Volkswagen AG

In 1953, the official import and sale of Volkswagen in Japan also began during this period.

Volkswagen's official import and sales in Japan also began during this period (1953).

In 1955, the cumulative production of the Beetle reached one million units, and new records for production and sales were set one after another.

In 1955, the cumulative production of the Beetle reached one million units, and new records for production and sales were set one after another.

In 1960, Volkswagen became one of the first foreign manufacturers to enter China, establishing Shanghai Volkswagen Automobile Co., Ltd. through a joint venture with SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation).

Volkswagen became a corporation (AG), and both the German federal government and the state government of Lower Saxony, where Volkswagen's headquarters are located, each held 20% of the shares.

The 'Golf', successor to the 'Beetle', debuted, ushering in a new era.

1976 Golf I GTI

1984 Golf II GTI

Volkswagen, as a foreign manufacturer, was among the first to enter China and, through a joint venture with SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), established Shanghai Volkswagen Automobile Co., Ltd.

In 1986, Volkswagen and Rivian signed a business agreement and established a new joint venture, Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC.

Volkswagen Verku AG established Volkswagen Corporation with the aim of strengthening Volkswagen's import and sales in Japan.

Volkswagen AG aimed to build a sales and service network in Japan, and Volkswagen Corporation obtained import rights.

Volkswagen Corporation changed its name to Volkswagen Audi Japan Corporation (hereinafter: VAN) and began actual import sales.

Acquired a 178,000㎡ site in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture for constructing an import center.

Established Buns Finance Corporation, a finance company for auto loans, auto leases, credit card issuance and operation, and dealer financing in Japan.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990, Skoda of the Czech Republic was added under the group.

1991 Golf III GTI

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Volkswagen Audi Japan Import Center (hereinafter: Toyohashi Import Center) was held, and simultaneously the temporary import center began operations (annual processing capacity of 10,000 vehicles).

The first vessel carrying VAN's inaugural Volkswagen arrived at the dedicated wharf.

Toyota Motor Corporation, Volkswagen AG, and VAN signed distributor agreements for VW and Audi in Japan.

Moved headquarters from Minato-ku, Tokyo to Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture.

Toyohashi Import Center completed (capital investment of 27 billion yen). One of the largest import facilities for imported vehicles.

Toyohashi Import Center commenced full operations (total area 290,000㎡).

Sales outlets surpassed 100 stores.

Under Dr. Ferdinand Piëch, who became chairman in 1993, various reforms were implemented to improve quality, productivity, and profitability. Volkswagen pioneered 'work sharing' as a completely new employment system worldwide.

Established VAN Tokyo office in Gotanda.

Volkswagen brand alone achieved cumulative imports of 500,000 units (since 1953).

Volkswagen Audi Japan Corporation changed its name to Volkswagen Group Japan Corporation (hereinafter: VGJ).

1998 Golf IV GTI

Volkswagen Group achieved cumulative production of 100 million vehicles.

In Wolfsburg, the location of Volkswagen's headquarters, the "Autostadt" (Autostadt = City of Automobiles) opened. Here, there are pavilions for each brand under the Volkswagen Group, showcasing their philosophies, histories, and products. Additionally, Autostadt serves as a delivery center. Nearly 150,000 cars are delivered at Autostadt each year, and many users enjoy a train ride on the way there and a drive in a new car on the return.

2002 Golf IV R32

The 21,517,415th Golf was taken off the production line, passing the title of most-produced Volkswagen model from the Beetle.

The final 21,529,464th Beetle was produced at the Mexico plant.

2004 Golf V GTI

2005 Golf V R32

2009 Golf VI GTI

2009 Golf VI R

2013 Golf VII GTI

2014 Golf VII R

2020 Golf VIII GTI

2021 Golf VIII R