Volkswagen is founded at the site of what will eventually become Wolfsburg. The famous carmaker, Ferdinand Porsche, wants to create a "People's Car", but his vision is interrupted by World War II.
June 1945
After the war, British military command start production of the Volkswagen. The company is soon considered a symbol of West Germany's “economic miracle” and by 1950 is exporting to 18 countries.
August 1955
The Wolfsburg factory celebrates production of 1 million Beetles. By the time production is discontinued in 1974, nearly 12 million have been built at the factory.
May 1974
Volkswagen presents what will become Europe's most successful car, the VW Golf. As of 2019, 35 million units have been sold the world over.
June 2000
The Volkswagen Group opens the Autostadt, or “Car City”, in Wolfsburg, complete with restaurants, a Ritz-Carlton hotel and a customer experience center spanning 28 hectares.
March 2014
Production of the e-Golf starts in Wolfsburg.
March-April 2020
The coronavirus pandemic forces the longest closure in Wolfsburg's 82-year history. The plant reopens on April 27 at 10-15% of its production capacity.