Like many automobile brands that are currently manufactured in the United States, Volkswagen was first established in early 20^th century Europe. Formed in Germany in 1937, VW was meant to be the first line of German cars that was affordable and practical for the masses. However, with the onset of World War II, Volkswagen ceased all production of their vehicles.  After the war was over, the Allies would use Volkswagen to revive Germany’s auto industry, introducing it to various countries, including America. In 1959, a milestone campaign left the Volkswagen Beetle the most popular selling automobile import into the United States.

Today, Volkswagen has shifted some of its efforts to the U.S.. In 2011, the company opened its first 1 billion dollar factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, creating over 2,000 jobs and economically impacting the region by 18 billion dollars. All other Volkswagen operations in the United States have generated over 40,000 jobs for American people working in corporate offices, dealerships, or for Volkswagen suppliers. Recently, VW announced that it plans to manufacture a new sport utility vehicle geared toward the North American automobile market to be launched in 2016. In an attempt to increase sales for their new venture, Volkswagen will invest 7 billion dollars into the region.

Aside from the large economical investments that Volkswagen has made in the United States, they are also playing their part to help our national community. Founded in 2008, their Partners in Education Program offers support to students and teachers in Virginia, Tennessee and Washington D.C. who are looking to further themselves in the fields of automotive technology and engineering. They have donated 7.5 million dollars in scholarships, grants, internships, automobiles and training to further their cause.

Volkswagen’s continued support of American people through jobs, monetary investment, and education confirms that not only do they have a large impact on the automotive industry, but that they are also positively impacting the United States in a big way.

via: Volkswagen, Reuters, History.com, Area Development