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The Volkswagen Group, including Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini, is the largest automaker in Europe. The company also has a significant presence around the world. Volkswagen of America was founded over 50 years ago.
Here are ten facts you didn't know about Volkswagen that will make you think twice next time you see one on the road! 
1. Volkswagen was founded in 1937 by the German Labour Front under Adolf Hitler.
Volkswagen was formed with the desire to be a company to make economical cars. The first car called the Type 12 or "Beetle" due to its distinctive body shape, hit showrooms in 1938 and became an icon of 20th-century culture with over 21 million units sold worldwide.
2. The company's logo features a stylised representation of an old man in a beard.
The logo represents wisdom but is often called out for looking too similar to Adolf Hitler due to his similarly styled moustache!
3. Volkswagen was the first car manufacturer to put seat belts in their cars as standard equipment.
It is difficult to estimate how many people seat belts in cars have saved, but it is estimated that they have saved over one million.
4. Volkswagen is a world innovator in diesel engines.
Volkswagen has a reputation for leading the world in diesel engine production. This is demonstrated by the company shipping over a million diesel cars to China in one year alone.
5. Volkswagen assembles its vehicles in a single location.
One notable feature that separates Volkswagen from competitors like Toyota or General Motors is the assembly of their cars. They are produced in a single location, at one plant and then transported to other countries for distribution.
6. Volkswagen is headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany.
Wolfsburg is a city found in Lower Saxony, Germany. It has a population of 168,957 and is the location of Volkswagen's headquarters. The company's current facility at Wolfsburg is one that was completed in 1938, and it now covers an area of over 6.5 million square meters.
Many historic buildings in the city are classified as landmarks today since they remain when the car company first set up shop.
The Volkswagen Group has always been headquartered in Wolfsburg because Adolf Hitler founded the company there. Still, after WWII damage, it was not until 1954 that VW's factories were rebuilt and production could resume.
7. Ferdinand Porsche designed the prototype for the VW Beetle.
The Volkswagen Beetle is a classic design that Ferdinand Porsche created. The car became an icon in the 20th century, and its worldwide sales have reached 21 million units.
At one time, other car manufacturers were unsure if Americans would buy a car with such a distinctive design, but it soon proved successful.
The VW Beetle has now been out of production for more than ten years, but many people would like to see it return to showrooms worldwide.
8. Volkswagen own the German football team VfL Wolfsburg.
VfL Wolfsburg is a football club that was founded in 1945. They have competed in the upper echelons of German football for years on end, and they achieved their greatest success in 2008-09 when the team were champions of Germany.
9. Volkswagen have a history of naming car models after sea winds and currents. 
Models such as the Golf, Jetta, Scirocco, Corrado, Vento, Passat and the Santana all are named after oceanic elements.
10. Volkswagen is the world's biggest carmaker.
In 2016, Volkswagen overtook Toyota to become the worlds biggest carmaker, with over 10 million vehicle sales that year.
This is a remarkable achievement considering Volkswagen sells mainly passenger cars. In comparison, Toyota sells vehicles to consumers and many vehicles for commercial use and motorsports, too, which means they have an advantage when it comes to production volume.
Volkswagen has been one of the most innovative car manufacturers for decades. It is their engineering that sets them apart and their efforts when it comes to designing iconic cars and branding. They have a long history of developing memorable and creative marketing campaigns, which has helped them become the world's biggest car manufacturer.
However, did you know all the facts above? Are there any others you think we should know? Would you please let us know in the comments below?