The Volkswagen Golf is turning 45, writes Trish Whelan.
On 29 March 1974, the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg officially started production of what would become its best-seller.
Back then, nobody at Volkswagen had any idea that the successor to the legendary Beetle would end up selling more than 35 million units all over the world - and be still selling to this day.
In mathematical terms, a new Golf has been ordered somewhere in the world every 41 seconds, every day, without interruption, since the start of production 45 years ago. That’s an average of around 780,000 vehicles per day.
Ralf Brandstatter, Chief Operating Officer of Volkswagen says: “The Golf is at the very heart of our brand. It stands for progress and technology like no other car. It made safety technology affordable for millions of people for the first time. Thanks to this, it made its mark on an entire generation.” He added: “For seven generations, the Golf has made a contribution to the development of Volkswagen as a brand and as a group - into one of the most important automotive producers in the world.”
The brand say the Golf is set to remain a key product pillar of the Volkswagen brand. “With its state-of-the-art drive, assist systems, infotainment and operating systems, it will provide a decisive impetus for the future of mobility.
Today, in addition to the Golf, the company produce the e-Golf, the Golf GTE, the Golf Sportsvan, and three additional models at Wolfsburg.
