75 years of Volkswagen in Ireland
Celebrate our Birthday!
This year we are celebrating 75 years of Volkswagen in Ireland, a milestone that honours our longstanding commitment to Irish drivers and our journey together over three quarters of a century. This celebration is not just about our cars - it’s about the people, the real life moments, and the love for the Volkswagen brand that put us at the heart of Irish life. From road trips to daily commutes, family memories to individual adventures, Volkswagen has become a part of countless lives in Ireland. As we look toward the next 75 years, we remain dedicated to providing innovative and sustainable mobility solutions that empower generations to come.
(Re)discover our most iconic models
Volkswagen Beetle
History of the Beetle
In 1945 the first Volkswagen "Type 1" Beetle rolled off the production line. The Beetle was important for the development of democracy and mobility in post-war Germany, and subsequently found a home in many other countries across the globe. Production at the Beetle's last manufacturing location in Puebla, Mexico, was discontinued at the end of July 2003. With over 21 million vehicles built, the Beetle had become an automotive icon, loved by many millions of people. Its characteristic shape is recognised everywhere.
The First Irish Beetle
At its headquarters in Wolfsburg, Volkswagen still displays the first Beetle built outside of Germany, assembled in Dublin in 1950. It was the first one put together outside of Germany, on the Shelbourne Road in Dublin, and very likely the first one made with a right-hand drive configuartion. This car represents a pivotal moment in Volkswagen’s history and the beginnings of the Beetle’s global journey. The Dublin-built Beetle remains a reminder of how Volkswagen adapted to meet local market needs, an approach that contributed to the Beetle's worldwide success.
Beetle or Turtle?
The name "Beetle" was inspired by the car's distinct, rounded shape, which resembled the body of the insect. Although officially referred to as the "Type 1" by Volkswagen, the "Beetle" and the "Bug" were nicknames that stuck and eventually became universal. Other countries adopted their own versions of the name, such as "Coccinelle" (Ladybug) in France, "Kodok" (Frog) in Indonesia, and "Kaplumbağa" (Turtle) in Turkey. The playful nickname complemented the car’s quirky personality, turning the Beetle into a cultural icon that represented fun, freedom, and utility.
Who and what was also born in 1945?
Bob Marley | Microwaves | United Nations | Rod Stewart | Polaroid Camera | The World Bank |
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Volkswagen Golf
History of the Golf
At the beginning of the 1970s, the first Golf marked the start of a new era: that of the front-mounted engine and front-wheel drive. In the seven generations that followed, it was always the Golf that made affordable mobility with the highest standard of technology open to everyone. Over the past 50 years, the Golf has become an icon. To date, more than 37 million Golfs have been sold across eight generations.
The new Golf
The new Golf impresses with a next-generation infotainment system, a more intuitive operating concept, a sharper front and rear end design as well as efficient drive systems. As a tribute to the millions of Golf models sold, and to mark the model's 50th birthday, an attractive special-edition model called the Golf "Edition 50" was released. The exterior includes 18-inch alloy wheels and in the interior, the exclusivity of this model is underlined by special "Edition 50" details.
50 Years of Golf
To mark 50 years of Golf in Ireland, we met with real Golf owners and enthusiasts to capture their unique stories, experiences and love for their Golfs. Each story captures the real passion and pride that comes with being part of the Volkswagen family. For many, the Golf is more than a vehicle; it’s a trusted companion, a symbol of milestones, and a link to moments shared with friends and family. This special film is our tribute to the Golf’s timeless appeal and the love it inspires across Ireland.
The Golf throughout the years
Volkswagen Passat
5 Star Rating
Now in its ninth generation, the success story of the Passat continues. The model impressed the experts at Euro NCAP with a host of important safety innovations. It achieved its best result in the Adult Occupant Protection category with a rating of 93%. It also achieved very good results in the other three categories: Child Occupant Protection (87%), Vulnerable Road Users (83%) and Safety Assist (80%).
Passat in Ireland
The Volkswagen Passat enjoyed decades of success in Ireland, becoming a firm favorite among families and business users thanks to its reliability, spaciousness, and premium features. It consistently ranked among Ireland’s best-selling saloons, appreciated for its efficient diesel engines and practicality. However, in 2023, Volkswagen discontinued the Passat saloon in Ireland, marking the end of an era. Despite this, the Passat remains an enduring symbol of quality and innovation in the Irish market.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The new Tiguan
The new Volkswagen Tiguan takes everything you love about the previous model and elevates it to the next level. The interior features, advanced technology, intuitive infotainment system, and enhanced connectivity, ensure that you’re always in control. With improved fuel efficiency, hybrid options, and enhanced driving dynamics, the new Tiguan delivers a superior driving experience while retaining its signature versatility and practicality.
Top Safety Ratings
When it comes to family cars, safety is important. The Tiguan has consistently achieved high ratings in the EURO NCAP safety tests, receiving top marks for both adult and child occupant protection. Equipped with advanced safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking, the Tiguan ensures that all passengers are protected on every journey. Its robust construction, combined with these cutting-edge features, makes the Tiguan one of the safest cars in its class, providing drivers with confidence on the road.
A Trusted Icon
The Volkswagen Tiguan has become an iconic presence on Irish roads, with a mix of practicality, sophistication, and adventure. This SUV is a top choice for those who want a vehicle that matches their dynamic lifestyle. Whether going on a roadtrip or picking up the little ones from school, the Tiguan is a familiar and dependable part of everyday life in Ireland.
Volkswagen ID.4
Driving into the Future
The ID.4 combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional design. Being a fully-electric car, it delivers impressive range and rapid charging capabilities, ensuring that long journeys are as easy as short commutes. Inside, the ID.4 offers a modern, spacious layout, with advanced tech features such as the digital cockpit, intuitive touch controls, and smart connectivity options. The ID.4 also comes equipped with the latest safety features, including adaptive cruise control and driver assistance systems.
Sustainability & Eco-friendly Innovation
We are faced with perhaps the greatest challenge in the history of mobility: we are assuming responsibility for our share of global carbon emissions. That is why we are on a mission to become a global leader in sustainable mobility, with a clear roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. As part of our "Way to Zero" strategy, we're continually innovating to reduce emissions across the entire lifecycle of our vehicles, driving the world closer to a carbon-neutral tomorrow.
Ireland's Bestselling Electric Vehicle
The Volkswagen ID.4 has quickly become Ireland's best-selling electric car, a testament to its innovative design, impressive range, and commitment to sustainability. With its seamless combination of cutting-edge technology, a spacious interior, and zero-emissions driving, the ID.4 offers a great driving experience. The ID.4 continues to lead the charge in Ireland’s electric vehicle market, helping to pave the way for sustainable future.
