After seven generations and nearly 40 years VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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has completed its 30 millionth GolfVolkswagen GolfGermany, 1974 > present7 series
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at the Wolfsburg factory in Germany. The milestone comes on the same day that the seventh generation GolfVolkswagen Volkswagen Golf Gen.7 [VII]Germany, 2012 > present363 versions
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receives the "Car of the Year 2013" award.

Production of the GolfVolkswagen Golf Gen.1Germany, 1974 > 19849 versions
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began in Wolfsburg in early 1974, and it has become the best-selling automotive nameplate ever in Europe. On average, Volkswagen has sold 2,000 Golfs a day for the past 39 years. 

The 30 millionth car was a Golf TDI BlueMotion. Volkswagen will keep it in its collection, and it will remain on display in Wolfsburg for the time being.

"An optimum of safety, comfort and driving fun are no longer a question of money thanks to the Golf. And so our bestseller lives up to the Volkswagen name," said Volkswagen Group Chairman Dr. Martin Winterkorn.

The Golf went on sale in 1974 as a revolution in Volkswagen design. It replaced the Beetle, which had a design legacy going back to the 30s, as Volkswagen's entry-level car. The design was previewed slightly by the first generation Passat, but the Golf brought it to the masses. 

"In terms of the car’s styling, Volkswagen designers switched from round shapes to a rectangular design structure – based on the legendary design study by Giorgio Giugiaro," said current Volkswagen Head of Design Klaus Bischoff.

The latest Golf went on sale earlier this year and still is not available worldwide. It is built on an all-new modular platform with a lower weight and better fuel economy from improved engines.