The VW Golf is the most successful Volkswagen and the best-selling European car since the invention of the automobile. What else should you know about the celebration of his fiftieth birthday:
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To date, 37 million units have been produced: every day, more than 2,000 people worldwide have chosen a new VW Golf over the past 50 years.
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Job security guarantee: 20 million of all Golfs produced to date have been produced at the Wolfsburg plant. Over the years, eight generations of the Golf have been produced in eight countries around the world.
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Ensuring the path to the future: a major technology update for the anniversary with plug-in hybrid drives with an all-electric range of more than 100 km and ChatGPT voice control with artificial intelligence.
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In Belgium, Volkswagen also has a long history of Golf production. The Golf was produced at the Volkswagen factory in Forest from 1974 to 1988 before production was stopped. Later, in 1991, production resumed at the Audi plant in Forest and continued until 1997. During this period, several generations of the Golf were produced for the European market.
VW Golf I (1974-1983)
The Golf marks a new era with its front-mounted transverse engine, with which Volkswagen continues the success of the legendary Beetle. The introduction of the Golf GTI (1976) sets the tone for dynamics in the compact segment, while the Golf D (1976) and later the Golf GTD (1982) make diesel popular in this segment. The Golf Cabriolet (1979) becomes a bestseller and gives a breath of fresh air to the segment. A total of 6.9 million Golf I cars are sold.
VW Golf II (1983-1991)
The Golf II becomes a milestone thanks to the modernization of its predecessor while retaining the essence. New technologies such as the controlled catalytic converter, ABS and all-wheel drive make their debut. Volkswagen builds 6.3 million Golf II cars.
VW Golf III (1991-1997)
The Golf III marks a new era of safety with the introduction of front airbags and significant improvements in crashworthiness. New milestones include the Golf VR6, cruise control and side airbags. A total of 4.8 million Golf III cars will be built.
VW Golf IV (1997-2003)
The Golf IV is considered a style icon thanks to its clear design features and striking C-pillar. The introduction of ESP contributes to safety, while the Golf R32 (2002) and the introduction of DSG transmission improve sportiness. Volkswagen produces 4.9 million Golf IV cars.
VW Golf V (2003-2008)
The Golf V offers excellent comfort and quality and introduces technologies such as bi-xenon headlights and 7-speed DSG. With 3.4 million units produced, the Golf V sets new standards.
VW Golf VI (2008-2012)
The Golf VI introduces advanced technologies such as Light Assist and Park Assist, while passing the Euro NCAP crash test with five stars. Volkswagen produces 3.6 million Golf VI cars.
VW Golf VII (2012-2019)
The Golf VII significantly reduces weight and fuel consumption and introduces new technologies such as automatic braking after a collision and adaptive cruise control. Volkswagen builds 6.3 million Golf VII cars.
VW Golf VIII (2019-present)
The Golf VIII offers advanced hybrid drivetrains and driver assistance systems, and introduces technologies such as Travel Assist and voice control. Volkswagen continues to innovate the Golf with more than one million units sold to date.
