Published 15:04 IST, October 25th 2019
Volkswagen: Here's are interesting facts behind names of its cars
Volkswagen is the world's largest automobile manufacturer. VW has made cars such as the Beetle and Golf. Here is the meaning behind the names of its cars
The German automobile marque, Volkswagen, which is a part of the sprawling Volkswagen Group, is one of the world's largest automobile manufacturer. It was a brand first conceived by German dictator, Adolf Hitler, as a people's car for the citizens of his country. After World War II, the company was resurrected successfully with well-known Volkswagen Beetle, which is the best-selling vehicle in a single design. Over the years, Volkswagen has made best-sellers such as the Passat, Jetta, Polo, Tiguan and the iconic Volkswagen Golf. The company unveiled the latest eighth generation of the Golf recently. Volkswagen has been noted for the quirky name origins of its vehicles, which are based on the various types of winds.
The name origins of the cars of Volkswagen
1. VW Golf
(Image source: Volkswagen)
This is the all-new, eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf. First introduced in 1974, the Golf derives its name from the sport of the same name. However, it also stands for the German word for 'Gulf Stream' ocean current, which is golfstorm. The Golf is the third best-selling nameplate in the world, with VW having sold 35 million units.
2. VW Passat
(Image source: Volkswagen)
First introduced in 1974, the Passat is the mid-size sedan of Volkswagen. It was sold in India for a few years. The name derived from the German word for trade winds, passatwinde. The Passat is the best-selling mid-size vehicle on the planet, with over 30 million units sold.
3. VW Jetta
(Image source: Volkswagen)
The VW Jetta is a compact sedan, based on the Golf hatchback. It was sold in India for some time. The Jetta was first introduced in 1979. Even though it was never officially stated, the name was derived from the term jet stream.
4. VW Scirocco
(Image source: Volkswagen)
The VW Scirocco was a two-door sports coupe first sold in 1974. It was based on the first-generation VW Golf. The company built three generations of the Scirocco. The name was derived from the wind in that comes from the Sahara desert to the Mediterranean Sea.
5. VW Polo
(Image source: Volkswagen)
The VW Polo is the best-selling Volkswagen in India, and it recently completed 10 years in our market. First introduced in 1975, over six generations have been produced. The name is apparently derived from the sport of the same name, as well as the polar winds. In India, VW also sells the sedan-based derivative of the Polo, the VW Vento.
6. VW Bora
(Image source: Volkswagen)
Not many will be aware of this nameplate, but this is the Volkswagen Bora. Introduced in 1999, the Bora was based on the best-selling Golf hatchback. As with other VW vehicles, the Bora derived its name from the wind that blows intermittently over the Adriatic Sea, which is a body of water separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan Peninsula.
Updated 20:15 IST, October 25th 2019