Production Of The Volkswagen Beetle Started 75 Years Ago In Wolfsburg

Production Of The Volkswagen Beetle Started 75 Years Ago In Wolfsburg
On the 27 December 1945, 75 years ago, Volkswagen started production of the Beetle in Wolfsburg. The little VW becoming the symbol of the economic miracle in Germany made it into civilian production. The plant had only made armaments instead of vehicles from 1939. Even though the people’s car was planned as a project of the National Socialists.
 
In 1938 there had been some 630 units of the Kdf-Wagen produced in the Volkswagen plant. But this was stopped for the war effort. It was after the war when the allied forces granted permission for many things to resume. It was the strategic vision of Major Ivan Hirst who saw the need to produce the little car. The British Military Government took over in June 1945 and were at the helm of Volkswagenwerk GmbH.
The idea was that the British would use the car to perform some urgent transport tasks within their occupation zone. This pragmatic approach saw that the VW plant was not demolished. Not only that there was some considerable improvisation to make production happen. It was achieved in a very short timeframe.
On the 27 December 1945, 75 years ago, Volkswagen started production of the Beetle in Wolfsburg. The little VW becoming the symbol of the economic miracle in Germany made it into civilian production. The plant had only made armaments instead of vehicles from 1939. Even though the people’s car was planned as a project of the National Socialists.
 
In 1938 there had been some 630 units of the Kdf-Wagen produced in the Volkswagen plant. But this was stopped for the war effort. It was after the war when the allied forces granted permission for many things to resume. It was the strategic vision of Major Ivan Hirst who saw the need to produce the little car. The British Military Government took over in June 1945 and were at the helm of Volkswagenwerk GmbH.
 
The idea was that the British would use the car to perform some urgent transport tasks within their occupation zone. This pragmatic approach saw that the VW plant was not demolished. Not only that there was some considerable improvisation to make production happen. It was achieved in a very short timeframe.
 
Then senior officer Major Ivan Hirst was the key player in this development. With all the rationing and shortages, it was difficult to procure the things needed. But Hirst had a passion for technology and cars. He was also dedicated and with this attitude he managed to turn an armaments plant around and back into a civilian car plant in only a few months.
 
With this new opportunity the British Military Government issued an order for 20,000 vehicles in August 1945. Starting up production gave a visible sign of a new hope at the factory. It was largely destroyed by the allies by the end of World War II.
 
On the 27 December many Germans returned to work, but to Volkswagen to produce the Type 1.
Then senior officer Major Ivan Hirst was the key player in this development. With all the rationing and shortages, it was difficult to procure the things needed. But Hirst had a passion for technology and cars. He was also dedicated with his attitude and managed to turn an armaments plant around and back into a civilian car plant in only a few months.
 
With this new opportunity the British Military Government issued an order for 20,000 vehicles in August 1945. Starting up production gave a visible sign of a new hope at the factory. It was largely destroyed by the allies by the end of World War II.
 
On the 27 December many Germans returned to work, but for Volkswagen to produce Type 1.
Production Of The Volkswagen Beetle Started 75 Years Ago In Wolfsburg

Thankfully this was in line with British policy for Germany. Financial independence with the guarantee of future prospects and later development of democracy. This democracy was to find its way into Volkswagenwerk. On November 27, 1945 at its constituent meeting, the Works Council were elected in a democratic ballot.

In spite of the considerable shortages of living space and food for the workforce. The shortages of raw material for production and energy supply issues, the first Type 1 sedan left the plant just after Christmas. This was only 8 months after the end of the war. By the end of 1945, 55 vehicles had been produced.

Production Of The Volkswagen Beetle Started 75 Years Ago In Wolfsburg

Things improved in 1946 where about 1,000 vehicles a month were produced. This was to continue up to the currency reform and the introduction of the D-Mark. It wasn’t possible to produce more than that. Material shortages, rationing and a lack of able people to work the line. But the foundations for future growth had been laid. By the autumn of 1949 there was an established after sales system and exports started in 1947.

This early start enabled the little Volkswagen to get ahead in difficult conditions. Under the unofficial designation of VW Beetle, the car became more popular than almost any other worldwide. A record breaker in production volumes. Volkswagen discontinued the Beetle in Mexico in 2003 after 21,529,44 had been manufactured. This included about 15.8 million in Germany. Many countries, like Mexico, made the VW Beetle by way of CKD kits.

Thanks to Volkswagen for the period images.

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