35 years of Volkswagen Polo: From Trabi to electric car – How time flew!

35 years of Volkswagen Polo: From Trabi to electric car – How time flew!

35 years have passed since the first Polo rolled off the production line at the VW plant in Zwickau. A success story began on May 21, 1990 and continues to this day. The first VW Polo produced in Zwickau, a hatchback with a 1.3 liter engine and 55 hp in Alpine white, is now valued as a museum piece. This anniversary celebration not only commemorates the beginnings in the Mosel district, but also the many turning points that the workforce experienced during this time. The factory's success is also a piece of cultural history, because not only Polos were produced here, but also Trabant models, remember the long-time employees.

The time since reunification has been a roller coaster ride for many. Two of the most experienced employees, Jörn Kaiser and Udo Friedrich, who once assembled Trabis, are proud of their work in the new age of Volkswagen. “We wanted to be part of the new beginning,” they explain. With the founding of VW Sachsen GmbH in December 1990, the foundation for Polish production was laid. Since then, the factory in Zwickau has developed into an important location where, in addition to the Polo, the Golf, Passat and other models saw the light of day.

A look into the future of e-mobility

The switch to all-electric production in 2020 marked another turning point. Today, models such as the ID.3, ID.4 and the Audi E models roll off the assembly line in Zwickau. VW is pursuing ambitious goals and wants to achieve at least 70% of sales in Europe with electric cars by 2030. They rely on sustainability and emission-free production. Volkswagen has not only focused on the family of ID. vehicles, but has also continually expanded the charging infrastructure to offer customers more convenience. The development of solid-state batteries also promises higher energy densities and faster charging times.

But not everything goes smoothly. The current VW crisis is causing problems for the plant. There are uncertainties and the mood among some colleagues is tense. “The orders are there, but the future is uncertain,” reports Jörn. Udo, on the other hand, notices that the younger generation accepts the new electric models well, while older employees often stick to the classic combustion engines. But optimism remains, especially in times of change.

A team with heart

The employees at the VW plant are a well-rehearsed team that has worked hard in many shifts. Some of them remember being ridiculed for their night shifts and there were also dismissals due to harsh working conditions. Nevertheless, one employee describes that “our hearts were attached to it.” This combative attitude gets the workforce through the turbulent times. Despite all the challenges, the plant has developed into a success story that we can look back on with pride.

It is to be hoped that VW in Zwickau will continue to be a place of innovation and exemplary production. The history of polo shows how much change is possible in three decades - and it is in the air that the next 35 years will be at least as exciting.

How news38.de reports that the workforce is optimistic despite the challenges. Jörn and Udo, who have followed the development from the assembly of Trabis to e-mobility, have hope for a bright future for VW, both in Zwickau and worldwide. The investments in research and development are paving the way for Volkswagen to take on a pioneering role in the area of ​​e-mobility emobil-magazin.de describes.