By the way, I am particularly pleased that the legendary GTI Meeting event will take place in Wolfsburg this year – right at the heart of Volkswagen. Thirdly, the Golf has been a constant at Volkswagen for 50 years, while at the same time being incredibly versatile and a driver of innovation. This is precisely what we are now building on with the next evolutionary stage – with even higher efficiency, comfort and quality and a new operating concept. Above all, the Golf stands for countless exciting stories. Its 50th birthday is just the right moment to tell them. So, happy birthday to the Golf. I hope you enjoy reading all about it. Yours, Thomas Schäfer ‘The Golf has been a constant for 50 years – while being incredibly versatile at the same time.’ Thomas Schäfer CEO Volkswagen Brand, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Brand Group Core 50 y ea rs o f G ol f Ed it or ia l 4 | 5 5 | 5 The EA 276 was developed in Wolfsburg. The concept incorporated many features of the successful model from later on: front engine with front-wheel drive, fastback with large boot lid, torsion beam axle, fuel tank located under the rear bench seat. But under the bonnet was the well-known Beetle boxer engine with air cooling – the focus was on reliability and low development costs. The striking styling of the two-door compact car was not based on any other Volkswagen known to date. Only a single, not fully functional vehicle was built. Two worlds combined Pioneering design, tried-and-tested engine. THE PIONEERS At the end of the 1960s, a successor was sought for the most successful Volkswagen to date, the Beetle. The expectations were high: the new vehicle had to be dynamic, but also comfort able and safe – and spacious yet compact. Engineers and designers from Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi got to work. In 1969, the development order (EA) 266 went to Porsche KG. A prototype with a self-supporting body, large boot lid and mid-engine concept was created.