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

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?

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.