Volkswagen is the biggest car maker in Germany and one of the most famous car manufacturers in the world. Here are some fun, crazy facts about this great brand.

1. WWII Roots

During World War II, Volkswagen made the Kübelwagen for military use. It was similar to the American Jeep, but it didn’t have four-wheel drive. However, its smooth, flat underbody and high ground clearance let it slide over rough terrain like a motorized sled. The air-cooled engine was also less vulnerable to bullets. Volkswagen also produced an amphibious four-wheel-drive version called the Schwimmwagen. It was the most mass-produced amphibious car ever.

2. Herbie

Herbie is a Volkswagen Beetle that’s in several Disney movies. He has a mind of his own, he can drive himself, and he competes in car races. One of the most popular Beetle paint schemes, white #53, comes from these movies. Herbie is white with red, white, and blue racing stripes running from his front to his back bumper, and the number 53 is painted on the doors, front luggage compartment lid, and engine lid.

The first movie was The Love Bug in 1969, followed by Herbie Rides Again in 1974, Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo in 1977, and Herbie Goes Bananas in 1980. There was also a made-for-TV movie called The Love Bug in 1997. The newest addition to the franchise was Herbie: Fully Loaded in 2005.

3. How Volkswagen Names Cars

Newer VW vehicles are named after wind currents across the world. The Polo is named after the northern Polar wind, and the Jetta comes from the Jetstream, a wind current that influences weather around the world and helps many flights gain speed. Passat is the German word for an important trade wind on both sides of the equator, and Vento is the Italian word for wind.

4. Surprising Success

After World War II, the Allies offered the Volkswagen car factory to several companies from different countries. They all refused to take it, even for free. They said the car was noisy, ugly, and a bad investment. Volkswagen remained an independent company, and the VW Beetle became extremely popular. It was produced from 1938 to 2003. The New Beetle was made from 1997 to 2010. It had the engine in the front instead of the back.

The VW bus, also called the Transporter or T2, was very popular, as well. It was made from 1967 to 2012. Today, Volkswagen cars are known for their quality and reliability. They come with many of the latest features available, including navigation systems, push-button start, rearview cameras, and more.

Image via Pixabay