Designed by famed engineer Ferdinand Porsche, the very first Volkswagen was conceived to be a compact, economical answer for the everyday German citizen. Full-size luxury models were the norm in Germany during the 1930s, leaving many of the population unable to afford to a vehicle of their own. Hitler requested that a more consumer-friendly car be developed in order to stimulate the economy and started a state-sanctioned factory in order to proceed with production. It would be named the KdF-wagen, an abbreviation for "Joy through Strength", the Nazi party's slogan. However, production was delayed due to WWII, during which the factory took considerable damage. The British Army assumed command of the plant following the war as an occupying force. The facility would remain operational thanks in large part to British military interests, but as forces began to leave Europe, the company's situation was in doubt. Volkswagen was offered to France, Britain, and the US. All three rejected it.
The infamous Volkswagen Beetle went into full production in the late '40s and would find its way to American shores in 1949. By 1955, over a million units of the vehicle and Volkswagen parts had been produced at the Wolfsburg factory, entrenching it as an overseas favorite. Shrewd advertising kept the Beetle surging as the '60s came into view and Volkswagen ads were as popular as the cars. This marketing campaign led to the company being able to attract a younger demographic who couldn't afford the more costly domestic full-size sedans or by this time, pony-cars that were also starting to become a presence. By the early '70s, the VW Beetle had topped the legendary Ford Model T in overall production. This decade also ushered in the premier of the Passat and the Golf (the Rabbit in North America). Sporting a front-mounted, water-cooled engine, these cars were compact, sporty, and reliable. With Beetle sales starting to lag, VW needed a boost and the arrivals of the Passat and Golf, respectively, provided it.
As the 1980s settled in, the Golf (or Rabbit in North America) became the most visible Volkswagen vehicle on the market. Other models such as the already-established Passat and newcomers like the Jetta helped keep the VW name afloat during a period in which the company's sales rating would fluctuate. Sales were low in the US but actually improved in the UK. Come the nineties, the Beetle saw a sleek redesign of traditional Volkswagen parts, giving it smooth edges and contemporary appeal. As the '90s drew to a close, the resurgence of the Jetta along with acquisitions of elite luxury names Lamborghini, Bentley, and Bugatti gave the automaker more reach in a large variety of segments. The fifth-generation Golf was introduced in 2002 and the same year, the suave Touareg also rolled off the line as a fashionable, accommodating SUV. Volkswagen's numbers began a steady climb in the US, as well. With the release of the elegantly-styled Phaeton and the hardtop convertible Eos, VW has re-asserted itself as a brand-name that delivers classy vehicles which offer both smooth performance and reliability.

People often search for various attributes when searching for an automobile. Some prefer horsepower and eight cylinders while others simply want to add stylish accessories for a great looking car or truck that runs smoothly. Plus, every driver wants to feel comfortable. Volkswagen provides the best in these facets, as the company has staked its reputation on being able to produce lustrous, dynamic, and durable automobiles and auto parts that show true strength in performance. And although Volkswagen has evolved, these principles have remained the same, from the pioneering Beetle to the modernly dominating Jetta. CARiD has followed this evolution, which is why we want to work with you by bringing the best Volkswagen Accessories and Parts your model needs to become even more illustrated and eye-catching than ever before.
At CARiD.com, we specialize in getting you the highest quality Volkswagen accessories and parts at the cost you need to make your customizations the right way. We see in your car what you do, and that's how we do business-by caring about providing an unrivaled level of service. Don't trust just anyone when selecting your Volkswagen accessories: make us your "One Stop" and do it right the first time!
While the iconic bug is still strong, Volkswagen decided to make a fun, sporty, zero emissions concept out of it. The E-Bugster, an all-electric Beetle as the auto maker's new approach was noticed at North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The concept has the much expected hot rod look expressed in three-inch chopped roof and 20-inch wheels. Being slightly different than the standard Beetle, the E-Bugster's exterior features revised front and rear bumpers with LED daytime running lights. What the automaker did is the integration of Blue-e-Motion electric drive unit to the present generation Beetle. This electric drive system is expected to pop up again in the near future, since it will most likely to fit out the upcoming version of Golf Hatchback.
The newly revealed concept is powered by an electric motor that makes 114 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. Featuring 695-pound lithium-ion battery underneath the rear seat and trunk floor, the E-Bugster is certainly sportier than the standard Beetle. While the projected range is over 100 miles, there are three charging options offered: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. According to auto maker, the latter is a quick charge setup. It takes 30 minutes for Level 3 charger to have its pack charged to 80-percent.
The current Volkswagen GTI delivers 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. According to Autocar, the next gen GTI will get more power. The power boost will come from an Audi-sourced upgrade to the EA888, 2.0-liter TSI engine.
The present-day Mark VI GTI has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (another name is the EA888 motor) that was used to reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions. Volkswagen lately released a Europe-only model, the GTI Edition 35, that in the future will form the basis of the next generation U.S. GTI instead. The 35 horsepower gain will be a good addition to the Volkswagen GTI.
The 50-mpg combined rating of the 2011 Toyota Prius is impressive. However, its only one fifth of what Volkswagen has to offer those who values good mileage above all. The Volkswagen XL1 plug-in hybrid concept, which will soon bow at the Quatar Motor Shows, reaches a fuel efficiency of 260 miles per gallon.
According to the automaker, the third version of their 1-Litre Car project is designed the way it could practically go into production as soon as there proves to be a niche for such vehicle.
The power for the hyper-economical vehicle goes from a small 0.8L two-cylinder TDI turbodiesel, making 47 HP. It is mated to a 20-kW electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, and a 7-speed direct-shift gearbox. The Volkswagen XL1 reaches 62 mph in 11.9 seconds.
Although two-seat compacts were never as popular in the U.S. as larger vehicles, the overwhelming fuel economy might be quite an incentive for prudent Americans.
Whether you plan to improve your vehicle's performance or simply want to add some flare to its style, we store a comprehensive collection of accessories and parts designed specifically for your vehicle. Whatever product you choose, you are guaranteed to get nothing but the premium quality, unrivaled performance, and unique style. Understanding that your vehicle deserves only the top accessories and parts, we carefully handpicked each single item. And be sure all of them are manufactured by the most reputable companies in the industry, so the quality is beyond any doubts. If you still are not sure what product to choose, you are welcome to check 1,794 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, and define what accessory perfectly fits both your vehicle and your pocket.
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