Unveiling the Dark History of Volkswagen: A Comprehensive Review

Indians have adored Volkswagens since their introduction in India. The Polo had Indian enthusiasts in a chokehold, while the general public praised its other models for being practical and well-built. When it entered the market in 2007, it was a major success, and it has enjoyed a great rep ever since. However, it wasn’t always this way. In this article, we will delve into the dark history of Volkswagen and explore the events that shaped the company into what it is today.

Introduction to Volkswagen

Volkswagen, which translates to ‘people’s car’ in German, has a rich history dating back to 1937. Founded by the German government, the company’s initial goal was to produce an affordable, people-friendly vehicle that could be used by the masses. The first car produced by Volkswagen was the Type 1 Beetle, which went on to become one of the most iconic cars in history.

The Dark History Unfolds

However, beneath the surface of Volkswagen’s success lies a dark history of forced labor, environmental damage, and corporate scandals. During World War II, Volkswagen utilized forced labor from concentration camps to produce military vehicles. This dark chapter in the company’s history has been well-documented and has had a lasting impact on the company’s reputation.

Environmental Damage

In recent years, Volkswagen has faced numerous environmental scandals, including the emissions scandal in 2015. The company was found to have installed software in their diesel vehicles that manipulated emissions tests, allowing them to emit 40 times the allowed amount of nitrogen oxides. This scandal led to a major recall of vehicles and a significant hit to the company’s reputation.

Modern Volkswagen

Today, Volkswagen is a global leader in the automotive industry, with a wide range of models available, including the Polo, Vento, and Tiguan. The company has also made significant strides in autonomous driving and electric vehicle technology, with models like the e-Golf and ID.4. Volkswagen’s commitment to ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) has also improved safety features in their vehicles, including lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.

Comparing Volkswagen Models

When it comes to choosing a Volkswagen model, there are several factors to consider. The following tables provide a comparison of some of the most popular Volkswagen models.

Model	Length (mm)	Width (mm)	Height (mm)
Polo	3970	1682	1469
Vento	4390	1699	1467
Tiguan	4486	1839	1643

This table compares the design and dimensions of some of the most popular Volkswagen models.

Model	Infotainment System	Navigation	ADAS
Polo	Touchscreen	Optional	Available
Vento	Touchscreen	Optional	Available
Tiguan	Touchscreen	Standard	Available

This table compares the features of some of the most popular Volkswagen models.

Model	Engine Type	Displacement (cc)	Power (hp)
Polo	Turbo-Petrol	999	110
Vento	Turbo-Petrol	999	110
Tiguan	Turbo-Diesel	1968	150

This table compares the engine specifications of some of the most popular Volkswagen models.

Model	Base Price (INR)	Top-End Price (INR)
Polo	5.5 Lakhs	9.5 Lakhs
Vento	8.5 Lakhs	14.5 Lakhs
Tiguan	28 Lakhs	31 Lakhs

This table compares the prices of some of the most popular Volkswagen models.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Volkswagen has a dark history, the company has made significant strides in recent years to improve its reputation and produce high-quality, safe, and environmentally friendly vehicles. With a wide range of models available, including the Polo, Vento, and Tiguan, Volkswagen is a global leader in the automotive industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Volkswagen:

Q1: What is the history of Volkswagen?

A1: Volkswagen was founded in 1937 by the German government and has a rich history of producing affordable, people-friendly vehicles.

Q2: What is the emissions scandal?

A2: The emissions scandal refers to the discovery that Volkswagen had installed software in their diesel vehicles that manipulated emissions tests, allowing them to emit 40 times the allowed amount of nitrogen oxides.

Q3: What is ADAS?

A3: ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) refers to a set of safety features in vehicles, including lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.

Q4: What is the difference between the Polo and Vento?

A4: The Polo and Vento are both hatchbacks, but the Polo is smaller and more affordable, while the Vento is larger and more feature-rich.

Q5: What is the price of the Tiguan?

A5: The price of the Tiguan starts at around 28 Lakhs and goes up to 31 Lakhs for the top-end model.

Q6: Does Volkswagen offer electric vehicles?

A6: Yes, Volkswagen offers several electric vehicle models, including the e-Golf and ID.4.

Q7: What is the fuel efficiency of the Polo?

A7: The fuel efficiency of the Polo varies depending on the engine and transmission, but it can achieve up to 18 km/l on the highway.

Q8: Does Volkswagen offer a warranty?

A8: Yes, Volkswagen offers a warranty of up to 2 years or 30,000 km, depending on the model and location.

Q9: Can I customize my Volkswagen vehicle?

A9: Yes, Volkswagen offers several customization options, including different interior and exterior colors, wheels, and accessories.

Q10: What is the resale value of Volkswagen vehicles?

A10: The resale value of Volkswagen vehicles is generally high, with some models holding up to 50% of their original value after 5 years.