The Volkswagen name means in German "automobile of the people."In the Thirties the project arose in Germany to construct an automobile that was accessably priced for the greatest number of people. This vehíicle was identified as the Volkswagen "Beetle."

In the Seventies, the German made beetle experienced diminishing demand internationally as equivalent automobiles had appeared in the world-wide market by other manufacturers. Volkswagen did not remain back in evolving its automotive line and presented in 1974 the Golf model, that proved an immediate success for VW.

Volkswagen was extending its model range step by step, leaving its previous policy of selling only a unique model. Thus was incorporated as their premier car offering the Passat, with the Golf, and next the smaller Polo and Lupo, models. In 1997 appeared a New Beetle, that offered a design based on the old beetle, but totally modernized, with new technology. Other new models were introduced, like the Phaeton, flagship of the manufacturer's offerings, the Touran, an automobile with a capacity for seven people and luggage, and the Touareg, an automobile SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), for use in city, highway and off-road.

In the last decades Volkswagen has incorporating into its group other manufacturers of automobiles. First Audi, comparable to Mercedes-Benz and BMW, a holding to distinquish VW in the luxury class market. Later Volkswagen acquired the Spanish manufacturer SEAT, whose models would introduce sport vehicles with Latin character, in competition with the Italian automobiles. More recently Volkswagen has acquired other manufacturers of automobiles, that although have reduced production and the amount of series offered , complement the range of models of the group by means of integrating specialty luxury automobiles, whose brands enjoy great prestige. These include Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti.

Today Volkswagen is the greatest manufacturer of automobiles in Europe and one of most important in the world. It has its central facility in the city of Wolfsburg, the federated state of Sajonia in the South of Germany. The group has 45 factories in 19 countries. Its participation in the world-wide market is 12.1 percent.