Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg Plant Produced Its First Golf 50 Years Ago!

SAUDI ARABIA : Volkswagen commemorated the 50th anniversary of its iconic hatchback, the Golf, at the Wolfsburg plant in Germany on June 11, 2024.

Among the attendees were Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Brand; the Board of Management of Volkswagen Brand and the Volkswagen Group; Daniela Cavallo, Chairwoman of the Works Council of the Volkswagen Group; and Stephan Weil, Prime Minister of Lower Saxony. The event marked half a century of Golf production, which has significantly bolstered the Volkswagen brand and the local economy.Production of the Volkswagen Golf commenced in the spring of 1974 at the Wolfsburg plant, situated near Volkswagen's headquarters. Of the approximately 37 million Golfs sold across more than 70 countries, over 20 million were manufactured at the Wolfsburg facility.

The celebration included a musical performance by the Volkswagen Big Band and featured anecdotes from long-time employees involved in Golf production at the Wolfsburg plant. Nicola Benenati, who has worked on Golf production for 45 years; Roland Walter, who witnessed the start of the second-generation Golf production 40 years ago; and Viktoria Schoke, currently responsible for Golf production training, shared their experiences and reflections on the evolution of Golf production over the decades.

A special eighth-generation Golf was also unveiled during the event, adorned with a collage of images of Wolfsburg plant employees. This commemorative model, celebrating the Golf’s 50th anniversary, will be displayed within the factory.

Stephan Weil, Prime Minister of Lower Saxony, expressed his pride, stating, that the Golf is more than just a car, it’s a culture, and for many in Lower Saxony, it's a source of pride. Like the Beetle before it, the Golf has significantly contributed to the state’s growth since its inception in 1974, symbolizing mobility and freedom.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Brand, remarked that the Golf has been the cornerstone of the Volkswagen brand, embodying technologically advanced and affordable mobility for the past 50 years. As Germany’s most beloved model, the Golf has set new benchmarks with each generation and has been a global bestseller. Even in the era of electrification, the Golf’s core values—design, innovation, practicality, and quality—will endure.

The Golf, which debuted in Korea in 2005, continues to make an impact in its eighth generation. Its streamlined yet dynamic design, rooted in Volkswagen's design heritage, alongside class-leading safety and comfort features, and German-engineered performance and fuel efficiency, have solidified its position in the domestic hatchback market. In April of this year, the Golf became the first imported compact hatchback in Korea to surpass 50,000 units in cumulative sales.

To celebrate the Golf’s 50th anniversary, Volkswagen Korea has engaged in various marketing activities, including a digital advertising campaign highlighting the heritage and value of the Golf.

This milestone event not only celebrated the Golf's rich history but also underscored its ongoing legacy and future in the automotive world. The Golf’s enduring appeal and success serve as a testament to Volkswagen’s commitment to innovation and quality over the past five decades.