Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturer based in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany. Established in 1937 by the German Labour Front under the Nazi Party, it was revitalized into the global brand it is today after World War II by British Army officer Ivan Hirst. The company is well known for its iconic Beetle and serves as the flagship marque of the Volkswagen Group, which became the world's largest automotive manufacturer by global sales in 2016 and 2017.
The group's largest market is China (including Hong Kong and Macau), which accounts for 40% of its sales and profits. The name "Volkswagen" derives from the German words Volk and Wagen, meaning "people's car."
