VW Is Selling A New Golf Every 41 Seconds For 45 Years Now

VW is celebrating 45 years since it commenced production of the Golf, which with over 35 million units sold worldwide, is its best-selling car ever.

On March 29, 1974, VW’s plant in Wolfsburg starts the series production of the Golf MK1, which was designed as the replacement of the iconic Beetle. On July 8 of the same year, the original Golf arrives at VW dealerships. It’s an instant hit with buyers and, just two years later, in October 1976, the automaker sells the one millionth example.

VW says that, on average, someone is buying a new Golf every 41 seconds, every day, without interruption, for 45 years now.

“The Golf is at the very heart of our brand. It stands for progress and technology like no other car. For example, the Golf made safety technology affordable for millions of people for the first time. Thanks to this, it made its mark on an entire generation,” Ralf Brandstätter, VW’S Chief Operating Officer commented.

“For seven generations, the Golf has made a contribution to the development of Volkswagen as a brand and as a group – into one of the most important automotive producers in the world.”

The original Golf debuted with two- and four-door variants, offering seating for five passengers and a foldable rear seat. The engine range initially included two options: the base 1.1-liter four-cylinder with 50PS (49hp) and a 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 70PS (69hp). A four-speed manual transmission was standard and a three-speed automatic an option.

This year, VW is going to reveal the eighth generation of the Golf, which has been already spotted on public roads with minimal disguise. Reports suggest that the all-new Golf will make its debut during a special event a few weeks after the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, featuring a completely new digital cockpit and extended semi-autonomous driving systems.