The Golf is turning 45. On 29 March 1974, the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg officially started production of what would become its best-seller. Since then, the successor to the legendary Beetle has sold more than 35 million units all over the world. In purely mathematical terms, a new Golf has been ordered somewhere in the world every 41 seconds, every day, without interruption, since the start of production (SOP) 45 years ago. That is an average of around 780,000 vehicles per year.

Ralf Brandstätter, Chief Operating Officer of Volkswagen: “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.” Brandstätter went on to emphasise: “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.”

Dr. Stefan Loth, Plant Manager at Volkswagen in Wolfsburg: “In 1974, our employees were facing the challenge of switching from the Beetle to the Golf. Since then, we have consistently continued to develop our main plant and today, in addition to the Golf, we produce the e-Golf, the Golf GTE, the Golf Sportsvan, and three additional models here in Wolfsburg.”

Volkswagen says the Golf is set to remain a key product pillar of its brand.

Important data on the debut of the Golf I:

29 March 1974: First Golf rolls off the assembly line – Start of series production

8 July 1974: Golf is available in showrooms of Volkswagen dealerships

5 August 1974: Delivery of the new Golf to customers begins