Volkswagen is called the "people's car" not just because of its name. The German name literally translates as "Volks" — people, and "Wagen" — car. But behind this simple translation lies a nearly century-long history of political ambitions, world wars, forgotten heroes, and a true triumph that changed the automotive world. The Official Version: How a Politician Invented a Car for Everyone The most widespread story claims that the idea for a "people's car" belonged to Adolf Hitler. In 1933, after coming to power, he promised Germans that everyone could buy a car. Not a luxury limousine for the rich, but a simple, durable, and affordable car for the average family. Hitler outlined specific requirements: a price no higher than 1,000 Reichsmarks (the cost of a good motorcycle at the time); capacity — 5 people (parents and three children); fuel consumption — no more than 8 liters per 100 km; top speed — 100 km/h. According to legend, the Führer even sketched the future car himself. The task of implementing this idea was given to the already renowned engineer Ferdinand Porsche — the same one who would later found the Porsche brand. By 1936, the first prototypes appeared. The car was named the KdF-Wagen, after the Nazi organization "Strength Through Joy". In 1938, in the town of Fallersleben (today Wolfsburg), construction began on a massive factory. It was planned that every German could save for the car through a special savings scheme: 5 Reichsmarks per week. By the start of the war, nearly 350,000 people had deposited money into these accounts. But… not a single one ever received their "people's car." The Other Side of the Coin: The Dark Past and the Forgotten Genius Because in 1939, World War II began. The Wolfsburg factory was immediately converted to military production. Instead of "Beetles" for German families, it began assembling army Kübelwagen vehicles, Schwimmwagen amphibians, and even parts for V-1 flying bombs. And working at t ... Читать далее