Quick access to main page (top) Direct access to main contents Quick access to main page (bottom)

From Hitler’s Beetle to Ford’s Model T: Story of National Cars Worldwide

newautopost Views  

The Evolution of Popular Cars in the Early Days of Automotive Distribution
Serving as the Feet for the Common People
What are the National Cars in Different Countries and Eras?

One of Korea’s popular car models, the Sonata 2

Today, anyone with sufficient funds can purchase and drive a car. However, when cars were first developed, they were not easily accessible due to high costs and various other reasons. Despite this, some vehicles became popular and widely distributed as time passed. The national cars that served as feet for ordinary people as they became popular were not always the same model. They changed with the times and situations to earn the title of “national car.” What kind of national cars do different countries and eras have?

The Volkswagen Beetle, which became a national car according to Hitler’s plan

Volkswagen, whose name means “national car,” has a history that matches its name. The most famous of its cars is the Beetle. Designed and manufactured according to Hitler’s national car plan, the Beetle became a mass-market car due to its overwhelmingly low price and simplified production method, earning it the title of a national car.

In addition to Germany, it also attracted popularity in the United States and Latin America due to its unique appearance. It was produced for over 40 years, setting a record as the longest-produced car in the world. Despite the dark past of Hitler’s era in Germany, which everyone criticized, it’s ironic that this car, one of the world’s most loved “national cars,” was launched.

The first mass-produced car
The American Ford Model T

Next is the “national car,” the Ford Model T, produced by the American automaker Ford Motor Company. This model has several meanings, but most importantly, it successfully mass-produced cars. From 1908 to 1927, it achieved mass production and became the national car in the United States and worldwide.

With about 16.5 million units produced, the Ford Model T, the record for the fourth most sold car globally, was developed according to the founder’s sales policy that it should be affordable for anyone to buy. The production process was also radically simplified (single color, standardization, conveyor belt, etc. ), making it famous as a car that laid the foundation for mass production.

The National Car of South Korea
The Unrivalled Sonata

In our country, there was also the concept of a national car. There were cars like the Pony and Excel when it was difficult for individuals to purchase a car. Still, cars that families could ride together became famous as the country developed and car distribution rates increased. Among them, a representative model is Hyundai’s Sonata. It was produced in 1985 and has not been discontinued. It is the longest-standing single-passenger car brand, making it worthy of being called a national car.

Although it currently holds a somewhat ambiguous position due to the popularity of compact and large sedans, and it was not a cheap car for the ordinary people at the time like Ford’s Model T or Volkswagen’s Beetle, considering its meaning, the Hyundai Sonata is worthy of being called an actual national car. We’ve looked at the types of national cars that served as the feet of ordinary people in different countries and eras.

newautopost
content@www.kangnamtimes.com

Comments0

300

Comments0

[TECH] Latest Stories

  • California Police Frustrated by Tesla Model 3: Too Cramped, Not Practical
  • Outback’s Last Ride: Subaru Launches 30th Anniversary Edition with Exclusive Features
  • Chrysler’s 2025 SUV: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Vehicles
  • Fiat’s 'Ugliest Car' Makes a Comeback with Hyundai’s Pixel Design Twist
  • BMW M3 to Feature 600 HP Mild Hybrid Powertrain—No Plug-in Hybrid Here!
  • Subaru BRZ Purple Edition: Only 500 Units Available in North America for $35,445

Weekly Best Articles

  • California Police Frustrated by Tesla Model 3: Too Cramped, Not Practical
  • Trump vs. Harris: Which U.S. Election Outcome Will Boost Stocks the Most?
  • Kim Sejeong on Kiss Scene Prep: ‘It’s Like Laying the Foundation for a Building!’
  • Kim Tae Ri’s Character Faces Devastating Setback in ‘Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born’
  • Lee Seung Gi Goes Bald! Shocking Change for His Role in ‘About Family’
  • Man Who Sponsored $1.2M to Streamer Juice Se Yeon Says She Blocked Him After Scandals
  • BTS Music Video Star and Tattoo Model Kim Woo Young Remembered 6 Years Later
  • Outback’s Last Ride: Subaru Launches 30th Anniversary Edition with Exclusive Features
  • Chrysler’s 2025 SUV: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Vehicles
  • Fiat’s ‘Ugliest Car’ Makes a Comeback with Hyundai’s Pixel Design Twist
  • THIS is the Country Jensen Huang Thinks Will Lead the AI Revolution
  • Volkswagen Shutting Down German Plant for the First Time Ever—Big Layoffs Expected

You May Also Like

  • 1
    G-Dragon’s Secret Addiction? The K-pop Star Can’t Stop Watching Dating Shows

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    Chef Triple Star Shows Up at Event Despite Explosive Cheating and Embezzlement Claims

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    Jaehyun Joins the Military—Here’s What Happens to His Career While He’s Away

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    From Co-Stars to Couple: Kim Woo Seok and Kang Na Eon on Their New Relationship

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 5
    Cha Eun Woo Honored for Impact on Korean Culture, Plans Global Outreach

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Sunwoo Jung A Praises IU’s Kindness and Talent in Candid Interview

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    GOT7 Leader JAY B Returns from Military Service, Addresses Past Controversies

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    ‘You Idiot’: Yang Hong Won’s Message to Rapper in Drug Scandal

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    Chef Choi’s Shocking Confession: TV Fame Hurt My Restaurant!

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 5
    NewJeans’ Danielle’s Sister, Olivia Marsh, Set to Shine at Major Asian Music Fest

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Weekly Best Articles

  • California Police Frustrated by Tesla Model 3: Too Cramped, Not Practical
  • Trump vs. Harris: Which U.S. Election Outcome Will Boost Stocks the Most?
  • Kim Sejeong on Kiss Scene Prep: ‘It’s Like Laying the Foundation for a Building!’
  • Kim Tae Ri’s Character Faces Devastating Setback in ‘Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born’
  • Lee Seung Gi Goes Bald! Shocking Change for His Role in ‘About Family’
  • Man Who Sponsored $1.2M to Streamer Juice Se Yeon Says She Blocked Him After Scandals
  • BTS Music Video Star and Tattoo Model Kim Woo Young Remembered 6 Years Later
  • Outback’s Last Ride: Subaru Launches 30th Anniversary Edition with Exclusive Features
  • Chrysler’s 2025 SUV: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Vehicles
  • Fiat’s ‘Ugliest Car’ Makes a Comeback with Hyundai’s Pixel Design Twist
  • THIS is the Country Jensen Huang Thinks Will Lead the AI Revolution
  • Volkswagen Shutting Down German Plant for the First Time Ever—Big Layoffs Expected

Must-Reads

  • 1
    G-Dragon’s Secret Addiction? The K-pop Star Can’t Stop Watching Dating Shows

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    Chef Triple Star Shows Up at Event Despite Explosive Cheating and Embezzlement Claims

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    Jaehyun Joins the Military—Here’s What Happens to His Career While He’s Away

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    From Co-Stars to Couple: Kim Woo Seok and Kang Na Eon on Their New Relationship

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 5
    Cha Eun Woo Honored for Impact on Korean Culture, Plans Global Outreach

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Sunwoo Jung A Praises IU’s Kindness and Talent in Candid Interview

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    GOT7 Leader JAY B Returns from Military Service, Addresses Past Controversies

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    ‘You Idiot’: Yang Hong Won’s Message to Rapper in Drug Scandal

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    Chef Choi’s Shocking Confession: TV Fame Hurt My Restaurant!

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 5
    NewJeans’ Danielle’s Sister, Olivia Marsh, Set to Shine at Major Asian Music Fest

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Share it on...