in what is now Wolfsburg. While the first prototypes were completed in the late 1930s, the war halted civilian production. The company's true start as an automaker for everyday people began under British Army oversight in post-war 1945, when they produced 1,785 cars to help support the German economy. This humble beginning ignited a global automotive phenomenon.
| Year | Milestone Event | Key Model/Note |
|---|
| 1937 | Volkswagen is founded on May 28th. | German Labour Front establishes the company. |
| 1938 | Foundation stone laid for Wolfsburg factory. | Plant intended for "KdF-Wagen" (Beetle) production. |
| 1939 | First small series of vehicles produced. | Production was primarily for the military war effort. |
| 1945 | Start of civilian mass production. | First Beetles built for the public under British control. |
| 1949 | Volkswagen begins major export efforts. | The Beetle starts its journey to becoming a worldwide icon. |
The transition from a state-funded project to a global powerhouse is a key part of automotive history. The chassis (the vehicle's base frame holding the wheels, engine, and other mechanical parts) of the original Beetle remained in production in some form for over 60 years, a testament to its initial robust design. So, while the official founding was in 1937, the answer to when Volkswagen truly began its mission of making cars for the masses is 1945.
