Golf Production Overtakes That Of Legendary Beetle

Volkswagen is today celebrating a very special milestone with the production of the 21,517,415th Golf at the Wolfsburg factory in Germany. With this car, production of the Golf exceeds that of the original Beetle, which is still being built in Mexico.

The ceremony was attended by Dr Bernd Pischetsrieder, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, along with a number of political figures, members of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG and Golf production employees.

It is over 28 years since the first Golf rolled off the production line at Wolfsburg. From a standing start it became the top-selling car in its home country, while since 1985 it has also been the leader in Western Europe. Today, in its fourth generation, the Golf remains the benchmark for its sector with the same core values of durability, choice, distinctive style and high technology.

Today the Golf is produced in six factories worldwide: in Germany, South Africa, Belgium, the Slovak Republic and Brazil. Almost 40,000 employees are involved in its production, and it is the most important model for the Volkswagen brand.

The 21,517,415th Golf – a V5 model, finished in Reflex Silver metallic paint and fitted with refinements such as electronic climate control and parking sensors – is being delivered to a customer from Hamburg.

The iconic Beetle, which provided high quality, reliable transport for millions of people worldwide, was before today Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicle ever. But whereas the Beetle needed more than 56 years to achieve its impressive production figure, the Golf has taken exactly half that time.

The UK continues to be one of the most important markets for the Golf, and last year’s sales were a new record. A total of 67,099 units were sold through Volkswagen UK retailers, almost 17 per cent more than in 2000, itself a record year. Demand continues to increase this year, with particular interest in the class-leading TDI PD models. Indeed, so far this year the Golf is the UK’s best-selling diesel car, and Volkswagen the UK’s number one diesel brand.